How often should outdoor furniture be cleaned? Maintenance guide for furniture made of different materials

Update:01 Jul

In order to keep outdoor furniture beautiful and tidy, regular cleaning is the key. Outdoor furniture should be cleaned at least 4 times a year: once each in early summer and late summer, and 2 times during this period. In the rainy and humid winter, the furniture should be moved back to the room for storage. The method of cleaning outdoor furniture also needs to consider the material of the furniture. There are many kinds of materials for outdoor furniture, durable metal furniture, retro rattan furniture, classical and elegant wooden furniture and affordable plastic furniture, etc., the materials are different, and the cleaning focus is also slightly different.

Aluminum furniture is most afraid of oxidation. If oxidation is found, remove blemishes with metal polishing paste or white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio before cleaning. Avoid using alkaline cleaners such as ammonia, oxidation will be more serious.

Wrought iron furniture is popular among iron furniture due to its greater durability. Just use a soft sponge brush and white vinegar cleaning solution (white vinegar to water ratio of 1:1) to brush the entire brush, and then use a damp towel to wipe off the dirt. Note that wrought iron products are afraid of scratches, do not use strong acid cleaners or any tools that will scratch.

When general iron furniture finds rust or paint peeling, use fine sandpaper to gently wipe off the rust stains, then use gauze or microfiber cloth dipped in denatured alcohol to wipe off the iron filings; then apply anti-rust paint for protection. After wrought iron furniture is cleaned, apply a layer of car wax protection; cast iron furniture should be covered with 2 layers of car protection wax.

In short, all metal furniture is afraid of corrosion, so avoid using strong acid or strong alkali cleaners when cleaning, and avoid bumping and scratching the surface protective layer when handling.

There are many kinds of outdoor furniture materials, and the cleaning methods are slightly different according to different ones. The picture shows the cleaning of plastic rattan furniture, which can be rinsed with water and then wiped clean.

In addition to flowers and plants, the courtyard of a modern residence has another function of relaxation. Outdoor furniture has therefore become an indispensable equipment for garden design. However, outdoor furniture is exposed to the outside for a long time, and the wind and rain will inevitably be contaminated with dust and dirt; sitting in a dirty patio, you must be in a bad mood, and you will not be romantic if you want to be romantic.

To keep your outdoor furniture looking and looking neat, regular cleaning is key. The Better Home & Gardon website recommends cleaning outdoor furniture at least four times a year: one each in early and late summer, and two more in between. In the rainy and humid winter, the furniture should be moved back to the room for storage. The method of cleaning outdoor furniture also needs to consider the material of the furniture. There are many kinds of materials for outdoor furniture, durable metal furniture, retro rattan furniture, classical and elegant wooden furniture and affordable plastic furniture, etc., the materials are different, and the cleaning focus is also slightly different.

Busy work life, time is precious, mastering the correct cleaning essentials, you can also achieve the maximum effect in the least time and achieve more with less effort. The following introduces the cleaning essentials of these different materials. I hope everyone can effectively clean and maintain outdoor furniture, so that the furniture is always as new and life is more comfortable.

Outdoor Furniture, Metal Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture is durable and easy to clean, but tends to rust. (Shutterstock)

Metal Outdoor Furniture

The commonly used materials for metal outdoor furniture are aluminum alloy and various iron products, which are durable and easy to clean and maintain. But pay attention to the correct cleaning method to maintain the unique luster of the metal.

Aluminum furniture is often used in outdoor benches, tables and chairs. Before washing, remove all seat cushions and back cushions so that all aluminum frames can be cleaned. For daily cleaning, use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge to gently scrub the stain with a mild detergent, then rinse with water. Anne and Will Massie, founders of outdoor furniture brand McKinnon & Harris, recommend using a full-service car wash (such as Meguiar's Gel Wash) specially designed for cleaning yachts and cars. Choose a high-quality cleaner that will keep metals shiny as new without damage. To the original protective wax of aluminum products.

In short, all metal furniture is afraid of corrosion, so avoid using strong acid or strong alkali cleaners when cleaning, and avoid bumping and scratching the surface protective layer when handling.

Rattan Chair, Deck, Leisure Sofa

Rattan furniture should be placed outdoors with shade to avoid high temperature fading or deformation.

rattan outdoor furniture

Rattan furniture is light, tough, refreshing and breathable. When you put rattan tables and chairs outdoors, you will have a lazy holiday style in an instant. It is an indispensable furniture for many outdoor courtyards.

Rattan furniture has a variety of natural and plastic materials. Natural materials such as rattan, rattan skin or bamboo can absorb moisture in the rain or humid environment, but the ability to resist ultraviolet rays is extremely poor, and it is easy to fade or deform when exposed to the sun or placed in a high temperature environment. Therefore, it is best to develop a habit of placing it outdoors in a place with a roof shade or moving it back indoors for storage when not in use.

Plastic rattan furniture such as PE rattan can be moisture-proof, anti-aging, and insect-proof, and it is relatively easy to maintain.

For daily cleaning, dust and dirt can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

Generally, outdoor wooden furniture manufacturers have been pre-painted with wood protector paint or paint with protective effect. However, with the change of climate and use, furniture is inevitably damp and dirty, and the original color of furniture may also become dull or mottled. In order to prolong the service life, hardwood furniture can be considered to be polished once a year. You can use outdoor wooden furniture protective oil, scrub and apply it according to the specified method, and it is recommended to maintain it every 3 to 6 months.

Wooden furniture should avoid direct sunlight and rain as much as possible to avoid fading or deformation of the furniture. When not in use for a long time, it is best to cover it with a plastic sheet.

Plastic furniture is the easiest material to clean and can be handled with a simple, mild detergent such as 1/2 cup baking soda mixed with 1 gallon of warm water, or 3 tablespoons of dish soap (with mild bleach) mixed with 1 gallon of warm water use. For colored plastic furniture, mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Just wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with detergent. (Editor's note, 1 gallon equals 4 quarts, or about 4.55 liters)

For stubborn stains, wipe with a clean rag dampened with distilled white vinegar. Baking soda can also be used as a mild abrasive on a damp sponge to remove stains, but be careful not to scratch the plastic surface.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners such as chlorine bleach, which can damage plastic.

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