Outdoor furniture is usually exposed to harsh outdoor elements such as sun, rain, snow, etc. Hence, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the furniture looking new and to ensure your investment lasts longer.
Traditional and modern outdoor furniture and accessories come in a variety of materials including wood, wicker, aluminum, wrought iron, steel, fabric and resin. Although most of them can be cleaned with soap and water, each type of material requires different maintenance methods. Follow our maintenance and care tips to maintain your traditional or modern outdoor furniture.
Wooden Outdoor Furniture
- Wooden outdoor furniture is traditionally coated with an exterior-grade varnish that can be cleaned with a soap-water mixture.
- Rinse the furniture completely with clean water.
- Wooden outdoor furniture, if possible, should be stored indoors during the winter. This is not necessary if you have teak and cedar wooden furniture.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
- You can use a hose or pressure washer to clean wicker outdoor furniture.
- Simply remove the cushions and spray off spills and dirt.
- If the furniture is really dirty, use a mild soap and cold water mixture and a sponge to wash it.
- Let the furniture dry completely.
- To keep the furniture shiny and water-resistant, apply a paste wax to the frame.
- During the off-season, store cushions indoors and cover the frames.
Metal-Framed Outdoor Furniture
- Use water and mild soap to clean wrought iron, steel and aluminum frames.
- Many modern outdoor furniture frames made of metal are rust-free or rust-resistant. However, if your metal furniture is not rust-free or rust resistant, use a paste wax to protect it from rusting.
Resin Outdoor Furniture
- This furniture requires the least amount of care.
- All you need is to simply spray it off with clean water and let it air dry.
- Use a gentle abrasive to remove scuff marks.
- Use a mixture of 2 cups of detergent, 1 cup of bleach and 4 litters of water to remove mildew.
Fabric Outdoor Furniture
- If your furniture has acrylic cushions, remove them from the frame before cleaning.
- Use a sponge, mild soap and water to clean spots.
- To prevent mildew, allow the cushions to completely dry before using or storing them.
- Although most cushions are mildew-resistant, you may experience a problem with mold. If that’s the case, use 2 cups of detergent, 1 cup of bleach and 4 litters of water solution to clean it.
- Never wrap cushions in a plastic when storing. If there is moisture, it can cause mildew.
- Hammocks and cloth chairs should be machine-washed. Hang outside to dry.
- Store fabric furniture indoors during the winter.
