Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Tips
According to Mallin, a manufacturer for finer outdoor furniture, “A solution of mild soap and water is suitable for cleaning your frame. Regular cleaning with this solution will help maintain its integrity. A solution of mild soap and water is also suitable for use on fabrics. Suntan lotion and oils may damage fabrics used on cushions. While all our materials are designed for outdoor use, they must be maintained and kept clean.”
We all know how to generally clean, but not all outdoor furniture is plastic. Designers have begun to construct with different elements that may need to be addressed differently in a cleaning regimen.
If you have stone tops on your tables, you will want to handle stone tops with care. Sealed table tops require regular cleaning. A soft cloth or sponge may be used with warm water and a mild dish soap or pH-neutral stone or marble cleaner. Do not use scouring creams, abrasive cleaners, or acid-based products (ie. ammonia, baking soda, or borax) unless they are specially formulated for use on natural stone or marble. Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue. Dry thoroughly to prevent moisture penetration.
Caring for wood frame furniture takes a different approach. If you’re letting the wood grain patina (typically fade to a lighter color), then you can get by with cleaning wooden patio furniture once or twice a year. If you want to retain the wood’s natural brown color, you’ll need to clean it with a sponge or damp cloth with mild household soap and lukewarm water more regularly and treat it with furniture oil and possibly a light layer of sealant. Store or cover wood-framed chairs when they’re not in use, and keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. For extra protection we might suggest covering the wood with a sealed finish, such as exterior polyurethane with UV blockers. Do this annually (or more frequently if your furniture gets a lot of use) before each busy backyard season to ensure your furniture is ready for relaxation.
With wicker furniture, you will want to take off any cushions, Remove sand and dust with a dry vac (to get in those tiny nooks and crannies) Mix a bit of mild dish soap with water in a bucket and gently scrub the wicker with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush (Use a toothbrush to get hard-to-reach spots). Then rinse your furniture with water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Cover and store your wicker furniture when it’s not in use.
You will always want to refer to your manufacturers suggested care and cleaning guide; however, Exterior Cleaning Unlimited offers a gentle soft wash which makes this all-day job much easier. Call now to set up a maintenance schedule and allow yourself more time to enjoy your outdoor space.