The best way to clean patio furniture depends on the material. Most metal furniture can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, wood furniture benefits from gentle cleaning and occasional sealing, and outdoor cushions should be cleaned according to the fabric manufacturer’s care instructions. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your furniture and keeps your outdoor space looking its best.
If you’ve invested in a quality patio furniture set, the last thing you want to do is let that investment go to waste by not maintaining it properly. Although outdoor furniture is built to withstand the elements, regular care is the key to keeping wood, metal, wicker, and fabric pieces looking great season after season.
Patio Furniture Cleaning Guide
| Furniture Type | Best Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Metal Patio Furniture | Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a sponge or soft brush |
| Wood Patio Furniture | Use mild soap and water or a material-specific wood cleaner |
| Teak Furniture | Clean gently and use teak cleaner or sealer as needed |
| Outdoor Cushions | Spot clean according to the manufacturer’s care instructions |
| Wicker or Resin Wicker | Use a soft brush, mild soap, and a gentle rinse |
How to Clean Metal Patio Furniture
Steel, iron, aluminum, and other metal patio furniture pieces are popular choices because of their durability and low-maintenance design. “Low maintenance” does not mean “no maintenance,” however. Metal furniture still needs routine cleaning and inspection to prevent rust, finish damage, and buildup from outdoor debris.
Most metal patio furniture can be cleaned with a sponge or soft brush, warm water, and mild soap such as dish detergent. After scrubbing, rinse the furniture thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel to help prevent water spots or lingering moisture.
Cleaning Aluminum Patio Furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is generally easy to maintain because it does not rust like iron or steel. Clean it with mild soap and water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface or damage a powder-coated finish.
Cleaning Steel or Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Steel and wrought iron furniture can be very durable, but exposed areas may rust if the protective coating is damaged. While cleaning, inspect the finish for chips, scratches, or rust spots. If rust has started to form, remove the oxidation with a mildly abrasive product such as steel wool, then refinish or repaint the area as needed.
Cleaning Powder-Coated Metal Furniture
Powder-coated metal furniture should be cleaned gently to avoid damaging the finish. Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals, stiff wire brushes, and aggressive scrubbing that could wear down the coating.
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 do not damage the surface while cleaning. Aggressive methods like pressure washing may seem convenient, but they can damage the wood fibers, especially on softer woods or older furniture.
For most wood patio furniture, use warm water, a sponge or soft brush, and mild soap or detergent. You can also use a special purpose cleaner designed for the material.
Cleaning Teak Patio Furniture
Teak is a popular outdoor furniture material because it is durable and naturally well suited for exterior use. Over time, teak may develop a silver-gray patina. Some customers prefer this weathered look, while others prefer to maintain a warmer, like-new appearance.
If you want to maintain the original color of teak furniture, consider using a wood sealer for teak products after cleaning. A sealer can help preserve the appearance of the furniture and reduce the effects of weathering.
Cleaning Eucalyptus or Acacia Furniture
Eucalyptus and acacia patio furniture should also be cleaned gently with mild soap and water. These woods may benefit from periodic oiling or sealing depending on the manufacturer’s care instructions and your preferred appearance.
How to Clean Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker and all-weather resin wicker furniture can collect dust, pollen, leaves, and debris between woven surfaces. Fortunately, cleaning is usually simple with the right tools.
Start by brushing away loose debris with a soft brush or vacuuming gently with a brush attachment. Then clean the surface with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush to reach between woven areas, rinse gently, and allow the furniture to dry completely before using cushions or covers.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or pressure washing wicker furniture, especially if the material is natural wicker or older resin wicker. Too much force can weaken the weave or damage the finish.
How to Clean Outdoor Fabrics and Cushions
Outdoor fabrics and cushions can be trickier to clean than hard surfaces. Some fabrics, like all-weather Sunbrella fabric commonly used on patio cushions, are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions and offer an easier-to-clean option. Many outdoor fabrics are also designed to resist mold and mildew, making them a strong choice for patio furniture.
There is 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 cushions, pillows, and upholstery. You should also spot test any new cleaner in an inconspicuous location before applying it more broadly.
Common Outdoor Fabric Cleaning Tips
- Brush off loose dirt before applying water or cleaner.
- Spot clean spills as soon as possible.
- Use mild soap and water unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
- Allow cushions to dry completely before storing them.
- Store cushions indoors or in a dry storage box during long periods of bad weather.
How to Handle Common Outdoor Fabric Stains
Food spills, bird droppings, mildew, and pollen can all stain outdoor fabrics if left untreated. For most stains, start with gentle cleaning first: remove loose debris, apply mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let the fabric dry completely. For tougher stains, follow the fabric manufacturer’s specific cleaning recommendations.
Common Patio Furniture Cleaning Mistakes
Cleaning patio furniture is usually simple, but a few common mistakes can shorten the life of your furniture or damage the finish.
- Pressure washing wood furniture: High pressure can damage wood fibers and leave the surface rough.
- Using harsh chemicals on cushions: Strong cleaners may discolor or weaken outdoor fabrics.
- Ignoring rust spots: Small chips or rust marks on metal furniture can spread if not addressed.
- Storing wet cushions: Moisture trapped in cushions can encourage mildew and odors.
- Using abrasive tools on powder-coated finishes: Wire brushes and harsh pads can scratch or dull the finish.
Patio Furniture Maintenance Tips
Routine maintenance can make a major difference in how your outdoor furniture looks and performs over time.
- Clean furniture at the beginning and end of the outdoor season.
- Wipe down tables and seating regularly during heavy use.
- Use protective covers when furniture is not in use.
- Store cushions indoors during long periods of rain or winter weather.
- Inspect metal frames for scratches, chips, or rust.
- Use teak cleaner or sealer when needed to maintain wood appearance.
- Keep furniture away from standing water when possible.
Patio Furniture Cleaning FAQs
How often should patio furniture be cleaned?
Patio furniture should be cleaned at least a few times per season, especially after heavy pollen, storms, spills, or long periods of outdoor exposure. A deeper cleaning at the beginning and end of the season is also helpful.
Can you pressure wash patio furniture?
Pressure washing is not recommended for many types of patio furniture, especially wood, wicker, and some powder-coated finishes. The pressure can damage surfaces, weaken fibers, or strip protective coatings. Gentle cleaning with soap and water is usually safer.
How do you remove mildew from outdoor cushions?
Start by brushing away loose debris and checking the manufacturer’s care instructions. In many cases, mild soap and water can be used for spot cleaning. Allow cushions to dry completely before storing or using them again.
Should teak furniture be sealed?
Teak furniture does not always need to be sealed. Some customers prefer to let teak weather naturally into a silver-gray patina. If you want to maintain a warmer, newer-looking finish, a teak sealer can help preserve the appearance.
What is the easiest patio furniture to maintain?
Metal and resin wicker patio furniture are often among the easiest materials to maintain because they typically require only mild soap, water, and occasional inspection. Cushions and wood furniture usually require more careful cleaning and storage.
Final Thoughts
Keeping patio furniture clean does not have to be difficult, but it does require the right approach for each material. Metal furniture needs gentle cleaning and rust inspection, wood furniture benefits from mild cleaners and optional sealing, wicker should be brushed and rinsed carefully, and outdoor cushions should always be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions. If you need help choosing the right product, planning your project, or finding compatible components, contact our product specialists for expert guidance.
