How Do You Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture
If you’re wondering how to clean outdoor furniture that is plastic, then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s very simple.
Woods Cleaning Tips For Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Most wooden garden tables and seating are constructed from hardwoods that can be cleaned and cared for in a similar fashion.
If youre letting the woodgrain patina , then you can get by with cleaning wooden patio furniture once or twice a year. If you want to retain the woods natural brown color, youll need to clean it more regularly and treat it with furniture oil and possibly a light layer of sealant . The frequency is dependent on your climate and if the furniture is sheltered. Drier climates or areas with more sun exposure will require more frequent maintenance. Spills should be cleaned immediately to minimize potential staining.
Teak
Over time, teak furniture develops a pleasing silvery gray patina thats cosmetic and not an indication of dryness or physical defect. Its natural oils help keep this hardwood strong and durable in a variety of environments, so theres very little maintenance. In fact, teak is so weather-resistant that it doesnt need to be stored over the winter or covered with protective tarps.
Smoothing out weathered texture
How To Clean Patio Furniture: All
First up, letâs talk about wicker. Many pieces of outdoor furniture are made of all-weather wicker.
Not only is it stylish and versatile, but all-weather wicker is also extremely durable and easy to clean, which we love!
All Outer sofas and sectionals are made from all-weather wicker, but with a twist. Our all-weather wicker is made up of 30% recycled materials and is fully recyclable, so you can feel good knowing youâre making a sustainable choice for your patio furniture.
Every sectional and sofa, from our Outdoor Conversation Chair Set to our spacious 8-Piece Outdoor U Sectional, is handwoven from all-weather wicker using a special technique by our master artisans that results in a beautiful yet durable weave.
When it comes to cleaning your wicker patio furniture, keeping things simple is best to avoid damaging the wicker.
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How To Remove Moss From Outdoor Furniture
So, youre going to have to manage moss growth if you own any of these types of outdoor furniture. But the cleaning process doesnt have to get in the way of your next summer soirée. Heres our guide on how to clean algae from your garden furniture, how to remove moss on metal lawn furniture, and more.
How To Clean Rattan Patio Furniture
Rattan is an eco-friendly material that is durable, attractive, and lightweight and often mistaken for bamboo. It is a trailing, vine-like palm that is found in the jungles of China, Malaysia, and Asia and has been used to make furniture since the mid-twentieth century.
While you can use rattan furniture outdoors, if left outside in the elements for too long the material will break down. To keep your rattan patio furniture looking great, here are some simple steps for cleaning it.
Place water in a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap, stirring it vigorously, so bubbles form on the surface of the water. Using a soft cloth, dip it into the bubbles, avoiding making direct contact with the water. Wipe down all the surfaces of the furniture with the cloth.
Avoid over wetting the rattan as it can result in damaging the material. Clean the cracks and crevices of the furniture using a soft brush or toothbrush. Use the suds-only method to accomplish this.
To clean the furniture more thoroughly, or if you need to remove stains from the furniture, apply detergent to a soft brush and scrub with a bit more water than you used for the routine cleaning.
Once done, place the furniture in the sun, or use a hair dryer to dry the furniture completely. For added protection, when the furniture is completely dry, use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of lacquer.
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Metal Or Painted Wood Patio Furniture
Oxygenated bleach can corrode metal patio furniture and lighten painted surfaces, so the cleaning solution for these furnishings is different.
If youre cleaning painted wood furniture, dont skip the hand-drying step since standing water will make the paint chip and crack.
You will need:
- Bucket
Directions
Cleaning Vinyl Outdoor Furniture
Daily exposure to the elements and dirt, as well as body lotions and oils, can damage vinyl fabric over time. Without sufficient cleaning, outdoor furniture can become worn and dingy. Protecting vinyl patio and pool-deck furniture from sun, moisture, dirt and chemicals keep your furniture looking bright.
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How To Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Lighter than cast iron, wrought iron can be easily manipulated to create beautiful, sturdy furniture for your outdoor space. Manufacturers often use wrought iron for outdoor furniture and fencing because of its superior strength, durability, and low-maintenance. Wrought iron furnitures weathered appearance can help add a lot to your home décor.
