Tips for Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor spaces can be just as nice as indoor spaces, and just like your indoor furniture, you will want to keep your outdoor furniture looking its best. This Lowe’s video provides tips for cleaning several types of furniture as well as your outdoor rug and grill:

First, check the care tags on your furniture for care instructions. Cleaning your furniture before the warm season and several times during and after will keep it looking good.

You’ll just need a mild detergent like dish soap and water in a 2 oz. to 1 gal. ratio for resin, resin wicker, and metal pieces. Apply the soapy water, scrub detailed areas with a non-abrasive brush or sponge, rinse it off, and you’re done. You can use a power washer but use the low pressure tip with an all-purpose cleaner.

For resin and metal furniture, you will want to follow up cleaning with a light coat of car wax or paste wax to restore the shine and keep the metal from rusting.

An oil-based soap works great with wicker or finished wood. Just use a soft brush, cloth or rag and wipe clean. Rinsing is usually not necessary but won’t hurt. For light cleaning, a spray cleaner will work fine.

If you have treated wood furniture, use a pressure washer with deck cleaner. With a low pressure tip, spray away the dirt and rinse thoroughly. Of course, your deck can be cleaned the same way. With concrete or stone patios, you can use an all-purpose clearner.

Fabrics, upholstery, canopies are very popular as they add warmth to an outdoor space. Most materials are designed to be cleaned, and some are even mold and mildew resistant, so you don’t have to worry about dirt and stains. Check the care tags for care instructions. In most situations you can brush off the loose dirt and and wash with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution; a non-abrasive sponge works great. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Never use bleach or harsh cleaners. For canopies, umbrellas and covers, put them back onto the frames to dry; this will help them maintain their shape.

Cleaning an outdoor rug is easy. Set the rug on concrete and vacuum the top surface. Flip it over, scrub the back with a mild soap solution, rinse and turn it over. Scrub the top surface with a soft brush and rinse it clean. Let the carpet dry on a table or deck railing.

You will also want to clean your grill with a soft brush every season not only to keep it in good condition but also to make the food taste better.

A good way to help your outdoor furniture last longer is to store cushions and fabrics in a deck box when not in use and, if you have one, collapse your umbrella. During the off-season, storage can save you cleaning time and help your pieces survive the winter elements. Clean and thoroughly dry cushions before storing them. You can use a deck box or plastic bin and cover larger pieces. Covers will also protect your furniture in stormy weather.