How to Clean Outdoor Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting new furniture for your patio or deck can be a fun way to add character to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a master on the grill and want everyone to gather around and watch you work, or you enjoy sipping your coffee outside in the mornings, outdoor furniture speaks to who you are. But how do you maintain and ensure that it looks as fresh as the day it arrived? Keep reading to learn more about how to clean outdoor furniture by materials and how to tackle specific challenges like mold or rust.

Key Takeaways

• Learn the best practices for cleaning every type of outdoor furniture: teak, aluminum, wicker, mesh, and cushions.
• Prevent damage from sun, ash, mold, and rust with material-specific guidance.
• Discover Neighbor’s expert tips for low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor pieces.

How To Clean Outdoor Furniture by Material

Using the right cleaning method is key to maintaining outdoor furniture. In this section, we’ll explore the best cleaning techniques for different types of outdoor furniture materials to help you keep them looking fresh and well-maintained.

Teak

Teak is known for its honey-golden color and endurance, making it an excellent material for outdoor furniture. From chairs to our Felloe Dining Table, it’s ideal for withstanding the elements and adding charm to your outdoor space. To preserve its longevity, it’s essential to care for teak outdoor furniture by cleaning it properly and regularly.

When your teak outdoor furniture arrives, take a few moments to do an initial cleaning using a soft sponge with mild soap and water. This step is an important preventative measure in reducing the risk of oils from the wood staining the cushions of the furniture, while also preparing it for use. You can maintain teak by doing a deeper cleaning 1-2 times a year using a water-based teak cleaning solution that is both gentle and powerful.

Outdoor teak furniture can be exposed to pollen, dirt, debris, and rain. Cleaning it right away prevents stains from setting and prevents the presence of mold and mildew. While teak is mold/mildew resistant, it isn't foolproof. If your teak gets wet, let it dry thoroughly before placing a protective covering back on.

Aluminum & Metal Frames

Cleaning metal outdoor furniture is simple as long as you stay consistent. Although aluminum is rust-resistant, it still requires regular cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and buildup. Using a solution of mild dish soap and water, take a soft cloth and wipe the area clean. Rinse thoroughly to avoid water stains and soap buildup. To maintain shine and keep your aluminum furniture looking fresh, you can also use a protective coating like automotive wax that shields the aluminum from the elements.

For other metal frames, like stainless steel, you can also use mild dish soap and water to clean and protect the furniture. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions and abrasive tools, as this can damage the material and increase the chance of rust forming. If rust does form, a baking soda paste or white vinegar scrub can help remove it.

Wicker (Synthetic or Natural)

Wicker is a classic in outdoor furniture, known for being sturdy, stylish, and weather-resistant. It’s an easy-to-clean outdoor furniture option and only takes a few steps to keep it good as new.

Regularly dust and vacuum your wicker to remove dirt, debris, pollen, and other particles that can get stuck in the crevices and cause damage if not completely removed. After this step, use a mild soap and water mixture and scrub with a soft-bristle brush for a deeper clean. Since wicker is susceptible to mold, rot, and mildew from moisture exposure, keeping it as dry as possible is important. After cleaning your wicker or after exposure to rain and water, allow it to fully dry and consider moving it to a shaded area.

Mesh & Sling Furniture

Cleaning your mesh and sling furniture starts with removing dirt and other debris like leaves or sticks from the surface. You can do this using a brush, shaking the debris off, or using a vacuum attachment.

Once debris is removed, you can use a vinegar-water solution to clean and remove any stains and avoid damage in the future. Once the furniture has been cleaned, be sure to rinse it well to avoid residue that attracts dust, and then dry the mesh and sling completely.

Cushions & Fabric (Sunbrella®)

Sunbrella® is a high-performance fabric that we use on all of our Neighbor outdoor furniture. Created with 100% solution-dyed acrylic, its durability, high quality, and longevity make Sunbrella® ideal for cushion covers.

