There are so many things we love about summer: warm nights, swimming, sun, and sand. But, there’s one thing we don’t love: dirty outdoor furniture. Make the right first impression in your backyard with our guide to cleaning patio furniture.
How to Clean and Maintain Outdoor Furniture by Material
Wood furniture
Better Homes & Gardens suggests combining a mild oil-based soap like Murphy Oil Soap and warm water. Another mixture to try is ¼-cup ammonia, two tablespoons white vinegar, and one quart of warm water. Hardwood furniture may need sanding and refinishing every year or so.
Aluminum furniture
Wash this kind of furniture often and remove scuff marks with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Wipe off any built-up residue with a cloth dipped in mineral spirits, and if you’re painting, use a rust-resistant primer and rust-resistant paint.
Wrought-iron furniture
You can use the same cleaning methods that we describe above for aluminum, but you can also have your wrought-iron pieces sandblasted or powder-coated for extra protection and longevity. Better Homes & Gardens also suggests that you use a coat (or two, for wrought-iron) of automotive wax to protect furniture between cleanings.
Glass furniture
This material may be the easiest to clean, but it’s essential that you are gentle so you don’t scratch your pristine glass surfaces. Try dish detergent, white vinegar, or glass cleaner and microfiber cloths. Try to clean the underside of glass tables monthly and cover your table when you’re not using it to protect it from grime, animals, and hail.
Plastic furniture
For white furniture, mix a ½ cup of baking soda in one gallon of warm water. Colorful plastic can be cleaned using a solution of ¼-cup vinegar diluted in one quart of warm water. Keep in mind: chlorine and bleach can eat away at the finish and color of your plastic furniture.
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Check out our other helpful cleaning tips and tricks on our blog, like The Shower Deep-Cleaning Guide, The Best Way to Clean Your Glass Stovetop, and Spring Screen Cleaning: How to Clean Window and Door Screens.