How to Clean Outdoor Patio and Deck Furniture

Regardless of whether the outdoor furniture on your patio or deck is made of wood, aluminum, wrought iron, or plastic, it takes a lot of abuse from the elements, including sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes.

Here are some tips on cleaning and protecting the furniture on your deck or patio to keep it looking like new.

Wrought Iron and Metal Furniture

How to Clean:

1. Mix up a squirt of dishwashing detergent with a bucket of warm water.
2. Scrub the surface with a scrub brush.
3. Rinse furniture and allow it to dry.
4. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rusted spots down to the bare metal.
5. Wipe off any metal residue with a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha.
6. Spray bare spots with a primer made for metal, such as those made by Rust-Oleum, following the directions on the can (wear an approved respirator). Allow the surface to dry for the recommended time.
7. Spray furniture with paint made for metal of the desired color, following the directions on the can (wear an approved respirator).
8. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before using furniture.

Aluminum Furniture

How to Remove Oxidation:

Option #1

Remove light oxidation by rubbing the surface with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water.

Option #2

Rub the surface with automotive rubbing or polishing compound to abrade away oxidation.

Option #3

Clean the surface with dishwashing detergent and water using a plastic scrubbing sponge or very fine steel wool. NOTE: Try first on a hidden area to see if it scratches the aluminum.

All Options

Rinse off the cleaning solution with a garden hose, and allow it to dry.

How to Prevent Oxidation:

1. Apply a coat of automotive paste wax to the surface.
2. Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes.
3. Remove residue and polish the surface with a clean cloth.

Plastic and Molded Resin Furniture

How to Clean:

1. Dip a sponge in warm water, and squeeze out any excess.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the sponge to act as a mild abrasive.
3. Scrub furniture with a sponge.
4. Rinse the furniture with a garden hose.
5. Allow furniture to dry.

How to Restore Shine:

• White Furniture: Apply a solution of one part bleach to four parts water in a pump-up sprayer. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.
• Colored Furniture: Apply a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to one quart of water in a pump-up sprayer. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun.

How to Remove Mildew or Mold:

• Apply a coat of automotive paste wax to the surface.
• Allow the wax to dry for a few minutes.
• Wipe off any residue with a clean cloth.

How To Clean Natural Wood Furniture

How to Clean Redwood, Cedar, & Pine:

• Option #1: Scrub the surface with a soft scrub brush using a special wood cleaner or brightener, following the directions on the container (wear protective clothing and rubber gloves). Rinse with a hose and allow to dry in full sun.
• Option #2: Scrub with a mixture of 1/4 cup ammonia and two tablespoons white vinegar in one quart of water. Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry in full sun.

How to Clean Teak:

• Option #1: Apply the teak cleaner, following the directions on the container.
• Option #2: Apply a mixture of 1/4 cup laundry detergent and one quart bleach to one gallon water. Allow to remain on for 10-20 minutes. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush and rinse with a garden hose.

How to Refinish Teak Furniture:

• Gray Patina: When left unfinished, teak will develop a natural silver patina over time.
• Natural Color: To retain the natural brown color of the new teak, apply a special teak protector, teak oil, or teak sealer following the directions on the can. Reapply as needed.

How To Clean Fabric Cushions

Your furniture isn't the only thing that needs to be cleaned! Those lovely cushions you have get just as dirty, or more because the fabric traps all the grime and dirt.

How to Clean Removable Covers:

1. Remove the covers and follow the machine washing instructions on the tag.
2. Put covers back on cushions while still damp and allow to dry.
3. Allow fabric to dry in place to reduce shrinkage.

How to Clean Attached Covers:

1. Dissolve a squirt of dishwashing detergent and a teaspoon of borax in one quart of warm water.
2. Wet down the fabric with the solution and scrub lightly with a sponge or soft-bristled scrub brush.
3. Allow to soak for 10-20 minutes.
4. Rinse cushions using a garden hose with a sprayer.
5. Allow cushions to fully dry.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew:

• White Fabric: Remove mildew by applying a solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes, then rinse off with a garden hose and allow to dry in full sun. If cushions are machine washable, add the recommended amount of bleach to the washer. NOTE: Do not use chlorine bleach on colored fabrics.
• Colored Fabric: Wash in the machine or soak with diluted color-safe, non-chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in full sun.

Learn More About Furniture Care