How To Clean Plastic Or Resin Patio Furniture
The good news about plastic patio furniture is that its inexpensive and extremely easy to maintain.
It is so lightweight, however, that owners must be careful to keep it from blowing away or tipping over.
Recycled plastic patio furniture hit the market recently, is made to look like real wood and is virtually maintenance-free.
Plastic patio furniture is sensitive to extreme heat or cold where prolonged exposure can result in cracking.
Cleaning methods:
1. Just a hose will do and, perhaps, a rag to scrub off dirt the host cant blast off.
2. Because plastic is porous and can stain, consider applying car wax as a barrier.
3. For stains that are tough to remove, try using a mix of distilled white vinegar with water , but spot test first to make sure it doesnt discolor the furniture.
Whether Your Patio Furniture Is Made Of Metal Wood Or Plastic Keep It In Top Form With These Tips For Cleaning And Maintaining
Depending on how big your outdoor entertainment area is, you probably spent several hundred to several thousand dollars, maybe more, on patio furniture. And whether its been baked under a broiling sun, soaked with wet towels or jumped on by muddy dogs, patio furniture takes a beating unlike any other furniture. So it makes sense to protect your investment with a little TLC, in the form of cleaning and maintenance.
In the coldest, wettest seasons of the year, its best to store your patio furniture in a garage or shed. If thats not possible, you can buy patio furniture covers to fit just about any type of outdoor furniture. If you live where harsh weather is a part of daily life think the extreme desert heat of Las Vegas or the torrential rains of Florida be sure to invest in patio furniture made to stand up to those tough conditions.
No matter what type of patio furniture you have, these pro tips will keep it in top condition.
Cleaning Resin Wicker Furniture
You can use the same cleaning methods for natural wicker on resin wicker, vacuuming with a brush attachment and spot-cleaning with a sponge or toothbrush, dish soap, and water. But if your resin wicker gets really dirty, or it’s full of dust after the offseason, you can give it a deep cleaning by hosing it down. If necessary, rinse it with a hose, then scrub it with a soft brush and soapy water, then rinse again with the hose. Let with wicker dry thoroughly before using the furniture.
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How To Clean Patio Furniture: Metal Frames And Legs
Our hand-woven, all-weather wicker is wrapped around a powder-coated alloy frame for superior strength.
Pair that with rustproof stainless steel legs, which will stand up to wind, rain, heat, and snow, and youâve got yourself an incredibly durable sofa!
When it comes to cleaning the metal frames and legs of your patio furniture, a gentle cleaning solution with some warm water should do the trick to remove scuff marks.
How To Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Wrought iron is one of the most durable patio furniture options that money can buy and because its heavier than cast aluminum there is less risk of it blowing over in a wind storm.
Its imperative to keep your wrought iron painted in order to avoid rusting so ask about extra paint at time of purchase.
Wrought iron patio furniture isnt as pricey as it once was, making it an affordable alternative to plastic.
Unlike plastic, wrought iron can take nearly any weight, but because its painted, take precautions by covering furniture or moving it inside during inclement weather.
Cleaning method:
1. For basic cleaning wipe the furniture down with a rag and dish soap.
2. Rinse and let dry.
3. Should the furniture need a deeper cleaning or chip repair, sand it lightly.
4. Repaint with paint provided by manufacturer.
5. Consider applying car wax as a protective layer.
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How To Clean Patio Furniture
By Joan Clark
With summer just around the corner, its time to break out the sunscreen, uncover the patio furniture and start up the grill. However, before you can start to enjoy your deck this summer, youll need to break out your cleaning supplies and clean your patio furniture. To keep your patio furniture in pristine condition, youll need to know how to clean patio furniture.
Remember to wash it often and keep it inside in the winter to keep it from staining. Patio furniture comes in a variety of materials, all of which require different methods for cleaning.
This article provides you with the simple steps to help make sure you are using the right supplies and getting your furniture ready for the summer, no matter the material. Read on and learn how to clean outdoor furniture.
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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Plastics Taking Care Of Synthetic Deck Furniture
Plastic is lightweight, fade-resistant and can take on many different shapes, textures and styles. It also does not require paint or sealants used by other materials. That makes this synthetic polymer easy to maintain and a great inexpensive option for outdoor furniture. Cleaning and caring for plastic furniture is really dependent on the form it takes.
