How To Clean Outdoor Furniture & Soft Furnishings

‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining! And cleaning our outdoor areas are definitely on the to do list before the Christmas break. Houzz Contributor, Marianne Lipanovich, provides all tips and tricks to clean all our different types of furniture and decor, below.

Many people give their outdoor furniture, cushions, umbrellas and rugs a good cleaning in spring, but anytime in the warmer months is perfect for sprucing things up as they’ll have a sparkle that you can enjoy for the rest of the season. Here’s a hint: start with the simplest cleaning option, then move on to more aggressive methods. And remember to consult any available care instructions before you get started.

Before You Get Started

The first step in deep-cleaning any type of outdoor furniture or decor is always the same: remove loose dirt and debris. A brush works well, but you can also vacuum the pieces.

The final step is also the same, no matter what you’re cleaning: put the piece in the sun to dry. You want everything to dry completely, including the fillings of pillows, and as quickly as possible. This way you’ll avoid mould and mildew developing and undoing all your hard work.

How To Clean Timber Outdoor Furniture

Start by hosing off the piece using a light spray. It might be tempting to power-wash it, but most experts say that can damage the finish and weaken the joints. Follow up by using a soft cloth to wipe off the surface with a few drops of mild non-detergent soap mixed with warm water (about 37 degrees celsius). Dishwashing soap or an oil-based timber cleaner should also do the job nicely. You can also find commercial cleaning products, but be sure to choose one that’s suitable for the type of wood you’re cleaning.

If some stains remain, use a soft scrubbing brush and a dishwashing soap-and-water solution or an oxygen bleach; follow the grain of the timber, especially when cleaning softwoods. You can also try lightly sanding the spots with stubborn stains, again going with the grain of the wood.

If mildew or mould is a problem, use a soft cloth to apply distilled white vinegar to these spots (but keep vinegar away from any plants). Let it sit, then rinse. For more stubborn problems, mix two-parts vinegar with one-part baking soda and warm water. Apply and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then use the rest of the cleaning solution to scrub the spots with a soft cloth or brush. For coastal dwellers, this should also work on algae growths. Once the piece is clean, rinse it thoroughly.

How To Clean Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Wicker furniture is an outdoor favourite. Natural wicker has long been in use, but you can also find weatherproof wicker made of woven resin or other synthetic materials. It has the same look but is less prone to breaking down when exposed to the elements.

The basic cleaning is the same for both wicker types. Use a mild mix of a few drops of a non-detergent dishwashing soap in warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. For natural wicker, you can also use an oil-based soap. A soft toothbrush is a good tool for cleaning any grooves or crevices. If your furniture is painted, scrub gently to avoid damage to the surface.

Tackle stains with a mild solution of white vinegar and warm water. Rinse lightly, then remove excess water with a damp cloth before setting the furniture out to dry.

How To Clean Metal Outdoor Furniture

Metal furniture, whether stainless steel, powder-coated tubular steel, wrought iron or aluminium, is durable and easy to care for. Aluminium is rustproof, although it can develop pitting from oxidisation. Other metals can rust but are generally finished with paint or a powder-coating to prevent this. With basic cleaning and maintenance, metal furniture should last for many years.

Clean with a mild non-detergent soap mixed with water, then wipe dry. Use a multipurpose cleanser for stubborn dirt. Avoid using abrasive cleansers as they can scratch the surface, exposing the metal base to the possibility of rust.

When cleaning, also look for scratches and touch them up with paint. For mould or rust, lightly sand the area and apply a rustproof paint. If you see signs of oxidation on aluminium furniture, use a solution with equal parts of white vinegar and water to remove it. Avoid using alkaline cleaners, as they encourage rust.

How To Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic outdoor furniture, which can also be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and resin, has come a long way in looks and durability, but it remains as easy-care as its early incarnations. Hose off each piece, clean with soap and water or an all-purpose cleanser, then wipe off the residue.

If stains have set in, tackle them with baking soda sprinkled on a wet cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive or corrosive cleansers, such as those with bleach or chlorine, as well as rough brushes as they can scratch the surface. Once the piece is clean, wipe it down, lightly rinse it off and let it dry.

Newer plastic materials for outdoor furniture are more fade-proof, but not permanently so. If your alfresco furniture has lost its lustre, you can head to a hardware or home improvement store to pick up a restorer that will bring back some of the shine.

