We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com & affiliated sites. In this article, you learned how to clean outdoor furniture. Sponge. Wicker furniture is no different. The weaving technique that is used to create the wicker furniture makes it an excellent choice for your patio furniture and doesnt require much care, and is easy to clean. Prepare your outdoor furniture surfaces 'Firstly, remove the cushions and soft materials from the frame.' advises Shroopa Patel, category manager, digital merchandising at OnBuy.com. Depending on the severity of the stain, let them soak anywhere from 20 minutes to overnight. How to Remove Mold from Every Type of Outdoor Furniture It's important to know how to clean your wooden garden furniture properly, so we've spoken to experts to find out how it should be done correctly. Some repairs are DIY and can be done with replacement fibers and wood glue, but complicated fixes or repairs of heirloom pieces should be handled by a pro. Dont forget to check the dark side of your. Once your furniture is clean, preventive measures, including regular cleaning, can help keep mold at bay. Bleach is a powerful and harsh cleaning agent. Keep some full-strength white vinegar in a recycled spray bottle and use it wherever you see any mildew growth. A Complete Guide To Deep Cleaning Your Fridge, 9 Cleaning Mistakes That Make Your Home Dirtier, How To Clean Pollen Off Your Outdoor Furniture, Amazons Memorial Day Sale Has Deals On Vacuums, Dutch Ovens, And GrillsUp To 80% Off, Yes, You Need To Clean Your Hair DryerHere's How, 6 Things You Should Never Clean With Bleach, 7 Things House Cleaners Typically Won't Clean, A soft-bristled toothbrush or scrub brush. iStock By: Mick Telkamp Related To: Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Tips, Hacks and Products Furniture & Accessories Outdoor Remodel For wood and aluminum furniture, use a more diluted (double the water in the recipes below) white vinegar solution for overall cleaning. Let the bleach stand on the fabric for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Read the specifications on the label to ensure the cleaner is formulated to work on your type of wood furniture and follow the manufacturer's instructions. "Many people invest in quality pieces when shopping for wooden garden furniture because it lasts longer. It should not be used on furniture with stone tabletops, because it can etch them. Urine stains on cushions or mattresses are easy to get rid of. I hope you find the information about cleaning outdoor furniture in this article helpful. Rinse it off and allow it to dry. These cleaning tips are guaranteed to breathe new life back into your patio furniture. For added protection, when the furniture is completely dry, use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of lacquer. Lots of chemicals are available at your local hardware store or garden center for help with mold and mildew on your patio furniture. The only downside? Because it's exposed to the elements, your once light-and-bright outdoor furniture might now be covered in dirt, dust, grime, bird droppings, tree sap, or grass stains. Fill a spray bottle with two parts vinegar, one part dish soap, and two parts water. Most commercial cleaners are too abrasive to be used on resin lawn furniture. "Start your cleaning regime gently with some warm soapy water and a damp cloth or sponge to loosen up any dirt and grime," suggests Deirdre McGettrick, co-founder and CEO ofufurnish.com. Before you start scrubbing, hose down and completely saturate all vegetation in the immediate area with clean water, says David Flax, president at Window Genie, a home service company that specializes in window cleaning. How To Clean Patio Furniture: A Guide Outer If youre looking for a viable organic alternative to some of the more chemically enhanced cleaning products on the market, then vinegar is a great option for cleaning your patio furniture. If you have colored plastic furniture, test bleach on a hidden spot to ensure it won't discolor or harm the material. Some people are on the side of using diluted vinegar and a soft cloth to clean wood furniture, while others say that vinegar wears away the wax finish on wood furniture and should be avoided. Be sure to give them at least 15 minutes to sit, before you rinse the spoons thoroughly and leave them to air dry. We recommend this method once a month. Remove any loose debris As with any backyard cleaning, it is a good idea to start by removing any loose debris from poly lumber furniture, such as leaves, dirt, cobwebs, or dust, says Zahid Adnan, professional gardener at The Plant Bible. After an initial cleaning, spray white vinegar or glass cleaner on the surface and wipe away with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. While synthetic wicker furniture is built to take the elements, wicker pieces woven from natural materials are porous and are not meant to be left out in uncovered areas. For small areas, stubborn stains or braided resin, a toothbrush works well. If the fabric unzips, you can use the gentle cycle on your washing machine. Clean the cracks and crevices of the furniture using a soft brush or toothbrush. Whether your home is in the South or you're trying to create a beachy feeling, nothing brings a breezy, relaxed tone to a room like wicker furniture. Because vinegar is a mild acid, it may etch cement pavers or flagstones. Avoid using a metal brush as it will damage the woods surface. To restore the shine of the furniture, you can spray WD-40 onto the plastic and wipe down with a clean cloth. Lily says, "Start by clearing the area around the furniture to provide enough space for comfortable work. 5. