The best cleaner for your outdoor furniture depends on the material it's made from. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. For a DIY outdoor furniture cleaning solution, mix one gallon of warm water with 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Before purchasing your patio furniture, be sure to check whether the cushion covers are both removable and machine washable. We didn't scrub, just sprayed a few times to ensure coverage. 2022 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Dust, pollen, and weather conditions (not to mention kids, pets, and everyday use!) Our GH Institute Cleaning Lab tried out the latest solutions (including soap and water) to find out which products are best at eliminating dirt and grime. The peroxide-based, concentrated formula has a mild smell, making it a good choice for anyone with sensitivity to odors or strong chemicals, and since it meets the EPAs Safe Products standards, its nontoxic and wont harm nearby plants or landscaping. Skip the abrasives (which can scuff the surface) and simply spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down with a sponge or damp cloth to keep plastic furniture looking good. Proper cleaning is essential to preserve the shine on outdoor metal furniture. Combat rust by sanding it off, along with damaged paint. Similarly, since 30 SECONDS has an odor that some may find offensive, its recommended to use it in a well-ventilated area and protect eyes and skin from potential contact. Enjoy contactless curbside delivery for no additional cost and hassle-free 14-day returns. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Decide which works best for you and the equipment you already have, keeping in mind that sometimes multiple applications are required. If the washing machine or mixture of dish soap and water isn't enough to remove odor, try spritzing the cushions with an even blend of distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Instead, use a mild oil soap or soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to remove any grit or grime. Already dealing with worn wood, crusty cushions or rust-marred metal? Learn more about our. No, thanks! For stubborn stains, dampen a clean rag with white distilled vinegar and wipe down the piece. And weve got you covered there too (literally!). According to one reviewer: "I have used this cleaner for many different uses and have been very pleased at how well it works. 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However, even with the best precautions in place, Mother Nature can still surprise us with a downpour of heavy rain or snow from time to time when were unprepared, and the dog can still leave muddy footprints when we have our backs turned. Likewise, some cleaners should only be used on hard surfaces like vinyl, metal, or plastics. Wipe down the underside of a glass table at least once a month to prevent irreversible grime. These tips for cleaning outdoor furniture of all types are helpful for keeping that deck furniture looking good all year long. If your pieces contain wood or fabric make sure your cleaner is safe for use on porous materials. Charlies Soap can clean stains from algae, mold, and mildew, as well as stuck-on or sticky substances from a variety of materials, including fabric, upholstery, vinyl, metal, and wood. Make your own mild cleanser by mixing 1/2 cup baking soda with 1-gallon warm water. For colored plastic, mix 1/4-cup vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. All Outer cushion covers are custom made from a solution-dyed performance fabric, which means the fabric wont fade and the issue of extra dye running off into the water supply is eliminated. Plastic and resin outdoor furniture are not only incredibly popular, but they're also among the easiest types of outdoor furniture to clean. Keep in mind that the exact materials and supplies will depend on what type of furniture you're cleaning. Below, find specific steps for deep cleaning your furniture by material: For wood or wicker furniture, the best way to clean stuck-on grime is with a mixture of warm water and an oil-based soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap. For tougher stains, mix 3 tablespoons dishwasher detergent (which contains a mild bleaching agent) and 1 gallon of warm water. Not only is it stylish and versatile, but all-weather wicker is also extremely durable and easy to clean, which we love! For a playful spin on outdoor furniture, make toadstool table and chairs using a tomato cage, wire bases and concrete. Plus, maintaining your outdoor pieces is crucial when it comes to increasing the lifespan of your furniture so you get more bang for your buck! However, note: This product requires dilution, so don't forget the bucket. Also, due to RMRs strong smell, wearing a mask, goggles, and gloves is recommended during application. Before cleaning, remove as much of the imperfection as possible using a metal polishing paste or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. To clean your teak furniture, youll need a few extra tools to make sure you get the best results possible. We've identified the right way to clean wood, wicker, metal, glass, and plastic furniture. Whether youre bringing a spacious sectional like our 8-Piece Outdoor U Sectional back to life, or sprucing up an outdoor rug like our Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rugs, Outer makes cleaning your patio furniture a breeze! If you don't have any cushions, your outdoor furniture can look brand new in just a few minutes. Tips for cleaning patio furniture with everyday household items. Simple Greens OXY Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner, RMR-86s Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray, Charlie's Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner. In addition, hose down wicker every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup in crevices. Keep an eye on your furniture during spring, as excess pollen in the air may create the need for extra rinses each week. Lets face it: furniture that lives outside gets dirty! Great product.". Diluted bleach is also effective in removing mold from hard surfaces, but may discolor some materials and isnt always the best choice. She is also a home dcor and DIY enthusiast who spends her free time decorating (and redecorating) her home. When it's nice out, get patio and backyard furniture ready for company with these tips. Keep glass patio tables sparkling with a few simple cleaning steps. Consider having your wrought-iron furniture sandblasted or powder-coated for added protection. Jessica Bennett is the digital assistant home editor at Better Homes & Gardens. 