Cleaning your patio furniture might seem like a daunting task, but it’s well worth the effort when you consider how dirty and dingy they can get overtime. So let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know to get this done in the easiest way possible!
First, spray your furniture thoroughly with water. A hose is best, but a pressure washer will do in a pinch. Once that’s done, add liquid dish detergent to your water and mix it thoroughly by hand until all of the suds have been created. When you have suds, you can start scrubbing. The best method is to start with the top surface and work your way down.
You should also check around the base of the furniture for any dirt built up over time. If there is a lot, you might want to use a putty knife or something similar to scrape it off before rinsing it down. As a general rule, scrub at least one section at a time and then rinse well using a power washer if you have one available.
Depending on the materials your patio furniture is made of, cleaning methods may vary.
How To Clean Wood And Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture in your backyard is exposed to the elements, meaning it can’t survive without proper upkeep. If not cleaned and stained, wicker and wood will crack, wear and rot over time. The good news is that these items are easy to take care of, and they should last decades!
- The first step is to clean up any debris left behind from storms or pets. Next, use a hose nozzle fitted with a jet stream attachment to blast away loose dirt and debris. After cleaning, rinse well with water before proceeding to the next step.
- The next step is to use a large bowl of white vinegar to sanitize the fabric. The good bacteria will kill any germs and allow you to hose off the furniture without worrying about spreading bacteria throughout your home.
- Next, apply a fresh coat of polyurethane with a clean cloth. This should prevent shells from cracking through UV damage and protect the wood from moisture and the elements.
If you’re looking for an alternative to using polyurethane, you can also seal your wicker with an oil-based product or bees wax. You can also restore holes in your furniture: light sand and paint over the damaged areas until they blend in.
- Lastly, you can use a wide variety of outdoor furniture cushions to make your furniture look clean, fresh, and inviting. Most cushions are either made of fabric or foam. There is an endless selection of outdoor furniture cushions on the market these days, and you can always find what you are looking for in a local department store.
You can use the same cleaning technique on wooden furniture. Ensure that you don’t use any petroleum-based cleaners on wooden furniture, as the oils can cause the wood to bend and warp. Instead, you can use a mixture of vinegar, warm water, and a little dish soap to clean wooden furniture if it’s really dirty. If you need more specific instructions for how to clean patio furniture, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer directly or look in their instruction manual.
How To Clean Metal, Iron, And Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Metal, Iron, and aluminum furniture are very different from the traditional indoor furniture we use. But don’t worry, cleaning it doesn’t need to be that hard. Here are some easy steps for how to clean metal, iron, and aluminum outdoor furniture!
Step 1: Mix water and dishwashing soap in a bucket.
Step 2: Dip a sponge in the mixture and begin scrubbing on one small area at a time. This will loosen dirt if there is any present on your piece of outdoor furniture. Make sure you do not use too much pressure when scrubbing otherwise, this will cause scratches to appear on your metal surface, which can lead to corrosion if they’re not properly attended to.
Step 3: Rinse your water-soaked sponge and begin scrubbing again on the next area. Wash away any dirt that’s getting stuck to your metal surface as you scrub.
Step 4: Once you’ve scrubbed away all the dirt, then it’s time to use the next step to polish your furniture! To get rid of any scratches from pushing against your outdoor metal, use a wire cloth with some rubbing alcohol on it.
Step 5: Wipe the area clean and dry using a cloth and then move on to the next step. Using the same technique as you did in step 4, scrub your metal surface again using the steel wool. Then wipe and repeat until you’ve achieved a beautiful shine that mirrors other polished metals.
How To Clean Glass Patio Furniture
Fortunately, cleaning glass patio furniture is just as easy as cleaning any other sort of glass, and this quick guide will help you get started.
First things first, you’ll need large amounts of warm water in addition to a bucket, a natural bristle brush, and a good glass cleaner.
Stomp on any loose dirt before washing. For example, soil that has dried on top of your furniture may not come off with just warm water and soap, so give it a quick stomp to knock the dirt off before you start cleaning.
Run the glass surface under warm water with your natural bristle brush. This will loosen any caked-on dirt, making it easier to remove. The bristles of your brush should be stiff enough to remove stubborn dirt but soft enough not to damage the finish on your furniture. Work in small sections at a time as you scrub.
Rinse off your brush, and then add soap to your bucket. Clean any remaining dirt off your furniture with gentle soap and warm water solution. Next, work the soap all over the surface of your furniture, making sure you get into all of those deep cracks that dirt likes to hide in. Rinse thoroughly when you’re finished.
Pat the entire surface dry with a clean microfiber cloth.