To maintain the color of your wrought iron furniture keep it looking like new, it is important to clean it, using the following steps, every couple of months while in use. For extra protection, use spray wax once a year.
Move the furniture away from dirt, grass, and plants to avoid splashing mud onto it when you are cleaning it. Hose the furniture down to remove the loose dust and dirt.
Put a quarter-sized drop of dish soap on a sponge and wipe the furniture down, using a circular motion. Frequently rinse the sponge, adding more dish soap when needed.
If the furniture is particularly dirty, use a scrub brush to get to the hard-to-reach areas on the furniture. Rinse the soap and any remaining dirt from the wrought iron furniture using a hose.
If you notice areas that have become chipped, rusted, or stained due to overexposure to the elements, sand the areas with sandpaper and repaint the furniture.
Keeping your wrought iron furniture looking like new, take the time every couple of months to clean it using the steps listed above. To avoid rusting, be sure to cover the furniture during the rainy and snowy seasons.
How To Keep Outdoor Furniture Clean Longer
Once you’ve cleaned your outdoor furniture, the best way to save time in the future is to make it more difficult for your patio set to get dirty in the first place. Investing in good-quality canvas covers for your outdoor pieces will help protect them from the elements and keep them clean. Between deep cleans, hose down your furniture with water weekly to monthly .
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How To Remove Stains From Canvas Patio Furniture And Pillows
- Mildew: While the fabric is dry, brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush to loosen and remove mildew spores. Make a paste of one tablespoon liquid laundry detergent and one teaspoon powdered oxygen bleach and apply it to the mildew stains with a soft-bristled brush. Allow the paste to sit for at least one hour before rinsing.
- Food and oily stains: Use a dab of heavy-duty laundry detergent on each stained area and work it into the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Bird droppings: If the dropping is wet, allow it to dry before cleaning. Use the edge of a dull knife or a credit card to lift away any dry solids. Dab the spot with liquid detergent, work it into the stain with a brush, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Add a bit of powdered oxygen bleach to the detergent if the stain is dark from berries the bird ate.
- Grass: Make a paste of one tablespoon liquid laundry detergent and one teaspoon powdered oxygen bleach and apply it to the stain with a soft-bristled brush. Allow the paste to sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
- Tree sap: Work a dab of heavy-duty laundry detergent onto the stained area with a scrub brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing the area with the brush dipped in hot water.
How To Clean Moss Off Outdoor Furniture
Having a quality outdoor furniture set just makes you feel like youve really made it in life, right? You can grill it up with friends, you can chill outside after a long workday, and you can even kick your feet back while you make your kids do the yard work.
But along with the indulgences of adulting comes some responsibilitymeaning, yes, you have to actually take care of that nice outdoor set you splurged on. Without proper maintenance, your outdoor furniture pieces can collect dirt and even grow moss. Yikes. Your furniture wont be so luxurious in that icky state.
So how do you remove moss from outdoor fabric? And what is the best cleaner for outdoor furniture? Were here to spill all the deets on how to clean moss off outdoor furniture.
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How To Clean Outdoor Fabric
Mix a solution consisting of 1L water and one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. You can add a tablespoon of Borax if you really want to get wild. Borax is a salt of boric acid and will prevent mould and bacteria from growing in your cushions, seats and rug.
Fun Fact: Borax was banned in the UK for claims of adverse effects on the reproductive system . Maybe skip the Borax just to be on the safe side
Soak your sponge or cloth, or heavily spray your solution on all sides of the fabric youre cleaning.
Rinse the solution out with a hose at high pressure.
Let the cushions dry in direct sunlight.
Spray your cushions/rug with fabric protector before they are completely dry.
How To Clean Plastic Patio Furniture With Bleach
Clean away dirt, debris, and dried stains with the power of bleach and a little elbow grease. Bleach works well for cleaning plastic outdoor furniture, especially if its white.
- Garden hose
Fill a bucket with hot water and then add the bleach. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and dunk the brush into the cleaning solution. Scrub the furniture starting from the top and work your way down using circular motions.