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Turn the nozzle on the bottle to CLEAN and let it spray! To tackle mildew on plastic patio furniture, use a product designed for removing mold, such as Concrobium Liquid Mold Remover ($13, Lowe's). Its durability, hardiness, and ease of maintenance are one of the greatest advantages of plastic patio furniture. Some outdoor cushions come with removable covers that can be laundered in your washing machine. Simply mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water, then wipe down your patio furniture with a cloth, leave for 10 minutes then gently rinse the solution off. Wed recommend avoiding the use of vinegar on waxed wood furniture as continuous use can wear away this finish and leave the wood looking dull and cloudy," Dierdre concludes. Humidity and shade create ideal places for mold and mildew. How to clean wooden garden furniture properly, without damaging it The surface will gleam! Now you've removed any loose bits of dirt and debris, your wooden garden furniture is ready to be properly cleaned. 3. Choose the area to clean the furniture. Simply use an upholstery attachment to suck off loose dirt and debris. For aluminum pieces, oxidation is the most common problem. Be sure to rinse off all soap residues with fresh water after cleaning. How to Clean Outdoor Cushions: 7 Foolproof Methods Pour mild detergent and lukewarm water into a bucket and mix thoroughly. I founded Take a Yard to bring you the very best outdoor living content. To dry wicker, place in front of a fan or outside if there's a relatively strong breeze and the sun is shining. A damp smell coming from your wicker furniture is usually due to mold, mildew, or general dampness. While youre cleaning your cast iron patio furniture, take the time for cleaning cast iron grill grates, too. then set the cushion upright so the sides can dry thoroughly. Use these tips to remove stains and built-up grime on plastic patio chairs and tables: It's best to avoid using chlorine and bleach on white plastic furniture because they eat away at the material. Rinse it clean, then air-dry. If your furniture passes the bleach test, follow the basic bleach, soap, and water method noted above. If you still need to remove stains, spot-treat the grime with your soft-bristled brush and more cleaning solution. Cast iron patio furniture tends to be more expensive than aluminum or plastic furniture because it often lasts much longer than its counterparts. With summer around the corner, it's time to spruce up the backyard ready for outdoor enjoyment and that includes your outdoor furniture. Apply the homemade cleaning solution to the furniture using a soft plastic brush, making sure to scrub the wood as you go. Find out which method is best. Be careful with the solution. The downside to this type of furniture is that if it isnt properly cleaned and maintained it could fade and become brittle if left out in the heat, so cleaning plastic lawn chairs is important if you want your furniture to remain in good shape. Not just washing or cleaning might be needed, but some extra search to get rid of any bed bugs might be a good idea. When the covers are mostly dry but still a little damp, put them back on the cushions. Removing Mold and Mildew from Wicker Furniture, How to Keep Your Wicker Furniture Cleaner Longer, How to Get Rid of Smells and Prevent Smells in Wicker Furniture, Removing Mold And Mildew From Wicker Furniture, How To Keep Your Wicker Furniture Cleaner Longer, How To Get Rid Of Smells In Wicker Furniture, 10 Ways To Clean With Dish Soap That Go Way Beyond Plates And Bowls, How Often To Clean Every Surface In Your Bathroom, How To Clean Your Trash CanAnd How Often You Should Be Cleaning It, 15 Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Bathroom. Some finishes, such as shellac or lacquer, can be sensitive to such acidic solutions. If cleaning the bottom of the basket, it's important that it has adequate airflow for drying, so position it in a way that gives the wet part maximum exposure. You can also rub the solution in with a soft scrubbing pad. Beginning at the top of the furniture and working your way down, wipe the entire surface of the furniture. If you notice breaking or unraveling, contact a furniture repair specialist. Are You Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture the Right Way? However, that wont be the case if you dont provide it with the required maintenance and care," explains Lily Cameron, a