During the summer months, Americans spend an average of one to two hours outside daily. Are you looking to spend more time outdoors relaxing on your new patio set? 

Or maybe, you looking at outdoor furniture sets to upgrade your deck or patio? Either way, you are probably wondering how to maintain and clean patio furniture sets so they can stay looking nice.

Keep reading to learn how to clean patio furniture so you can enjoy more time outdoors relaxing.

Remove Patio Cushions

First, you need to remove and clean patio cushions. If you have zippered covers, you can either machine or hand wash them.

If the covers cannot be removed, scrub them with a soft bristle brush or sponge and a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Then hose off the pillows and let them dry fully in the sun to prevent mildew growth.

Wipe It Down

If you have aluminum, plastic, wicker, or cast-iron furniture, start wiping down the furniture with the same mixture of mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Then hose off the furniture.

If you have scratches on your metal powder-coat finish, you can use a touch-up pen to cover up the scratches. Make sure you don’t use any abrasive cleaners because they can scratch and dull the surfaces. You should not use any corrosive, acid-based cleaners or bleach because they can eat away at the surface.

Use Oil

If you have wood furniture, temperature variations can cause some woods, like teak, to crack. You should use a mild oil soap formulated for wood or use soapy water with a soft cloth or soft brush to remove dirt. After you wet the surface, make sure you dry quickly to prevent cracking.

After the furniture is clean, use a lightweight wood sealant for oak, eucalyptus, and teak. For tropical hardwoods like ipe or shorea, use oils instead of sealer.

Use Vacuum for Wicker Furniture

Instead of hosing down wicker furniture, you may want to remove dirt from small crevices. You should use a vacuum sweeper several times throughout the season to prevent grimy buildup.

Maintain Patio Furniture

If you live in an area with cooler weather in the winter, you should consider taking your patio furniture indoors. You can either put it in the garage, a shed, or basement so it is out of the way. Moisture can cause serious damage along with other natural elements.

If you can’t bring it inside, it’s best to at least bring in anything removable like cushions. Small animals may try to make homes with any fabric.

Be sure to remove the foot caps from the tables and chairs if you can’t bring them inside. Place them in a plastic bag to store them.

You can also get a canvas cover for your furniture to help it stay dry in the cooler seasons. Even though it won’t be perfectly dry, it will still reduce some of the exposure to elements.

If you live in an area with high humidity, chances are you may get mold on your furniture. Make sure you remove all mold before using it. You can sand it off just like you do with rust, but be sure you wear protective gear like eye protectors, a breathing protector, and gloves when you deal with mold.

Clean Patio Furniture to Extend Its Life

Now that you know how to clean patio furniture, you can keep it looking nice for years to come. Get outside and enjoy your new patio set and soak up some sun this summer. Be sure you clean it when needed and store it properly in the off-season.

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