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. Get the outdoor furniture you deserve with simple monthly payments and no hidden fees. Between deep cleans, hose down your furniture with water weekly to monthly (depending on the season and the amount of dust or pollen building up). Get all the info you need on outdoor bar stools and furniture, so you can create a welcoming gathering place in your outdoor living space. In addition to cushion covers, we cant forget about rugs! When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Youll probably find most outdoor furniture options have covers available to purchase separately, and were no different there (more on our All-Weather Covers in just a second!). To protect your patio furniture, regularly wipe down wood to remove dirt, debris, and excess water. Harsh weather can leave patio or lawn furniture looking dingy, tired and less than inviting. This cuts down on the amount of cleaning youll need to do by repelling everything from water and food stains to bleach and mold. If mold and mildew are your primary concerns, hydrogen peroxide and bleach are two common cleaning agents. Commercial wood cleaners are also effective for cleaning patio furniture, but read directions carefully. Whether you use it year-round or seasonally, outdoor furniture inevitably gets exposed to the elements and common spills, leading to mildew, mold, and staining. ", Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner (1 Gal. It's best to clean your outdoor furniture once every three months, so for a simple reminder, schedule a deep clean at the beginning of each season. Well worth the money. The chairs are white and it was very easy to see the cleaner work. For mold removal, mix 1:3 bleach-to-water, Dip your rag and gently rub, making circles from the center of the spot outward, If necessary, repeat until the spot is clean, dabbing dry after each pass. A mild cleaner works best to avoid scuffing or scratching the furniture. 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. After all, who wants to lazily lounge on patio furniture that looks like it hasnt been cleaned since it was purchased? What does make Outer different is our built-in cover that comes with each and every Outer sofa and sectional. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Our cushions are finished with the same nano-coating used in performance camping gear, making our fabric stain-resistant, water-resistant, and easily cleanable. For iron and metal furniture, plan to wipe down the surface with equal parts white vinegar and water at least once per year (even if you haven't noticed signs of oxidation yet). Once dry-scrubbed, full-strength white vinegar and a hard brush will remove stubborn mildew. 2022 Warner Bros. Its best to clean your patio furniture at least once a season where possible to avoid a build-up of excess moisture, which can lead to mold. ), The 4 Best Tapes For Sealing Air Conditioners, 45 Problems You Thought Would Cost A Ton But Can Be Solved For Under $35, You're Being Wasteful Around Your House If You Aren't Trying Any Of These Clever Things, The 6 Best Breathable Mattress Protectors, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. When it comes to cleaning your wicker patio furniture, keeping things simple is best to avoid damaging the wicker. ), RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray (32 Fl. Wipe off metal residue with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits or. If the cleaning methods outlined here arent effective, it may require far more drastic measures. Wipe it down with a washcloth and warm water. Dust, leaves and other loose debris are likely to gather on any furniture that has been left uncovered during extended periods without use. Another pick that did the job: The soap-and-water solution delivered only middling results. Whenever possible, consult manufacturer's instructions for recommended cleaning methods. If you already own outdoor furniture, check manufacturer instructions before machine washing, as many are not able to go in the washing machine. Below, Ive highlighted which materials each cleaner is safe for, so you can get just the right solution for your furniture. And the answer depends on a variety of factors, from how often you use your furniture to the climate you live in. Choosing dirt-repellent technology like Outers proprietary stain-resistant fabrics found in our cushion covers is a great start. Here are the cleaning products we recommend to your backyard space sparkling: This zapped through the soil and stains with its adjustable-stream trigger just spray, wipe, and rinse and is safe for materials from plastic to rattan to canvas and more. Cleaning your outdoor furniture isn't as intuitive as cleaning your living room chairs or dining tableand how you clean it will depend on where it lives and the material it's made from. According to one reviewer: "This product is the best for cleaning outside furniture. And while rinsing is not required, it can help to reduce the smell, post-application. If you have heavily soiled wicker furniture, you may need to use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove grime from crevices. No matter what your furniture is made out of, the first step is to get all of the easy-to-remove dirt and grime off. Using a power washer may be tempting, but is likely to scar or otherwise damage soft wood and is strongly discouraged. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Wicker may require a toothbrush to get into the weave and can be time-consuming. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Because they are manufactured from a variety of materials, both natural and synthetic, the safest method for cleaning is to use a solution of dish soap and warm water. It may be tempting, but its best to avoid using a power washer to clean it. Scrub the area thoroughly with a scrub brush, and use an old toothbrush to reach small crevices between materials like synthetic rattan (made from plastic). Florida is tuff on outdoor furniture. You can also dilute OXY Solve in a bucket and apply it manually. Furniture made from iron, other types of metal, plastic, or resin is less susceptible to bad smells since it's constructed with less porous materials. Those wary of strong chemicals or toxicity found in many cleaners might want to pick up Charlie's Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner. If you need to spot-clean your outdoor cushions or outdoor rug after a spill, heres the best way to do it.