cleaning expert at professional cleaning company, Fantastic Services. You can also sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge to create a mild abrasive that will peel away stains but won't scratch surfaces. Dierdre says, "A large proportion of outdoor wood furniture is sealed with wax to increase its durability. Cleaning your best outdoor furniture, along with cleaning your decking and giving the grass its first cutof the year, is essential to make sure your outdoor space is in tip-top condition ahead of hosting a BBQ or throwing a garden party. Spray the mixture onto the furniture surface and agitate the area with a nylon-bristle brush ($10, Amazon), then rinse thoroughly with water. Allow cushions to dry For best results, apply when the cushion is brand new so you can ensure it is fully clean and undamaged. Once the wooden garden furniture is clean, you need to rinse the items with clean water to get rid of any soap residue. In between vacuuming sessions, go over your wicker furniture with a duster. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition, to prevent this build-up of grime altogether try maintaining your furniture year round by storing it somewhere undercover during the winter months and wiping down the surface regularly with a damp cloth. Take care when using bleach, and test on an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness. 1 tablespoon Borax. Be aware that bleach can discolor stained wood. Then, rinse the cushions until they are free of detergent. Spray onto the fabric surface, or use a cloth to wipe the mixture onto the fabric. Wiping down the outside of the grill, as well as taking out the grates and cleaning them thoroughly ensures that you have a clean cooking surface and that your food will taste as delicious as it should every single time. Dish detergent and home cleaning solutions are the most effective cleaners. No spam! How to Clean Dirty Wooden Spoons so They Look Like New 2. Is your plastic-mesh lawn furniture looking dingy? Read More >. If you're able to control the power of your vacuum, keep it on a lower setting to avoid damaging the weave. You can use a toothbrush to clean spaces that are hard to reach. Stand the cushions up so they can dry. Why she spoke up and made him feel 'uncomfortable. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which will scratch plastic outdoor furniture. For extra protection, use spray wax once a year. Wicker furniture is a front porch staple, but being out in humid air makes it vulnerable to mold and mildew. The amount of TLC your outdoor furniture needs depends primarily on your climate. But theres also a natural, organic solution vinegar. If used properly, this method can work on all kinds of fabrics and cushions. Once done, place the furniture in the sun, or use a hair dryer to dry the furniture completely. If the solution has dried, re-spray the area. Keep glass patio tables sparkling with a few simple cleaning steps. If your cushions are greasy or food-stained, adding a little organic dish soap to the vinegar solution will help. Clean up the hard surfaces. "Using a damp cloth ensures youre not soaking your wooden furniture - and be sure to rinse the cloth regularly. ", Lily adds, "Scrub the wooden surface in circular motions, focusing on stubborn stains. Why Did My Patio Cushions Form Mildew? Combat rust by sanding it off, along with damaged paint. Without the cushions, your patio furniture would be all but useless. To protect after cleanings, apply a coat (two for iron) of automotive wax. Heres a comprehensive article for cleaning all types of outdoor furniture. 1. To remove oil stains from your cushions just follow our guide here. After all that hard work cleaning, you want to add a layer of protection to your wooden garden furniture to keep it looking clean and fresh all summer long and protect it from any harsh weather. If your rattan patio furniture has split, cracked, or dry, use boiled linseed oil, using a soft brush to apply it. Spray the soap scum on surfaces and allow the mixture to work for five minutes. Like more outdoor furniture, metal can be cleaned with soap and water. Dust, pollen, and weather conditions (not to mention kids, pets, and everyday use!) Routine cleanings are a must to keep your patio furniture in pristine condition. Follow these three simple steps to clean wicker made of natural fibers: If you're planning to clean your entire chair, swap your toothbrush for a soft-bristled scrub brush, but use the same soapy water solution. