Sprucing Up Outdoor Furniture for a Fresh Spring Appearance
Catching Up on the Porch: A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture
Imagine this: You've got a steaming cup of sweet tea, a captivating book, and the promise of a cozy porch evening ahead. But alas, the sight of dirt and grime on your furniture is enough to make you reconsider. Fret not, as this guide is here to aid you in breathing new life into your beloved outdoor furniture.
We reached out to two experts in their respective fields to share their tips on tackling dirty furniture with ease:
- Jessica Sidey, the Senior Visual Merchandiser at Christy Sports
- Yesenia Soto, the Research and Development Manager for outdoor cleaning solutions at 30 Seconds
We've distilled their expertise into the following guide on keeping your outdoor furniture looking spotless and standing the test of time.
How to Clean Different Types of Outdoor Furniture
Jessica Sidey schooled us on the various materials that make up outdoor furniture and the respective cleaning methods suitable for each.
Wicker FurnitureWicker furniture is available in two forms: natural wood and resin. To identify the type of wicker you're dealing with, give it a feel. Resin wicker will feel flawlessly smooth, while wood wicker has more texture.
To clean wood wicker, opt for a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt from the grooves, and follow up with a damp rag damped with plain water and a dash of mild dish soap to wipe it down. Remember never to immerse any wood materials in water. After cleaning, dry the wicker with a towel to prevent warping, mold, mildew, or rot. Resin wicker, on the other hand, is a breeze to clean: simply hose it off and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Wood FurnitureSidey recommends cleaning wood furniture using a soft-bristled brush, water, and mild dish soap to work the soap into the grooves. Follow up with a rinse and allow it to dry in the sun. For a deeper clean, add white vinegar to warm water, scrub it down with a soft-bristled brush, give it a rinse, and let it dry in the sun.
Metal FurnitureMetal furniture is straightforward to clean, given its inherent durability. All you need is a quick wipe down with water and mild dish soap using a soft-bristled brush to get into intricate designs and crevices. If you'd like to give it an added shine, consider applying Faron Guard.
Fabric and CushionsFabric furniture calls for extra care and attention. Sidey suggests spot cleaning as needed using a wet rag, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush. For tenacious stains, a mixture of one cup of bleach, 1⁄4 cup of mild soap, and one gallon of water should do the trick. Be sure to always spot test fabric before using bleach, particularly if it's a Sunbrella fabric. For oil-based stains, such as sunscreen, blot it freshly, then spray a solution of white vinegar, mild soap, and water on the stain, let it sit for ten minutes, rinse it off, and air dry the cushions—they should never be placed in a dryer.
Tips & Tricks
Yesenia Soto, Research and Development Manager for 30 Seconds, shared some valuable insights on keeping your outdoor furniture looking brand-new:
- Clean your furniture at the start of the spring or summer season before you put it into use, as furniture that's been in storage can collect dust and mold.
- Store cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box during winter to help prevent mold, stains, and fading.
- Use covers to protect furniture from sun and rain during extreme weather conditions.
- Keep cushions away from messy trees that drop sap, leaves, or berries, and avoid placing furniture in soggy spots.
- Use rubber pads or risers underneath furniture legs to protect them from sitting in water or mud and reduce mess later.
By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your outdoor furniture remains looking fresh and extends its lifespan throughout the spring and summer months.
- For a more enjoyable porch evening, clean your outdoor furniture following the comprehensive guide presented here, removing dirt and grime for a spotless appearance.
- To clean wood wicker furniture, use a vacuum with a brush attachment, then wipe it down with a damp rag and mild dish soap; for resin wicker, simply hose it off and dry.
- To clean wood furniture, use a soft-bristled brush, water, and mild dish soap, followed by rinsing and drying in the sun; for a deeper clean, add white vinegar.
- Metal furniture can be easily cleaned with a quick wipe down using water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush, and optionally, applying Faron Guard for added shine.
- Fabric furniture requires extra care; spot clean as needed with a wet rag, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush, or use a bleach solution for tenacious stains, after spot testing for Sunbrella fabrics.
- To maintain the brand-new look of your outdoor furniture, clean it at the start of spring or summer, store cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box during winter, use covers during extreme weather, keep cushions away from messy trees, avoid soggy spots, and use rubber pads orrisers to protect furniture from water or mud.