Allow the bleach solution to sit on the plastic for a few minutes before rinsing it with clean water from a garden hose. Set the furniture in the sun to air dry.
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How To Clean Dingy Dirty White Chairs
What follows are 5 simple tricks to getting dingy chairs gleaming again like new. All use simple items and ingredients that you will probably have or can get easily.
1. Oxygen Bleach + Water:
How to use this method: First, add approx 1/4 cup household bleach to a bucket of hot water . Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin. Using a scrub brush, scrub at the dirt and grime on the chairs with the bleach-water solution, paying special attention to the seams. Let the solution soak into the furniture for a few minutes after youre done scrubbing, and then rinse it down with clean water. Let it air dry or towel dry if youre in a hurry.
2. Clean With Liquid Dishwashing Soap
If youre uncomfortable for one reason or another using bleach, another option you can try is good old dishwashing soap & water!
3. Use Vinegar!
Youd be amazed what simple household vinegar can do to spruce up your white plastic furniture! Clean using the same method as before, adding approx 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar to a bucket of hot water, and then scrub at the stains, rinsing when finished!
4. Get Out Your Liquid Laundry Detergent
Liquid laundry detergent also has some pretty serious stain removers in it! Mix approx 1/2 cup with water, and get out your sponge or soft bristle scrub brush and attack the gunge! Dont forget to let the solution sit on your furniture for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Good old Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!
How Should You Store Outdoor Furniture
Store your outdoor furniture indoors during winter months even waterproof garden furniture is only designed to be left outside in showers.
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Do Keep Up With Routine Maintenance To Make Cleaning Easier
Start and end each season by giving your furniture a good deep clean, and be sure to wipe everything down after pool parties and barbecues. You may opt to use a protectant on your furniture depending on the material. Wood, for example, might do well with a coat of outdoor varnish. Metal can be lightly coated with auto wax to keep it in good shape.
What Type Of Furniture Are You Cleaning
Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of popular materials, including:
- Plastic
- Aluminum
- Mesh
All of these materials are durable and offer their own unique benefits as outdoor furniture, but they must be cared for in different ways. Before you proceed with our cleaning tips, make sure you read up on your type of furniture. Avoid using any cleaning materials or methods that may permanently damage your outdoor furniture. Once you’re sure of what you need to avoid, you can start using the following cleaning tips and tricks.
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Rinse With Your Garden Hose
Wash away the soap suds
Next, you need to rinse all of the soap suds off of your furniture.
Although our best pressure washer is great for cleaning lots of things, from patios to cars, the top ones can be too powerful for cleaning garden furniture. So don’t be tempted to reach for yours at this point. Instead, opt for a garden hose on a medium pressure setting. If it’s time for an upgrade, take a look at our guide to the best garden hose for every budget.
Once all the soap is rinsed away, allow the furniture to dry thoroughly.
Rinse With Clean Water
One nice feature of the cleaner bottle on the hose is that you can switch it to rinse without having to remove it. This way, I don’t have to run down to the spigot, turn off the water, run back up to the deck, remove the bottle, attach the sprayer, then run back to the spigot to turn the water on. Whew, it makes me tired just thinking about it! ï
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Can You Pressure Wash Outdoor Cushions
A pressure washer is a great way to clean the exterior of your house and tackle other heavy-duty outdoor cleaning tasks, including the cleaning of your outdoor furniture. Pressurized water has the power to clean without the assistance of chemicals or soap, so it’s a handy and easy way to give your outdoor cushions a refresh.
Here’s how to use a pressure washer on outdoor cushions:
Apply A Water And Vinegar Solution
This step will remove any mold that has grown on your chair. Create a solution by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar with a quart of water. Transfer it into a spray bottle, and spray onto the chair, focusing on areas that seem to be more damaged. Leave the solution on the chair for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the degree of soiling. After that time, rinse the solution off carefully.
If some debris or mold remains, do not give in to the temptation to scrub it away. Instead, use a soft cloth or a brush with very soft bristles dipped in distilled white vinegar. Harsh materials will harm the appearance of your chair. Once youve completed this cleaning process, remove all the vinegar by rinsing thoroughly.
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