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Mix bleach and water according to the bleach manufacturer's instructions. To remove surface dust from the furniture, hose it down with cold, clear water or use homemade pressure washer soap with the pressure washer on a lighter setting. Before applying fabric protector on your cushions, lay out a clean tarp or dropcloth to protect your application area from overspray. Any built-up residue that requires a deeper cleaning should be cleaned as soon as possible. Swish the solution around to mix well. She says, "There are conflicting opinions on the use of vinegar for cleaning wood furniture. After rinsing off the cushions thoroughly, a re-application of the vinegar solution (no rinsing) will help prevent future mold. "To prevent these allergens from accumulating, vacuum or brush the covers and pillows regularly, and wash them according . This is an important consideration when cleaning your wood furniture as you dont want to remove the finish. Wipe the spot with a white cloth to see if color comes off. Never sit on damp wicker furniture, as you might cause the wicker to sag. How to clean outdoor furniture, according to experts to remove loose dirt and debris. Homemade Furniture Polish Cleaning it isnt actually complicated and, besides extending your pieces lifespan, it can also help you better enhance your outdoor seating area. Your teak patio furniture will brand new with cleaning and polishing. To avoid water rings, clean the entire surface area of the fabric. Just like with the rest of the furniture, your cushions need some TLC after a long winter with the elements. Otherwise, the process is just as straightforward as cleaning any other type of wicker item. When the cushions are nearly dry, spray them with a fabric protector. Pressure Washer If the stain is deeply embedded on the cushion, then it will be hard to get rid of it with just soap and water. After infusion of baking soda, spray the solution on the furniture and wipe it with a soft rag. When the world feels dangerous, how can parents talk to their kids about staying safe without causing fear. Sitting outdoors is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer season. If your furniture doesn't get enough sunlight to dry it, move it into the sun or make a habit of drying your patio furniture with towels to remove standing water. If possible, unzip the outer cushion fabric and wash them in your washing machine. Wicker furniture is made from a tropical climbing plant known as rattan and has been the go-to choice for decks, patios, and porches for hundreds of years. We also participate in other affiliate programs. Let the vinegar sit for 60 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. 1. Clean with the solution. How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with Vinegar - Elegant Outdoor Space May 24, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. What Type of Garden Furniture Can You Clean With Vinegar? To help prevent rust and retain the durability of the furniture, you want to clean it on a regular basis, particularly if the pieces are regularly exposed to weather and temperature extremes. Use caution around the seams and buttons to avoid causing damage. 1. Dusting can be done more often but should be done a minimum of once a week to avoid scuffing. Wicker furniture experts say to use just the soapy bubbles to clean your furnitureyou don't want to soak this porous material with too much water. 10 Powerful DIY Teak Cleaner Recipes & Tips Lighter than cast iron, wrought iron can be easily manipulated to create beautiful, sturdy furniture for your outdoor space. Let the mixture sit on the furniture for a few moments (5-10 minutes). We've identified the right way to clean wood, wicker, metal, glass, and plastic furniture. How to Remove Mildew from Patio Cushions Apply the vinegar solution with a spray bottle, brush or sponge, wait 10 minutes to an hour, then rinse. Soak a cotton cloth with the well-mixed oil and vinegar mixture and start cleaning the furniture surface. If the furniture is particularly dirty, use a scrub brush to get to the hard-to-reach areas on the furniture. You'll want to work section by section, allowing each section to dry completely before moving on to the next one. The Best Way to Clean Outdoor Furniture Use one of two easy homemade cleaning solutions either vinegar and warm water, or chlorine bleach, laundry detergent, and warm water. Before you use it, its advisable to consult the manufacturer's recommendations or seek professional advice.". Check the fabric or cushion manufacturer's website for recommendations specific to their product. When choosing your protection be sure to patch test an inconspicuous area to make sure you like it and that it suits your piece of furniture and garden. If you are lucky enough to have beautiful teak patio furniture, it does require a little different care than metal or plain wood. Bleach will harm the color of some fabrics, but others, like Sunbrella fabrics, are engineered not to discolor. Teak patio furniture will either be treated with teak oil or finely sanded to show off its natural form. For this type of decay, it's best to use a pressure washer. "The answer? After cleaning, you may want to make furniture polish to bring back the shine to your teak furniture. How to Clean Rusty Tools, 5 Ways Non-upholstered outdoor furniture: For non-upholstered outdoor furniture or portions of furniture that are non-upholstered, you can easily rinse away the pollen with a garden hose or wipe away with a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
how to clean outdoor furniture with vinegar