How to Clean Outdoor Furniture

Patio FurnitureMost people leave their outdoor furniture exposed to the elements all year. This means that when summer rolls around, there is a buildup of dirt, moss and mildew which is not only unattractive, but a deterrent to those looking for a place to sit when outside. Paper towels and spray cleaner is not strong enough to clean your patio furniture when it starts to look dirty and grimy.

Cleaning Wrought-Iron and Plastic Furniture

To clean wrought-iron and plastic furniture, simple dish detergent should be enough. Mix dish detergent with water in a large bucket. Then, wet a microfiber cloth with the soapy liquid to wash the furniture. Start with the larger pieces first and then the smaller pieces such as plastic chairs. Once cleaning is complete, rinse off the dirty water and soap from the furniture with a garden hose and let air dry.

Cleaning Wicker and Teak Furniture

Wicker and teak furniture can be more difficult to clean. For these types of outdoor furniture, you will need a stronger cleanser and scrub brush. You can find a good patio furniture cleaner at any home improvement store. Use the cleaner with the Unger Professional 9” Water Flow Wash Brush. This brush is a soft bristled scrub brush that powerfully cleans dirt and grime without scratching.  Mix the soap and water in a bucket. Dip the brush into the bucket to wet the bristles and then start cleaning the furniture. Once cleaning is complete, rinse off the dirty water and soap from the furniture with a garden hose and let air dry.

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Cushions

To clean the cushions on your outdoor furniture, mix dish detergent with water in a large bucket. Then, use a soft-bristled scrub brush, like the Unger Professional 9” Water Flow Wash Brush to scrub the cushions. Keep dipping the brush in the bucket to apply the soapy mixture to the bristles for cleaning the cushions. Then, rinse off the cushions with a garden hose. To dry, stand each cushion up on one edge and out of the direct sunlight to dry.

For more cleaning tips from the professionals, visit our Resources page.

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