How To Clean Outdoor Garden Furniture
Investing in a quality set of outdoor garden furniture allows you to expand the space of your home. However, furniture and fabrics exposed to the outside elements require more cleaning, maintenance, and care than most indoor furniture. Quality garden furniture can be expensive, so it’s worth the time and effort to clean and preserve your outdoor furniture.
It is important to use proper cleaning techniques and products that work best for different types of outdoor garden furniture. The following cleaning recommendations are based on the type of material being cleaned.
How To Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture
One of the easiest types of outdoor furniture to clean is plastic. Plastic outdoor furniture can be cleaned relatively easily with a few common household products.
In a plastic bucket, mix a solution of 1/4 cup of washing-up liquid and 1 liter of warm water.
Use a large sponge to thoroughly clean the furniture with the soap mixture.
Use a stiff brush to clean cracks and crevices.
Let the soapy water stay on the furniture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse well with a garden hose.
How To Clean Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Wooden outdoor furniture should only be thoroughly cleaned once a year as it must be treated after each cleaning to prevent rotting and decay. Between cleanings, use a stiff brush to remove loose debris, dirt, and dust from outdoor wooden furniture. To deep clean wooden surfaces:
Mix a light solution of soapy wood cleaner and hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let the solution sit in the bottle or bucket for 5 minutes until it is fully dissolved and activated for cleaning.
Apply the solution to wooden furniture using a cloth, sponge, or spray bottle.
Let the solution dwell for 10 to 15 minutes on the wooden outdoor furniture.
Use a stiff brush to scrub the surface of the wood.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use a pressure washer with caution as it can damage the wood.
Let the wood dry completely. Presto!
Sanding and sealing:
Sand wooden outdoor furniture using medium-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper.
Seal the wood using a water-based pigmented synthetic sealant.
How To Clean Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Wicker outdoor furniture tends to be less labor-intensive to clean than traditional wooden furniture.
Start by using an upholstery attachment on your vacuum hose to vacuum your outdoor wicker furniture.
Mix a mild solution using 1/4 cup of dish soap and 1 liter of warm water.
Gently clean the furniture with a sponge or cloth.
Use clean water and a clean sponge or cloth to rinse the furniture. Avoid soaking the wicker in too much water.
Dry with a soft towel.
How To Clean Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture
Wrought iron outdoor furniture can be cleaned in the same way as plastic furniture. However, if the surface becomes damaged with rust, it may need to be repainted.
Mix a solution of mild soap and warm water, using the same proportion as plastic or wicker furniture.
Use a sponge or cloth to clean the furniture. A stiff brush can also be used if needed.
Rinse well with a garden hose.
How To Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushion & Pillow
For removable covers, remove the pillow covers.
Place in the washing machine and wash on a gentle cycle.
Let the covers air dry by placing them on a flat surface.
Outdoor furniture cushions that do not have removable covers need to be washed annually.
Take the outdoor furniture cushion.
Mix a solution of 1 part detergent, 1 part Borax, and 1 liter of warm water.
Borax is a mineral substance that can be used as a multipurpose cleaner, stain remover, and deodoriser. Find locally in most supermarkets.
Fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution.
Apply a generous amount of cleaning product to the pillow covers, especially for creases and stains.
Let the cleaning solution sit for about 15 minutes.
Rinse well with a garden hose sprayer.
Set the pads aside to dry.
Cushion covers made of canvas are durable. However, they require extra effort to clean if they cannot be removed for machine washing.
Remove the furniture cushion.
Rub a stiff brush back and forth on a Sunlight laundry soap bar. Find at Coles Supermarket.
Scrub the canvas pad, refilling the brush with soap as needed.
Rinse well with a garden hose sprayer.
Place the pillows upright to dry.
Additional cleaning tips:
After cleaning. Before using the cushions again, consider spraying the pads with a fabric protectant, such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector, find at Coles Supermarket.
This will help protect them from the elements and make them easier to clean in the future.
One of the best ways to keep outdoor furniture from getting dirty is to put a tarp over it when not in use. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of rain and snow.
Finally, before cleaning any outdoor furniture, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s label for washing instructions. If your furniture did not come with a cleaning tag, always test a small piece of furniture for colorfastness before applying the cleaning solution to the entire piece.
Let Aussie Pressure Washing Handle Your Pressure Cleaning Needs
Get the work done by us instead of wasting your time and money trying out different cleaning procedures yourself. Aussie Pressure Washing offers you the best services to keep your surfaces clean and free of mould, mildew, algae, dirt, and debris. We can clean better under pressure!
All you need to do is find a reliable, efficient, and professional cleaning service that can transform the look of your house or Business. Call Aussie Pressure Washing at PH: 0424 520 922 Trust us to restore your property’s curb appeal today!
