Outdoor furniture requires special care, as it is exposed to harsh climate, dust, dirt and pollution. If you have a patio or deck, you need to clean the furniture regularly to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the area. Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials such as plastic, wicker, resin, steel, aluminum or fabric and requires different cleaning methods for each.
Here are some tips on cleaning different types of outdoor patio and deck furniture.- Metal furniture: For wrought iron, aluminum or steel framed furniture, use water and mild soap to clean the furniture. Often, metal furniture has a special coating to make them resistant to corrosion. However, if your furniture does not have that coating, consider pasting jelly or wax to make it rust proof.
- Wicker furniture: If you have wicker furniture in your patio, you can easily clean it using pressure washer at the lowest setting. Spray water to remove any spills and dirt. You can even clean it with soap solution and a sponge. Make sure you dry the furniture properly and then apply wax to the frame to make it water resistant and shiny. Keep the furniture covered or stored indoors when not in use to increase its durability.
- Wooden furniture: If your wooden deck furniture has fine varnish coating, you can clean it with soapy water followed by wiping with a clean sponge. You must keep your wooden furniture indoors during rain or winters to avoid any damage.
- Resin Furniture: Many homeowners also prefer resin outdoor furniture as it requires minimum maintenance. It can be easily cleaned by spraying water on it. Allow it to dry and use an abrasive for removing any marks. If mildew is present, remove it by cleaning the furniture with a mixture of detergent, bleach and water.
- Upholstered furniture: Regardless of the type of fabric you have, upholstered furniture demands extra care. Remove the cushions from the frame and clean them with mild soap as well as water. Ensure that the cushions are dry before storing, as moisture can lead to mildew growth. If suspect the growth of mildew, clean the cushions with a mixture if bleach, detergent and water. Let the mixture soak in the fabric for at least half an hour before cleaning with sponge. Allow it to dry completely.
Regular care and maintenance will surely prolong the life of your outdoor furniture.
