How to Clean Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor entertaining is a fun way to gather friends and family for dinner, celebrations, or a casual conversation. An important component of your outdoor entertaining is your furniture, where you and your guests can lounge, snack, and relax.
However, outdoor furniture – like your everyday furniture – can be prone to mold, mildew, and dirt, and will need to be regularly cleaned and maintained. It is also important to clean your outdoor furniture to prevent rust, warping, stains, and more.
Below, we’re sharing more about how to clean your outdoor furniture to help maintain and keep your outdoor pieces looking like new.
How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
Your outdoor furniture is constantly facing the elements, from blazing sun to drenching rain and everything in between. So, how often should you clean your outdoor furniture to keep it looking fresh and inviting? The answer depends on your climate, furniture materials, and how frequently you use your outdoor space.
For most people, a thorough cleaning every season is a good rule of thumb. Start with a deep clean in the spring to remove the winter dirt and grime, ensuring your patio is ready for those first sunny days. Summer maintenance can be more relaxed, involving a quick wipe-down every couple of weeks to handle pollen, dust, and occasional spills from barbecues. Fall is the time for another deep clean before storing or covering up your furniture for winter hibernation. If you live in a rainy or humid area, more cleaning might be required to prevent mildew and mold.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Patio Furniture
Ready to restore and clean your outdoor patio furniture? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get the job done:
Gather Your Supplies: Arm yourself with essentials such as a bucket, mild dish soap, a soft brush, and clean paper towels like Viva® Signature Cloth™ .
Dust and Debris Removal: Use the Viva® paper towels to wipe away loose dirt, debris, and surface grime.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with mild dish soap in a bucket. This solution is powerful to kick dirt, yet still gentle on your furniture.
Scrub Gently: Dip some Viva® Signature Cloth™ into the soapy water and scrub the outdoor furniture, focusing on the stained areas.
Rinse Thoroughly: Use a jug or garden hose to rinse off the soap completely. You want your outdoor pieces sparkling, not soapy!
Dry: Wipe the surfaces down with Viva® Signature Cloth™ and allow your furniture to dry. This will help to prevent water spots and keep mildew at bay!
Best Practices for Outdoor Wood Furniture
Wood furniture needs a little extra love to stay beautiful and last. Always use a soft, damp paper towel and stay away from harsh chemicals that could ruin the finish. Regularly apply wood oil or polish to keep the wood nourished and bring out its natural glow. To avoid warping and fading, protect your furniture from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and moisture.
You might want to consider covering it up when not in use to shield it from the weather. Don’t forget to check your wood now and then for signs of wear – catching and fixing these issues early can make all the difference!Best Practices for Outdoor Plastic Furniture
Plastic is tough, but still needs some TLC to keep it looking great. To prevent fading and brittleness, keep your plastic pieces out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Move them to the shade or place a cover over them. As the outdoor season wraps up, store them inside or cover them up to ensure protection from the harsh rain or snow.
Best Practices for Outdoor Metal Furniture
To keep outdoor metal furniture in top condition, inspect for signs of rust regularly, especially if you live in coastal regions. Check for any chips that would lead to rust and address them promptly with a rust-inhibiting primer and paint. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrub gently to avoid damaging the finish. To maintain the furniture’s luster, periodically apply a protective metal polish. This will help to keep your metal furniture looking pristine and glossy!
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions
Your pillows and cushions typically bear the brunt from outdoor weather conditions, making regular cleaning essential. Here’s how to wash your outdoor cushions effectively:
Shake Off the Dirt: Give your cushions a pat or brush to banish loose dirt and debris!
Mix Your Cleaning Solution: Combine warm water with detergent. You can also add a splash of vinegar if you have mildew.
Handle General Stains: Mix mild soap with water and gently scrub with some Viva® Signature Cloth.™ Let the solution sit for a few minutes to do its magic.
Scrub Specific Stains: Use the paper towel to scrub stubborn stains in a circular motion, focusing on the spots that need a little extra attention.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap with a hose or use a bucket to splash the water.
Dry Completely: Squeeze out any excess water and let the cushions bask in the sun until they’re nice and dry.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile in protecting your outdoor cushions, consider using some fabric protection spray as the final step in your cleaning routine. This effective measure creates an invisible barrier on the fabric, making it more resistant to stains, spills, and even mildew. By applying a fabric spray, you’re not just cleaning cushions but actively safeguarding them against future wear and tear.
Avoid These Mistakes When Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Cleaning patio furniture might seem easy, but a few simple mistakes can cause damage or shorten its lifespan. Let’s look at some common things to steer clear of when cleaning your outdoor furniture:
Using Pressure Washers: As tempting as it might be, high-pressure can crack or damage materials like wood or plastic. Use pressure washers mindfully or just stick to gentle scrubbing.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly: Leftover soap can do more harm than good – attracting dirt and causing discoloration. Always rinse with plenty of water to keep things sparkling.
Failing to Dry Properly: Letting water linger can cause rust and mildew. Always air dry your furniture -- as much as possible!
Skipping Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait for grime to pile up! Regular cleaning will keep your outdoor furniture in good shape as well as prevent long-term damage.
Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Spotless with Viva®
Now that you know how to clean your outdoor furniture, let Viva® take it to the next level. No matter the material, Viva® cleans tough messes ensuring that your outdoor furniture and patio pieces stay clean.
Viva® Signature Cloth™ is not just soft – it’s soft and tough! With 2x more durability* , these paper towels can power through the toughest clean-ups, while staying gentle enough.
*when wet vs. the leading 1-ply value brand
Explore more everyday cleaning tips with Viva®.
