How To Properly Clean And Protect Your Outdoor Furniture From The Elements

Your outdoor oasis is an escape from the bustle of everyday life, and you likely have a collection of outdoor furniture and décor that you use for entertaining, dining and relaxing throughout the warmer months. 

Without proper care, however, weather, frequent use and stains can take their toll on outdoor furniture, and no one wants to eat from a dirty table or lounge on a dilapidated chaise. Keeping your outdoor patio furniture in pristine condition requires routine cleanings: one at the beginning of summer, one at the end, and perhaps one or two cleanings in between (depending on the use of your outdoor space).

Cleaning your outdoor furniture may seem like a chore, but it should be given the same TLC as your interiors. To help ensure your outdoor furniture lasts you for many seasons to come, here are a few tips on how to clean and protect outdoor furniture made from common materials.

How to clean & protect outdoor wood furniture

Featured: City Square Outdoor Dining Table

Wood is a popular and aesthetically appealing material for outdoor furniture, including outdoor dining tables, chairs and more. However, without proper care, it is susceptible to damage. Follow these steps to keep your outdoor wood furniture looking as good as new: 

• Gently dust away debris regularly, and be sure to gently wash away spills, sunscreen and bird droppings immediately to avoid damage.
• Use water and gentle, non-detergent soap when washing is required. Apply using a gentle cloth or brush, stroking in the direction of the grain to avoid scratches.
• Steeping tea bags in boiling water and using a cloth soaked in the tea will help to remove old layers of polish, and help your furniture shine.
• For wooden tables or armchairs that have stains, try rubbing in a small amount of non-gel toothpaste, and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
• If your wood has suffered from ink stains, mix equal parts water and baking soda into a paste and rub gently with a soft cloth until the stain disappears.
• Keep furniture covered when not in use, and out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and sun damage. Store in-side when possible.

How to clean plastic & poly lumber outdoor chairs & furniture

Featured: Miami Sea Breeze Dining Table

Plastic and poly lumber outdoor furniture is lightweight, lower maintenance, and more affordable. It holds up well to nature's elements, and it is easier to clean. Nevertheless, it still requires care to ensure it continues to look its best, especially if your outdoor plastic furniture is white or a lighter colour. Try this:

• Mix ¼ of bleach with a large bucket of hot water, and use a scrub brush to remove dirt, scuffs or stains.
• You can also mix vinegar, dish soap or laundry detergent with water to fight tougher stains.

How to clean wrought iron & metal outdoor patio furniture & décor

Featured: Bella Nova Sling Dining Chair

Metals, including steel, cast aluminum and wrought iron, are durable and popular for outdoor furniture sets. As durable as these metals may be, however, the finishes on metal furniture will wear overtime with exposure to the elements. Here are some tips for cleaning your metal outdoor furniture:

• Any cleaning on your metal items will be to the protective top coat. Dust or vacuum off any debris, and then clean with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water (use a gentle dish soap).
• Ensure you clean up any animal droppings from your furniture as soon as you notice them, as the acidity of these droppings will quickly burn through the finish. 
• If the paint has started to chip off your metal furniture, ensure you sand down the affected spots and re-paint as soon as possible. If left exposed for too long, the underlying metal will rust.
• It's also good practice to inspect your metal furniture and décor at the beginning of the season for rust and other wear. Wrought iron is particularly prone to rust when exposed to water. If you notice bubbling or rust, use sandpaper to sand it away gently, and then proceed to paint and varnish. Touchup throughout the seasons as needed.

How to clean outdoor wicker furniture

Featured: Island Pebbles Patio Sectional & 2 Ottomans

Wicker has long been a go-to outdoor patio furniture material for homeowners. It's lightweight and durable, and lends to an airy, traditional summertime feel. Here's how to care for your outdoor wicker furniture:

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth, microfibre duster or feather duster to keep your wicker furniture clean. 
• Opt for a soft-bristled paintbrush or the brush attachment of your vacuum to clean between creavases..
• Mixing a ¼ cup of vinegar with ¾ of water will create an effective solution to eliminate mold and mildew. Simply soak a soft cloth and wipe your furniture down.

How to clean outdoor teak furniture

Featured: Tupiza Teak Outdoor Coffee Table

Teak wood furniture is another popular choice for outdoor living areas, adding warmth and visual interest. However, untreated teak furniture is susceptible to mildew, discolouration and staining if left uncleaned and exposed. Note that teak will develop a grey-silver patina from sun exposure, which is desirable to some homeowners. Here's how to clean teak pieces to preserve their stunning appearance for longer: 

• Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 cup of laundry detergent and 1 gallon of warm water; or, 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. 
• Apply the mixture using a soft plastic brush and scrub into the wood. 
• Let sit for 15 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
• If you wish to preserve the original teak colour, apply a teak protectant. If your teak has already developed a patina and you wish to restore it, there are products that can help; however, it is a tougher process. 
• While it's not necessary to store teak furniture indoors when the season changes, if you do choose to cover it, use a light, breathable material and avoid hot environments that can dry the teak wood, resulting in cracking.

How To Clean Outdoor Cushions

Featured: Nautical Cushion

In addition to regularly cleaning your furniture, it's a good idea to keep accompanying cushions clean as well. Exposed to sunlight, wind, rain, dirt and dust, outdoor cushions are ideal environments for the growth of mold and mildew.

Clean in the washing machine

Check the care label of your cushions to ensure they're machine washable. If so, feel free to throw them in as you would any other fabric items in your home. Ensure, however, that they're small enough to fit in your washer and allow the washer to agitate and spin out. You can avoid using bleach and opt for a cup or two of white vinegar instead.

Make a homemade spray cleanser

If washing your outdoor cushions in a washing machine is not an option, you may opt for the easier solution of a homemade spray cleanser. Simply mix 1 part water to 2 parts vinegar in a spray bottle, and add a ¼ cup of baking soda. Wait until the fizzing between the baking soda and vinegar stops and proceed to close the bottle. Spray the mixture onto your cushions, and let them dry in the sun.

Hand wash for a deeper clean

For a deeper clean, fill a large bucket with hot water and mix in laundry detergent and vinegar. Immerse your cushions into the bucket, use a scrub brush to clean them, and a hose to rinse them. Allow your cushions to dry in the sun. Again, always read the label before washing to avoid damaging the material.

Employing any of these cleaning techniques as part of your routine maintenance will help ensure your furniture remains pristine and inviting. While it may seem like a chore, knowing how to clean your outdoor patio cushions and furniture is an integral part to outdoor living. This will ring especially true if you've invested in high-quality pieces. It's paramount that you preserve them so as to ensure they continue to serve you well for many summers to come.