Need to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture? Here's How

If you're like us, you've invested time and expense in creating an outdoor space perfect for entertaining and quiet relaxation. Now that the weather is warming up, it's time to bring out your outdoor furniture. And if you live in warmer climes, your outdoor furniture may need some sprucing up as well. Proper cleaning and care can prolong the life of your furniture for many years. Most new furniture comes with cleaning instructions, however, over the course of time these instructions usually become lost. So here's our handy guide to bring life back to a variety of outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Furniture Materials
There's a variety of available materials for outdoor furniture use such as wood, fabric, wicker, aluminum, wrought iron, steel and resin. Whichever the material, each requires its own cleaning method.

Cleaning Methods
It's as simple as soap and water. It's all you need for most outdoor furniture. You may want to visit the hardware store to pick up a power washer (unless you can borrow one from a neighbor or you already own one). The power washer should be in a 1200-1350 psi range which can be used on different types of furniture at low settings.

Acrylic Cushions
Remove cushions from frames before cleaning. Spot clean with soap and water. Completely rinse. A tip: when you are prepping your cushions for storage, ensure that they are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. If mildew does occur, mix together one cup bleach, two cups detergent and one gallon of water. Spray the solution on the entire surface of the cushion and let soak for about 30 minutes. Take a clean sponge or rag and wipe mildew away. Rinse with water. Don't forget to let cushions dry completely! When not in use, store your acrylic cushions indoors and unwrapped.

Resin Furniture
Resin furniture is easy to clean. Spray off dirt and grime and let dry. If there are scuff marks, use a gentle abrasive to remove. To remove mildew, follow the instructions above.

Wicker
You can use a hose or pressure washer. Make sure to remove the cushions and wipe off any dirt that might be present. If the wicker is very solid, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash. Then allow it to dry. Apply paste wax to the frame to keep shiny and clean.

Wrought Iron, Steel Frames & Aluminum
Use mild soap and water to clean. Most metal frames made today are resistant to rust. Keep your metal frames clean with navel jelly or paste wax.

Fabric
Furniture made of fabric, including hammocks, should be machine washed using the gentle cycle. You can use bleach for white fabrics. Stretch fabric over the frame before it's completely dry to avoid shrinkage. It's recommended that you store your fabric furniture indoors during winter.

Umbrellas
After removal from storage, your umbrellas should be washed with mild soap and cold water. Use a soft-bristled brush to help loosen dirt. Use paste wax on wooden framed umbrellas to keep clean and shiny.

Wooden Furniture
Yep. Soap and water! Be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry.