How To Clean Outdoor Furniture
Posted by Luxo Living on 2/11/2022
We know that the best time of year is when you can sit outside, relax, and enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, the outdoors isn't always as clean as we'd like it to be—especially when it comes to your furniture!
Cleaning outdoor furniture can be a daunting task, even if you're someone that revels in home keeping. Even more so if the furniture in question is expensive or delicate.
The good news is that today, cleaning your pieces and keeping them looking new for years is not a secret or science – there's a lot you can do without racking up eye-watering maintenance bills for an outdoor area that looks like it's straight out of Architectural Digest!
Read on to discover how to clean your outdoor furniture to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan. For personalised advice on how to clean your Luxo Living outdoor furniture, contact our friendly team today. Or shop our full range of furniture online.
How do you clean different types of furniture?
No two pieces of furniture are the same. When it comes to TLC, each of your items will require something a little different.
Wicker
For wicker pieces, like this sumptuous outdoor furniture day bed, use mild soap and a soft-bristled brush. You can remove dust simply with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives as they will damage the material over time. Purchasing covers for your wicker furniture pieces can also help to keep them free from dust and sun damage.
Timber
When it comes to wooden furniture, including outdoor storage chests or bench dining sets, use a weak solution of water and dishwashing soap. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the mixture onto the surface of the furniture, taking care to avoid any areas that might have cracks or flaking paint. Let it sit for around 15 minutes before rinsing with clean water and allowing it to air dry completely.
Metal
To clean metal outdoor furniture, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Mist over the surface of the furniture and scrub with a brush. Then, rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly to avoid rusting. This routine is perfect for showstoppers like a steel outdoor fire pit!
Rattan
For this type of furniture, like the hanging egg chair popularised by Pinterest, use warm soapy water. Submerge a soft-bristled brush into the mixture and scrub the furniture gently. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry completely.
Faux wicker, plastic, or resin
These types of furniture can be cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush, just like real wicker. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the material.
Glass table tops
These are a popular choice for outdoor tables and can be cleaned with a quality glass spray. Mist over the surface of the furniture and scrub with a soft sponge to avoid scratching the glass. Use a dedicated glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine!
Concrete, stone, or tile
These can be cleaned with a multi-purpose cleaner and warm water. Take care to avoid any areas that might have cracks or flaking paint.
As you can see, most materials can be cleaned with everyday household items. The secret is to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes, so you clean your outdoor furniture without compromising its appearance. With a little care and attention (and elbow grease), you can keep your outdoor furniture looking great for years to come!
Why does frequent cleaning matter?
Cleaning your furniture on a regular basis will not only make it look good but will also prolong its lifespan. Allowing dirt, dust, and grime to accumulate on the surface of your furniture will eventually lead to damage, as all that debris can work its way into cracks and crevices, leading to wear and tear.
What’s more, regular cleaning will also help to prevent mould and mildew from growing on your furniture, which can cause all sorts of problems, including rot.
How often should I clean my outdoor furniture?
Ideally, you should clean it at least once a month. That said, if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, more frequent cleaning cycles may be preferable for you. Pets generally also contribute to the amount of dirt and debris that collects on your furniture, so you may need to clean your prized pieces more frequently if you’re sharing your space with your furry friends.
Make your outdoor area your personal sanctuary
Making sure your home is one you're proud of comes down to many different things. One of the most important pieces of the puzzle, however, is your furniture and just how well you maintain it.
By taking the right approach to cleaning statement pieces and all the other outdoor furniture that make your house a home, your space will reflect who you are and what matters to you better than ever – and that’s worth all the elbow grease in the world!
Don’t forget to shop our full range of outdoor furniture online – with pieces to suit every style and size of backyard, we’ll help you create an outdoor space you’ll love!
