Outdoor furniture spends most of its time exposed to the elements, so dust, dirt, pollen, bird droppings and general grime can build up quickly. If you’re wondering how to clean outdoor furniture, you can usually give it a good refresh with a few basic supplies and the right approach for the material.
Whether you’re getting your patio ready for summer or simply want to freshen up your outdoor space, regular cleaning can help keep your furniture looking good for longer.
What you need to clean outdoor furniture
You don’t need a cupboard full of specialist products. For most outdoor furniture, you’ll need:
- A bucket
- Warm water
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- A soft-bristled brush
- Microfibre cloths
- A garden hose
- A dry towel
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using cleaning products, especially on treated wood, outdoor fabrics and painted surfaces.
How to clean outdoor furniture
Learning how to clean outdoor furniture starts with removing loose dirt before you introduce water.
1. Remove cushions and accessories
Take off cushions, covers and anything else that isn’t part of the furniture itself. Clean these separately according to their care instructions.
2. Remove loose dirt
Brush or wipe away leaves, dust, sand and other debris. Pay attention to corners, underneath seats and around joints where dirt tends to collect.
3. Wash with mild soapy water
Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid with warm water. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the furniture.
Avoid harsh chemicals unless they’re specifically recommended for the material.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse away the soap and loosened dirt with clean water. A garden hose works well for furniture that’s suitable for getting wet, but avoid high-pressure water unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
5. Let it dry completely
Dry the furniture with a clean towel where possible, then leave it somewhere with good airflow. Make sure cushions are completely dry before putting them back.
How to clean different types of outdoor furniture
Different materials need slightly different care.
Wood
Use mild soapy water and a soft cloth or brush. Clean gently in the direction of the wood grain and avoid soaking the furniture.
Once dry, check whether the wood needs oiling, sealing or another protective treatment.
Plastic
Plastic furniture is generally easy to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface.
Metal
Wash metal furniture with mild soapy water, paying attention to joints and decorative details. Dry it thoroughly afterwards and keep an eye out for chipped paint or areas where rust is starting to appear.
Wicker and rattan
Use a soft brush to remove dust trapped between the woven sections. Then clean gently with mild soapy water and avoid soaking the furniture unnecessarily.
How to clean outdoor cushions
Outdoor cushions can collect dirt, food, spills and moisture.
Start by checking the care label. If the covers are machine washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For cushions that need to be cleaned by hand:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Clean gently with mild soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Leave them somewhere with good airflow to dry completely.
Never store cushions while they’re damp, as trapped moisture can cause unpleasant smells and mould.
How to remove common stains
Outdoor furniture can pick up some stubborn stains, but dealing with them quickly can make cleaning much easier.
- Bird droppings: Soften dried residue with a damp cloth, then clean the area with mild soapy water.
- Food and drink: Blot spills as soon as possible, then clean with mild soapy water.
- Mould and mildew: Clean affected areas with a product suitable for the material and make sure the furniture can dry properly afterwards.
- Tree sap: Avoid aggressive scraping. Use a cleaner suitable for the furniture’s material and follow the product instructions.
Outdoor furniture cleaning mistakes to avoid
A few simple mistakes can damage outdoor furniture:
- Using harsh chemicals without checking the material
- Scrubbing with abrasive brushes
- Using a pressure washer without checking whether it’s suitable
- Leaving cushions damp
- Only cleaning the visible surfaces
Don’t forget to check underneath tables and chairs, around legs and inside joints where dirt and moisture can collect.
How to keep outdoor furniture clean
Once you’ve given everything a good clean, regular maintenance will make the next deep clean much easier.
- Wipe up spills quickly.
- Brush away leaves and dirt regularly.
- Keep cushions somewhere dry when you’re not using them.
- Use furniture covers where appropriate.
- Clean your outdoor furniture at the start of spring and summer.
- Check wooden and metal furniture regularly for signs of wear.
Get your outdoor space ready for summer
Once you know how to clean outdoor furniture, keeping your patio, balcony or garden looking good becomes much easier.
Give everything a thorough clean before you start spending more time outdoors, then keep on top of dirt and spills throughout the season.
And if outdoor cleaning is one more job you don’t have time for, Sweepsouth can connect you with SweepStars for outdoor cleaning, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your space.
ALSO SEE: OUTDOOR SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST FOR YOUR HOME