How To Clean Glass Outdoor Furniture

Glass tabletops add sparkle and shine to a garden or courtyard, but they do require regular cleaning to look good. Dirt and grime are immediately visible, and they can harden in place. You’ll also need to use glass-safe cleansers that aren’t abrasive. Good choices include warm water with enough non-detergent dish soap to provide suds, white vinegar, a mix of white vinegar and water, or commercial glass cleansers.

Start by applying a cleaning solution to all stuck-on debris. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub it off. Follow by spraying the cleaning solution on the glass and wiping it off. Be sure to do the underside of the table as well. Rinse off the glass, remove most of the water with a cloth and then sit the piece in the sun to dry.

How To Clean Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor cushions and pillows need periodic attention to keep them fresh and inviting, even if you’re not doing a deep clean. Brush or vacuum them on a regular basis to keep surface dirt and debris from accumulating.

When it’s time for a deeper clean, take out any inserts and brush or vacuum the covers both inside and out. (If you can’t remove the inserts, just clean the outside).

Mix a solution of one-part non-detergent dish soap with two-parts warm water and apply it to the cushions or covers. Let it soak in for a few minutes for regular cleaning or leave up to 15 minutes or so for stained areas. Next, scrub thoroughly with a brush or cloth. Repeat as needed, letting extremely set-in stains sit for up to two hours.

Another option is applying a solution with one-part white vinegar and three-parts water, then letting your outdoor cushions or covers soak for an hour or more before scrubbing. Test in an inconspicuous spot first to be sure it won’t remove the colour. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area and let it dry.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the item with a garden hose or a bucket of water. Let it air-dry completely to prevent mould and mildew and wait about a day before putting the insert back in place.

How To Clean Outdoor Rugs

As with their indoor counterparts, outdoor rugs attract dirt and grime. To get rid of accumulated debris, approach them as you would your interior floor coverings.

Start by moving the rug to an area outdoors where you don’t mind any dirt settling and give it a good shake (you may need a helper for a larger rug or may need to drape it over a piece of furniture, fence or railing.) Dust off any remaining debris with a brush or broom. Follow up by vacuuming the rug on both sides to remove any fine dirt or debris still clinging to the fibres. You can use anything from a vacuum cleaner to a residential steam cleaner if the rug is tightly woven. The more powerful the vacuum, the more dirt you’ll remove.

Most outdoor rugs are washable, but check the care instructions to be sure. Set the rug on a flat surface (one that is slightly inclined will help with water runoff) and lightly hose it off. You can then wash it gently with warm water and a few drops of a non-detergent dish soap or a gentle commercial cleanser that’s safe for your pillows and cushions. Scrub with a soft brush to create a lather and remove dirt.

If stains are set in, sticky or stubborn, try treating them with a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Soda water is good for removing red wine stains and white vinegar and baking soda are good for treating mould and mildew, but test first to be sure they won’t harm the rug’s fibres or colour. Rinse the rug with water after treating and lay it flat to dry. Turn it over once the top is dry so the underside will dry completely too.

How To Clean Outdoor Umbrellas

Umbrellas attract a lot of dirt and debris, so you’ll want to clean them on a regular basis. Start by removing the umbrella and frame from the stand. If it’s easy to lift the umbrella on and off the frame, you may want to do that instead. You can keep it in place, but it will be bulkier to deal with. In either case, you’ll need to work in sections.

Once you’ve brushed or vacuumed off debris, rinse off the umbrella. Mix a solution of a quarter cup of laundry detergent in 3.5 litres of warm water and apply it to the umbrella fabric with a soft brush. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes, then spray off the solution. Treat both sides of the umbrella then let the fabric dry. If you have mildew stains, apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Scrub with a soft brush, then rinse off.

Here at Hurst Homes we know outdoor entertaining is a massive part of the Australian culture, and your outdoor space shouldn’t be neglected when designing your home. We offer complete customised homes that can be as individual as the owner. We guide your through the entire process including your selections to ensure you create your dream home. Just another reason why we are considered Wagga’s best builder. With over 30 years in the industry as a Wagga Builder you can trust Hurst Homes with your dream home. For information on our upcoming custom Wagga house & land packages, contact us today on 0438 692 962 or fill out the contact us page on our website.

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