With summer approaching, it’s time to wheel out the patio furniture to enjoy those long balmy nights outdoors with the family. But is your garden equipment still up to the task, or is it covered in unsightly dirt and mould?
If your patio furniture has seen better days here’s what to do. Regardless of whether you have metal, wood, or plastic, we have the solutions to restore your furniture so it as good as new. We even have advice to sort out your cushions, so without further ado let’s take a look at how to free your patio furniture from stains.
Always Read Manufacturers Instructions
The first thing you need to do is read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it will not spoil by using products that will damage the material. Once that is done and you are good to go, let’s go!
Cleaning plastic patio furniture
Mix the soap and vinegar together with hot water and put the application in a clean spray bottle. Use the scrubbing brush to wipe away any dirt, grime and cobwebs from your chairs and tables or loosen dust. Once you have done that, remove the cushions and start working on the frames.
Spray the solution on to each piece and let the solution settle for around 10 minutes. When you return re-spray each piece bit by bit and you intend to clean it. Dowse the non-scratch sponge with water and get scrubbing. For really dirty furniture, ring and rinse the sponge regularly to remove dirty water.
Once you are satisfied all the dirt is removed, hose the furniture down with warm water until you clear all the suds. And now the good news - you can leave them to air-dry.
Cleaning metal patio furniture
Before cleaning metal furniture, use a metal polishing paste to remove dirt, rust and damaged paint. Alternatively a part 1:1 mix of warm water and vinegar will do the business. Avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause oxidation which is not what you want.
Once the debris is cleared, wash the aluminium or wrought iron frames with a soft, damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge dowsed in mineral spirits or naphtha. If the furniture needs a re-paint, use a rust-resistant primer then add rust-resistant paint.
If you have wrought-iron furniture that needs a total make-over, give it a sandblast to smooth down the edges. This will get rid over any lingering rust and make the re-paint easier – not to mention a smooth, attractive finish. For added protection, apply a coat or two of automotive wax.
Cleaning Wooden Patio Furniture
Wood has to be respected and a gentler approach is needed when cleaning. Wipe away dirt, dust and any other bits residue with a scrubbing brush. You will then need to clean the brush off as you will be using it again. Hose the wood down with cold water.
With the clean scrubbing brush, take a bucket of hot water and mix it with some a mild oil soap, ¼ cup of ammonia and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. If you have wicker furniture be careful not to scrub too hard otherwise you might break the weaves.
An easier option is to invest in a commercial wood cleaner, but be sure to read the instructions as it might be too strong for wicker and painted woods. The solution will need diluting with water.
Furniture made from hard wood may need to be sanded before you start cleaning. After the wash down, let the furniture dry out naturally then apply a coat of protective oil or polyurethane.
Wicker should be wiped down every couple of weeks to prevent a build-up of dirt in between the gaps. Other woods should also be wiped down sporadically to protect it from gathering debris.
Keeping Cushions Clean on Patio Furniture
Cushion also need rubbing down with a dry scrubbing brush to remove dirt, dust and other debris. Mix dishwashing liquid, borax and warm water and apply the solution to the cushions and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. This will break down the dirt so the ground in grime is easier to remove.
Use a cellulose sponge as this gets into the fabric without ruining the material. Once you have finished wash away the suds and leave the cushions for another 15 minutes. If there is still noticeable dirt, repeat the process.
Once you are satisfied all the dirt is gone, hose the cushions down with warm water and prop them up against something where they can be left to dry in the sun.
Canvas slipcovers and pillow cases can be washed in the washing machine, and should go through a cycle two or three times a season depending on how much you use your patio furniture.
Once the good weather seasons are over, store furniture in a dry space, preferably indoors where you can prevent both frames and cushions from suffering weathering and stains.
