• Architecture
    • Tiny Living
    • Treehouse
    • Hotels
  • Furniture
  • Interior
    • Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Lighting
  • Ideas
    • Home Decoration
    • Home Improvement
    • More Ideas
  • Lifestyle
    • Accessories
    • Appliances
    • Gardening
    • Food and Beverages
    • Outdoor
    • Smart Home
  • Pets
Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from HomeCrux about home, design and architecture.

What's Hot
50 Best Tiny Houses on Wheels That are Downright Inspiring
January 28, 2023
Steelcase Reimagines Frank Lloyd Wright Racine Furniture Collection You can Buy
January 28, 2023
A Fully Off-Grid Tiny Cabin in New Zealand is Available on Airbnb
January 27, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest RSS
Homecrux
  • Architecture
    • Tiny Living
    • Treehouse
    • Hotels
  • Furniture
  • Interior
    • Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Lighting
  • Ideas
    • Home Decoration
    • Home Improvement
    • More Ideas
  • Lifestyle
    • Accessories
    • Appliances
    • Gardening
    • Food and Beverages
    • Outdoor
    • Smart Home
  • Pets
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube
Homecrux
Home»Ideas»Home improvement»How to Clean Patio Furniture: Do’s and Don’ts

How to Clean Patio Furniture: Do’s and Don’ts

Priya ChauhanBy Priya ChauhanMay 9, 2020No Comments5 Mins Read
Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Patio Furniture
Image: Bob Villa
Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email

Patio furniture requires more tending than indoor furniture as it bears elements. It is important to clean the furniture regularly so as to maintain its lifespan and functionality. However, there are some do’s and don’ts of cleaning patio furniture that are essential to be administered.

Outdoor furniture needs to be guarded against dirt, dust, and stains. You may require a different technique or process to clean certain material and types of furniture. Therefore, it’s imperative to choose the right cleaning tools and supplies to avoid damage. Use of natural cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, and lime juice is an effective way to get rid of the smell, stains, and other types of dirt, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

Don’t wait for the dirt to build up and for the bacteria to proliferate in your patio furniture. Here are some do’s and don’ts of cleaning patio furniture that you must bear in mind. Happy cleaning!

Do’s of cleaning patio furniture

Follow the cleaning instructions

Furniture generally comes with adequate wash/clean instructions. Following these instructions is essential to avoid damage to your patio furniture. Outdoor cushions, seat covers, and other fabric materials should be vacuumed thoroughly to get rid of the dust and dirt. You may wash the fabric if it is removable.

However, if you are not sure how to clean it, soapy lukewarm water should do the trick. But it is advisable to always read the cleaning instructions beforehand. It can save you time, you know the proper procedure and can prevent undue damage to the furniture.

Clean frequently

The more often you clean the better. Dirt carries a lot of microbes that can cause discomfort and put your health at risk. Regular cleaning can also keep the foul smell away, which enables you to relax better while enjoying a coffee in the porch. Regular cleaning is also important to preserve the luster of aluminum furniture and get rid of scuff marks. It safeguards the look of the furniture and can avoid discoloration. Make it a part of your regular routine.

Remove rust

You must remove rust from metal furniture before starting the cleaning process. If the amount of rust is minimal, you can use sandpaper or steel wool to gently scrub it off. For more stubborn stains, you can start with coarse-grit sandpaper or a wire brush to remove rust and end the process with a finer grit to smooth the surface. If the damage done by rust is significant, try using an electric drill outfitted with a wire brush, or even a grinder, if available.

| Also Read: How to Remove Rust Stains From Metal Outdoor Furniture

Use a suitable cleaning agent

It is not new that different materials require different cleaning agents. Whether it is wood, wicker, metal, or plastic, each material demands special cleaning. Furniture articles made of natural materials like wood and wicker require a nourishing, oil-based soap. Colored plastic and metal furniture can be easily cleaned with mild dishwashing soap. Automatic dishwashing detergent can work miracles on white plastic furniture.

Clean the cracks

Wiping may not be enough, especially with wicker furniture. Use a hose with a nozzle to wash crevices of the wicker furniture. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to flush out dirt and dust on fabric-clad furniture. The cracks are often overlooked, so be sure to keep them clean.

Rinse sponge/cloth repeatedly

Rinse the cloth or sponge frequently when cleaning to avoid scattering the dirt. Use a clean cloth to wipe the plastic furniture. Not frequently rinsing the cloth or sponge can contaminate surface of the furniture which can pose health risks. Rinse the cloth or sponge thoroughly after cleaning.

Don’ts of cleaning patio furniture

Don’t neglect cushions

Usually, people use removable cushion covers as they are easy to clean. However, if cushion covers are not removable, you can clean them by hand. You can start by lifting loose dust or debris with your vacuum’s brush attachment. Then, add a tablespoon of dish soap to a bucket of warm water and use a sponge to scrub. Leave it for about 15 minutes, rinse with a hose, and remove as much water as you can with the help of a towel. Then dry them properly in the sun.

Don’t use harsh cleaners

Harsh cleaning products can cause abrasion on the furniture surface. Natural cleaning products are effective in removing dirt and getting rid of the smell. Dishwashing detergent and oil-based products should also be used with caution. Avoid brushing sensitive surfaces to avoid further abrasion. You can also use steel wool to scrub off the rust and remove oxidation, but it is advisable to read cleaning instructions beforehand.

Cover when not in use

Cover the furniture carefully when not in use to prevent it from dust, dirt, and elements. Outdoor furniture covers minimize the risk of partial and permanent damage. If you notice streaks and smudges on the surface, spray a cleaner, wipe it with a clean, soft cloth.

| Also Read: How to Move Heavy Furniture by Yourself (13 Pro Tips)

Don’t pressure wash

A pressure washer could be an excellent idea for all sorts of cleaning. It can easily remove heavy dirt and debris. Use of a pressure washer is however not advisable for cleaning patio furniture. The water strength could damage the furniture and may cause deformation. It can destroy the surface, particularly that of wooden furniture.

Don’t forget to clean the tools

After having thoroughly cleaned your patio furniture, do not forget to clean the tools including vacuum, sponge, washcloth, etc. Often neglected, it is important to disinfect or clean them after use.

Keeping your patio furniture clean is not as hard as it may sound unless you completely forget about it after planting it in your backyard. A clean patio can bring a lot of benefits to you and your family in terms of good health and happy times.

Outdoor furniture patio furniture Tips
Priya Chauhan
  • Website
  • Twitter

Aspiring to be an accomplished writer, Priya is also passionate about art. Reading novels, painting, and cooking are her favorites on the long list of hobbies. She also loves to travel, meet new people, learn about different cultures, and listen to stories.

Related Posts
10 Inexpensive Home Improvements That’ll Make Big Impact on its Look and Feel
By BharatJanuary 25, 2023
8 Most Essential Tips To Make Your Garden Winter-Ready
By Monika ThakurJanuary 24, 2023
Energy-Saving Tech From CES 2023 to Run Home Economically
By Monika ThakurJanuary 19, 2023
How to Prepare Your Home for Power Outage in Winter
By Monika ThakurJanuary 18, 2023
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.



About Us

Homecrux is an online magazine that advocates the authority of design. It allows readers to both discover and follow the most creative and interesting projects in the field of design, architecture and smart home technology.

With the aim of bringing creative and innovative designs from across the world to the fore, Homecrux believes in the power of design and the way it simplifies human lives.

Important Links

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Contact Us
Sitemap

Subscribe

To get the latest news from the world of design, architecture, and modern home decorating.

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube
© 2023 Homecrux | Powered by Flexinet Technologies

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.