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Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Tips

Posted by Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstery

September 15, 2015 03:12:47pm

Here in Northeast Florida, our outdoor spaces get used almost year round.  Most Jacksonville residents like to be outside from the first warm evening in spring, all through the summer, and as late into autumn as possible.  After a few seasons on the deck or patio, your outdoor furniture may start to look a bit worse for the wear, and rust, mildew, and other stains can appear.  Our tips will help you keep your outdoor furniture clean and ready to use, so you never have to miss any time outside.

Tips for getting started on your furniture cleaning project:

• Check the labels.  Regardless of the type of furniture you will be working on, your first step in any cleaning project should be to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.  The manufacturer will provide at least basic care instructions, whether on a tag on the furniture itself, or on the company website.  It’s important to note that if you ignore the manufacturer’s instructions and damage the furniture, you’ll likely void the warranty.
• Use protective gear.  In most furniture cleaning projects, you’ll get dirty and probably wet, so wear old clothes.  You may want to wear rubber gloves or work gloves and possibly even eye protection, depending on the chemicals you’ll be handling.
• Start with a simple, safe cleaning solution.  Mix ¼ cup of dishwashing soap with 1 gallon of warm water, and you’ll have a simple cleaner that’s safe for most surfaces.  As long as the manufacturer’s guidelines permit it, this simple solution can be applied using a soft brush or cloth to nearly any surface of outdoor furniture, rinsed with plain water, and dried with a cloth.  Start with this basic cleaner before using more expensive and more powerful chemicals.

Tips for cleaning different types of patio furniture:

• FABRIC – Most of the fabrics used in outdoor furniture are designed and treated to resist sun damage, moisture, and mildew, but still need a thorough cleaning from time to time.  Begin by checking the label on your fabric, because in some cases, removable covers can be machine-washed, making your job pretty easy.  For fabric that cannot be machine-washed, begin by rubbing off as much dirt and grime as you can using a damp rag.  Next, try the mixture of mild dishwashing soap, applying it with a rag, and rinsing thoroughly.  If there are stains and debris that are still there, combine 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and 1 tablespoon of borax.  Use a sponge to apply the mixture, then let it sit for 1 minute.  Rinse it off with a hose, and pat the surface dry with a cloth.  

• PLASTIC – Plastic all-weather furniture is almost always made of either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PE (polyethylene).  Plastic furniture is easily kept clean applying the mild dishwashing mixture and rinsing with a hose.  To rid your plastic patio furniture of mildew and other tough stains, create a mixture of 10 parts water and 1 part chlorinated bleach.  As long as the manufacturer’s guidelines permit it, apply this solution to the mildew until it is removed.  

• WICKER – The fibers used to make wicker are highly susceptible to sunlight, and are easily damaged by moisture.  For those reasons, wicker patio furniture should always be covered when not in use.  To clean wicker, start by brushing the fibers with a dry paintbrush to remove bugs, leaves, and other debris.  Then, use the attachment on your vacuum to further clean the fibers.  If further cleaning is necessary, dampen a rag with water and oil-based soap and apply it to the furniture, if the product guidelines permit.  Wipe a damp sponge across the fibers to rinse them, and then thoroughly dry the fibers with a cloth.  

• WOOD – Most types of wood used in outdoor furniture are chosen for their ability to resist decay and withstand the elements.  Some woods are also treated by the manufacturer to enhance these capabilities.  To clean wood furniture, begin by wiping away dirt, cobwebs, and debris using a soft brush or rag.  To remove bird droppings, rust, and other surface buildup, scrape the buildup away and then sand lightly along the wood grain, using a fine grit sandpaper.  Then, move on to the mild dishwashing soap mixture.  Apply it with a sponge or rag, rinse it with the hose, and pat it dry with a cloth.  
• METAL – Wrought iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals are often used for outdoor furniture.  Since most metals rust, metal outdoor furniture will often be finished with a clear varnish, paint, or powder coating.  These coatings can almost always be cleaned with the mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing soap.  Apply the mixture with a sponge or rag, then rinse with a hose, and pat dry with a dry rag or cloth.  To remove rust or mold, sand the area lightly with fine grit sandpaper and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.  Touch up any paint or other coating that was removed, according to the manufacturer.

Tips for long term care of your outdoor furniture:

• In order to preserve your outdoor furniture, it’s always best to begin cleaning it with the mildest solutions and methods and work up to stronger methods.  For example, try to remove stains and dirt using the mild dishwashing mixture, and if that doesn’t work, move on to a more abrasive solution.  Pressure washing, bleach, and other extreme measures may sometimes be called for, but should never be the first method applied.  
• Cover your outdoor furniture when not in use.  If you’ll be out of town for the weekend, pull the furniture under an awning or overhang, or cover it with a tarp.  When you’re finished using a piece for the season, clean it, cover it, and store it safely in the garage or shed.  
• If routine furniture cleaning and maintenance are not your ‎forté, call a highly rated furniture refinishing service in your area and let one of their teams maintain your furniture.  High quality outdoor furniture will last for a long time, even in blazing Florida sun and heavy rains, but only with the proper care.  

The Best Furniture Refinishing In Jacksonville FL

If your outdoor furniture has been neglected, damaged, or is simply needing to be restored to its original beauty, count on Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering for the job.  We specialize in making outdoor furniture look beautiful, whether that means repairing it, refinishing it, or upholstering its cushions in a brand new, exciting fabric.  Let us restore your outdoor patio so that you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest!