If you’ve invested money in a quality patio furniture set, the last thing you want to do is let that money go to waste by not maintaining your products properly. Although this furniture is built to withstand the elements, the key to keeping it looking nice is cleaning your products regularly. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple regardless of whether you’re looking to clean wood, metal, or fabric.
How to Clean Metal Patio Furniture
Steel, iron, and other metal patio furniture pieces are popular choices due to their durability and low-maintenance design. “Low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance,” however, so you’ll have to take special precautions to avoid creating a situation where rust could form.
Metal patio furniture typically requires nothing more than a firm scrubbing with a sponge, warm water, and a mild soap like dish detergent. If your furniture has a rust-resistant or painted finish, this is a good time to inspect the product for damage. Should you find any damage, consider refinishing or repainting the piece. If rust has already started to form, remove the oxidation with an abrasive product like steel wool before refinishing.
How to Clean Wood Patio Furniture
Wood patio furniture presents more of a challenge than metal furniture because you’ll want to make sure you don’t do more harm than good when cleaning your product. Aggressive cleaning methods like pressure washing may seem like a good idea at first but can cause damage to the product. For a better result, use warm water, a sponge, and mild soap or detergent. You can also use a special purpose cleaner for the job.
If your patio furniture features hardwood construction, you may also want to consider a wood sealer for teak products. This can help maintain the “like new” appearance of your furniture for many years. Alternatively, some customers prefer their teak furniture to develop a natural weathered look over time.
How to Clean Outdoor Fabrics
Outdoor fabrics and cushions can be trickier to clean than hard surfaces. Some fabrics, like the all-weather Sunbrella fabric on our patio cushions, have been designed to withstand tough conditions and offer an easy-to-clean option. This premium material is also mold and mildew resistant, making it the best choice for your products.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for cleaning outdoor fabrics. Refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure you’re using the correct cleaning products for your fabrics. You should also spot test in an inconspicuous location to ensure a new cleaner will work with your fabrics.
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Looking for more ways to improve your outdoor space? Check out our blog for buying guides, product reviews, and design inspiration. We’re also available by phone and email Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time to assist you with any questions you may have about the products offered on our site. Our product specialists are looking forward to working with you!