Care & Cleaning of Outdoor Furniture

Cleaning Furniture

• Clean plastic, aluminum and wrought-iron furniture by wiping it down with a clean cloth dipped in a solution of mild dish soap and water. After all areas have been cleaned, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. To remove scuff marks on aluminum furniture, gently rub a damp cloth with a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner on the marks until they disappear. Wicker and teak wood furniture should be cleaned with a solution of oil-based soap and water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the furniture clean before rinsing all soap residue away with a hose.

Outdoor Cushions

• Although outdoor cushions are made with water-resistant fabric, care must be taken to prolong their life. To protect cushions from damaging heat, mildew from rain, and color-fading from the sun, cushions should be removed when not in use and stored in an airtight container away from the elements. To clean outdoor cushions, fill a large tub with mild detergent and hot water and soak the cushions, paying careful attention to dirty or stained areas. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry in the sun completely before storing or fastening to chairs.

Ongoing Care

• To prevent dirt from building up, rinse all furniture with water every two weeks and wipe cushions with a damp cloth regularly to remove any debris that may stain the fabric. Apply automotive paste wax to aluminum, plastic and wrought-iron furniture to protect it from rain and ease future cleaning jobs.