Sticky spills and drips like tree sap may require commercial products , but rubbing alcohol will suffice in many cases. Regardless of the solution you choose, its important that you immediately rinse these agents away once youve cleaned the problem areas. Extended exposure to the chemicals in some products can fade plastic and shorten the aesthetic lifespan of your patio furniture.
All-Weather Wicker Cleaning woven resin furniture
In the past, natural or painted white wicker furniture was used primarily for indoor or porch seating where there was at least some protection from the elements. That was needed because organic materials were used to make the weave. Contemporary synthetic wicker, however, provides all of the aesthetic qualities of a natural weave without the vulnerability to rain, sleet and snow . Cleaning the nooks and crannies in intricate resin wicker patio furniture does take a little effort though.
Tips For Teak Wood Or Wicker Furniture
Although using a power washer is fine for plastic furniture, it is not recommended for patio furniture made of teak, wicker or other types of wood such as ipe, acacia, pine or mango, says Feldman. The high pressure can scar or damage the wood surfaces, or potentially tear apart a wicker weave.
- Sweep away any caked-on dirt with a soft plastic scrub brush.
- To clean wood furniture, use a mild oil soap formulated for wood, or soapy water and a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and grime. Quickly wipe up excess water. You can use a toothbrush to get deeper into the weave of wicker to loosen built-up dirt in the crevices, says Feldman.
- For porous weaves, such as true wicker made with rattan, bamboo, willow or other natural fibers, dont saturate the furniture with water. Instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- After its cleaned, seal teak, oak and eucalyptus patio furniture with alightweight wood sealant.
- Tropical hardwoods, such as shorea or ipe, should be oiled rather than sealed.
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How To Reduce Cleaning Frequency
Before we jump into how to clean your patio furniture, letâs talk about the best ways to reduce the need for excessive cleaning in the first place .
Choosing dirt-repellent technology â like Outerâs proprietary stain-resistant fabrics found in our cushion covers â is a great start. This cuts down on the amount of cleaning youâll need to do by repelling everything from water and food stains to bleach and mold.
Another effective way to keep your outdoor furniture clean is to protect it by using best-in-class covers.
Youâll probably find most outdoor furniture options have covers available to purchase separately, and weâre no different there .
What does make Outer different is our built-in cover that comes with each and every Outer sofa and sectional. Our OuterShell⢠is an integrated cover that quickly rolls out and over your patio furniture cushions to protect them from everyday dirt, debris, and morning dew.
It comes at no extra cost and sits discreetly behind your Outer sofa cushions, ready to go whenever you need to tuck your furniture in for the night.
If you live in a particularly harsh climate such as an area with a lot of snowfall, youâll probably want to upgrade to that extra level of protection we mentioned earlier. And weâve got you covered there too .
Our specially designed All-Weather Covers keep your patio furniture in pristine condition, no matter what your local climate throws at you.
Extra Maintenance Tips For All Surfaces
Follow these tips to better care for your garden furniture in the long-term:
- Store cushions indoors when you arent using them.
- Dont wrap cushions in plastic, as this will likely trap in moisture and lead to mould stains.
- Invest in outdoor furniture covers to prevent exposure to dust particles, UV rays and moisture. It will lighten your cleaning process.
- Regardless of the surface, regularly clean your furniture to improve its longevity.
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How To Clean Wicker Patio Furniture
Its easy for dirt, leaves and grime to sneak into the weaves of wicker furniture so staying on top of the problem is key.
Dont use a foam cleaner as the suds can get stuck and create gunk between the weaves after it dries.
Wicker is often painted, therefore, keep it protected from rain and snow and reapply paint as necessary.
Cleaning method:
1. Vacuum dirt and dust out of the weaves of wicker furniture.
2. Be mindful if the wicker is painted, but a soft bristle brush can loosen stubborn dirt.
3. Wipe down with mild soapy water and a sponge.
4. Allow to dry completely as wet wicker is less stable and sagging can occur if used while wet.
5. Inspect the weave for cracks that indicate the fibers are too dry.
6. Apply lemon oil or boiled linseed oil to restore moisture, however, the latter will require several days of drying before using the furniture again.
How To Clean Wood Patio Furniture
Adirondack chairs, aromatic cedar picnic tables and more can add a layer of natural warmth to a concrete patio.
Wood patio furniture is a popular choice for adding rustic charm, but the downside is that it can be expensive.
The two most popular wood patio furniture choices are teak and cedar, because these trees produce natural enzymes that protect the wood against decay.