Sunbrella® fabric care for our cushions is easy, especially since they are fade-proof and stain-resistant. To keep the integrity of your cushions intact, spot clean stains with dish soap and water. If your cushions have removable covers, they can be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, making cleaning even more convenient.

If signs of mold are present, you can use a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution. In addition to dish soap, bleach, and water solutions, Neighbor also has a multi-purpose fabric cleaner that is perfect for cleaning spills, stains, and grime while remaining gentle on the fabric.

Tackling Specific Challenges

Every outdoor furniture material comes with its own set of cleaning challenges. Let’s discuss some common issues and their practical solutions to keep your Neighbor outdoor furniture in top condition.

How to Clean Mold off Outdoor Furniture

Cleaning mold off outdoor furniture will depend on your type of furniture and what it’s made of. For example, cleaning mold on fabric like Sunbrella® would require a solution of bleach, dish soap, and water sprayed directly on the affected areas. On the other hand, wood needs a white vinegar and warm water solution to remove mold. If cleaning teak specifically, we recommend Golden Care Teak Cleaner, which restores the wood to its original honey gold color. Using a soft brush or cloth, gently wipe away any mold present and allow the furniture to dry completely to prevent it from returning in the future.

How to Clean Ash off Outdoor Furniture

Ash can get on your outdoor furniture from grilling or using a fire pit table. When this happens, removing it as soon as you notice it to prevent set-in stains is a good idea. Before grabbing a bucket of water or a spray bottle to clean it, vacuum it off first. This helps prevent smearing and makes it easier to remove. After you've vacuumed, clean ash off outdoor furniture with a gentle soap solution and rinse away the fine particles, being cautious of smearing.

How to Clean Rust off Outdoor Furniture

If you notice rust forming on your outdoor furniture, you'll be glad to know it only takes a few tools to remove it. To clean rust off outdoor furniture, you can create a baking soda paste and place it on the rusted areas. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub it away with a brush or abrasive cloth. You can also use white vinegar since it is acidic and will dissolve rust after it has sat long enough on the surface.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Outdoor Furniture

Regular maintenance and care are the key to having outdoor furniture that always looks fresh, new, and clean. Creating a routine to preserve outdoor furniture helps avoid stubborn stains, water damage, or other wear and tear.

One preventative tip is to cover your outdoor furniture when not in use. Whether it’s off-season, you're out of town, or you’re just not using our outdoor space as often, keeping a cover over your furniture keeps it dry and protected from the elements. Our Protective Covers are perfect for keeping your teak furniture and Sunbrella® cushions safe.

Other tips to maintain your outdoor furniture include storing your cushions in dry, ventilated storage bins, applying UV protectants for your wood and fabrics 1 to 2 times a year, routinely cleaning your furniture with gentle dish soap and warm water solutions, and making sure furniture is dried properly and thoroughly.

FAQs: What People Are Asking

What’s the best way to clean outdoor furniture?

Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a mild soap and water solution. In some cases, you can also use white vinegar or cleaning solutions for specific fabrics/materials. Always dry thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew.

Can you use Dawn to clean outdoor furniture?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is effective and safe for most materials. You can dilute it by mixing it with water to create soapy solutions to clean with.

How do you clean dirty outdoor fabric?

Use mild soap and water or bleach for mold-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella®. Treat the areas and gently wipe away the dirt and grime with a cloth or sponge.

What is the best homemade outdoor furniture cleaner?

Mixing water, white vinegar, and mild soap works well for most surfaces.

Refresh Your Outdoor Space With Neighbor

With Neighbor’s outdoor furniture, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your outdoor spaces. Our outdoor furniture was designed for modern outdoor living, keeping convenience and ease in mind. Our products are built to last, using only high-quality materials such as teak and Sunbrella® fabrics, which are easy to clean and maintain. Check out our Felloe Collection to see how we take classic designs and create modern minimalist furniture.