Potential issues: Wood patio furniture is subject to mold, mildew, staining and weathering if not cared for properly.
Cleaning methods:
1. Brush dirt off the wood furniture by using a dry, soft bristle brush .
2. Hose down the furniture and scrub with mild dish soap and water to remove dirt.
3. Rinse soap off thoroughly.
4. A power washer can be effective when knocking dirt off of wood patio furniture.
5. Let wood furniture dry completely before covering it or putting pillows back on it.
Teak weathers naturally with age so accept this fact when purchasing furniture.
You can apply sealants and take proactive measures to retain or restore original color, but it is labor-intensive.
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Cleaning Natural Wicker Furniture
Vacuum natural wicker regularly, using a brush attachment to remove dust from the crevices. If it is heavily soiled and vacuuming is not enough, spot-clean the wicker with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water, using a sponge or an old toothbrush. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge or rag. Allow the furniture to dry completely before using it. Never sit on damp wicker furniture because putting any weight on it could cause it to sag. Also, failing to let the material dry completely can promote mildew growth.
How To Clean Outdoor Cushions
Without the cushions, your patio furniture would be all but useless. Just like with the rest of the furniture, your cushions need some TLC after a long winter with the elements. Not just washing or cleaning might be needed, but some extra search to get rid of any bed bugs might be a good idea.
On some garden furniture, especially if cushions and mattresses are left outside, check for grass stains and especially urine stains from your neighboring cats last visit. Urine stains on cushions or mattresses are easy to get rid of. Using basic cleaning ingredients is the best way to bring new life back to your cushions.
To remove oil stains from your cushions just follow our guide here. The following steps will help you clean the cushions of your patio furniture so you and your friends can enjoy them all summer long.
- 1 quart of warm water
Using a spray bottle and mixing dishwashing soap, Borax, and warm water, saturate the material of the cushions. To get rid of any mold or mildew, be sure to soak both sides of the cushion generously.
Allow the pieces to completely dry. This process should take about 15 minutes. Once the cushions are dry, use a garden hose to spray off the solution and remove any dirt. Stand the cushions up so they can dry.
When the cushions are nearly dry, spray them with a fabric protector. The fabric protector will help protect your cushions from the elements and will make cleaning them in the future easier.
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How To Clean Wood And Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Rescue dull, dirty wood or wicker furniture with these easy cleaning strategies. To remove grime, use a mild oil-base soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap, mixed with warm water. For a DIY cleaning solution, mix 1/4-cup ammonia, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water. Commercial wood cleaners are also effective for cleaning patio furniture, but be sure to read directions carefully. Wicker and painted woods might require diluting the solution.
To protect your patio furniture, regularly wipe down wood to remove dirt, debris, and excess water. For hardwoods, consider annually sanding and applying a fresh coat of protective finish, such as oil, stain, or a polyurethane coating. Hose down wicker every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup in crevices.
How To Clean Patio Furniture: A Guide
Letâs face it: furniture that lives outside gets dirty! And in this day and age, it should be easy to learn how to clean patio furniture.
Dust, pollen, and weather conditions can all impact the look and longevity of your outdoor furniture, so itâs important to know the best ways to keep your furniture looking and feeling fresh.
Our top tips for how to clean patio furniture, as well as all the supplies youâll need to get the job done, can be found ahead. From removing damp mold from fabrics to getting into the weave of your furnitureâs wicker to ensure a thorough clean, Outer shows you how!
Tip: To skip straight to the good stuff, check out this video on how to keep your outdoor pieces clean.
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Clean Patio Happy Gatherings
As you get your backyard ready to show off to your friends and family, dont forget to take care of your patio furniture. After a long winter out in the elements, it needs a little TLC. Whether your furniture is wood, metal, or plastic, Ive shown you how to clean and maintain it so you can use it for years to come.
In this article, you learned how to clean outdoor furniture. You learned about a variety of types, from how to clean wicker furniture to how to clean Teak furniture and evenhow to clean outdoor cushions.
I hope you find the information about cleaning outdoor furniture in this article helpful.
Scrub With Mild Bleach
Bleach always seems to do the trick. Be careful to water down the solution so that you dont create spots of discoloration on your cushions. I recommend pouring 1/2 cup of bleach into a gallon of water. As always, never use bleach cleaning products if you are pregnant.
Important: Never use bleach and ammonia together. This is very dangerous and can produce toxic chemicals. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. does a good job of explaining why here.
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