I’m guessing you love sitting on your patio furniture all year long. I know I do. If I could make money by simply relaxing on my back porch, I’d take that job in a heartbeat. (Writing about this passion is the closest job I could find, so I’m not complaining.) To me, fully enjoying my outdoor loveseat does not include sitting on mold or dirt or a cracked, ugly frame. So some patio furniture care is needed.
And do you know what reduces the risk of mold and mildew on patio furniture by 70%? Yep, regular cleaning and maintenance. Believe me, I’d love to skip the cleanings and the care-taking. And, I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t always a pro at this. But you can’t enjoy beautiful patio furniture without caring for it.
So today I’m helping you create a patio furniture maintenance schedule for every season of the year. You’ll learn a bit about outdoor furniture materials. You’ll learn how to clean and care for them. And you’ll get tips and insights into the best time of year to tackle each task.
Article Contents:
1) Choosing weather-resistant outdoor materials
2) How to clean different patio furniture materials
– Wood | Metal | Plastic | Fabrics | Rope | Composite Wood
– Glass | Concrete | Resin Wicker | Powder-coated metal
3) Spring Care Tips
– Materials that might need extra care: wood | wicker | metal
4) Summer Care Tips
5) Fall Care Tips
– What to do about falling leaves
– Caring for your fire pit
6) Winter Care Tips
– Storing and Protecting Patio Furniture
– Winterizing Your Pool
7) The Wrap Up
Choose Your Fighter: Weather-Resistant Materials
When it comes to winning the battle against the elements, your first line of defense is choosing the right materials. Trust me, this is one area where you don’t want to skimp. Invest in furniture made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum, teak, or all-weather wicker. And make sure your outdoor cushions, pillows, and other fabric accessories are also made from outdoor materials. We’re a fan of Sunbrella here at Patio Productions because it looks amazing while resisting all of nature’s punishing tricks. There are other outdoor fabric options; just do some homework first.
But even the most resilient materials need a little TLC from time to time. That’s where our next secret weapon comes in: cleaning and maintenance.
Patio Furniture Care: Cleaning Different Materials
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Cleaning? That’s about as exciting as watching paint dry!” But hear me out. A little elbow grease now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the line. Here’s the Patio Production team’s rundown for cleaning different outdoor furniture materials.
Wood Outdoor Furniture Care
- Give it a good scrub with mild soap and water.
- Apply a protective sealant to keep it looking its best. (*Important: see below about teak wood.)
Metal Outdoor Furniture Care
- Bust out the rust with a wire brush and some elbow grease.
- Then wash it with a mild soap-and-water mixture and a soft-bristle brush.
- For any staining, soak the area with white vinegar then scrub with a soft-bristle brush before water-rinsing1.
- And now’s the time to give it a fresh coat of paint to keep it shining (if desired).
Plastic Outdoor Furniture Care
- A simple solution of dish soap and warm water should do the trick.
- For tougher stains, you may need to break out the big guns (a.k.a. a mixture of bleach and water, or white vinegar mix).
Fabric Outdoor Furniture Care
- Most outdoor fabrics are designed to resist fading and mildew, but they still need a good cleaning every now and then. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In most cases, a trip through the washing machine on a gentle cycle should suffice.
- Wipe off with soft brush to remove dust and debris.
Rope Outdoor Furniture Care
- Start by vacuuming or shaking out loose dirt.
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away grime.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
Composite Wood Outdoor Furniture Care
- Clean with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, using a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or power washers, as they can damage the surface.
- Rinse with clean water and let air dry.
Glass Outdoor Furniture Care
- Wipe with dry cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to clean glass tabletops (or opt for a commercial glass cleaner).
- Wipe with a lint-free cloth or paper towel for streak-free shine.
Concrete Outdoor Furniture Care
- Sweep away loose dirt and debris
- Then mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water
- Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the surface, paying extra attention to stains or spills.
- Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
Resin Wicker Outdoor Furniture Care
- Vacuum or brush away loose dirt
- Then mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the weave.
- Rinse with clean water, and allow to air dry completely.
- For stubborn stains, try a mixture of 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water, but test on an inconspicuous area first.
Powder-Coated Metal Outdoor Furniture Care
- Wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild dish soap.
- For tougher stains or rust spots, use a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar. Apply with a soft-bristled brush, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse clean and dry thoroughly.
Don’t forget about those oft-forgotten areas like the undersides of tables and chairs. Trust me, that’s where the grime likes to hide out.
*An important note about teak wood maintenance: Teak is an amazing wood choice for outdoor furniture. And its superhero-like density and natural oils requires slightly altered maintenance practices. Read this in-depth teak maintenance article for the full details.
Spring Has Sprung: Care for a Patio Furniture Refresh?
- Start with a good dusting. Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt and debris from your furniture. This will make the actual cleaning process much easier.
- Break out the hose. If your furniture is looking a little grimy, a good blast with the garden hose can work wonders. Just be sure to let everything dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Don’t forget the details. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to give those often-overlooked areas some attention. Flip over your chairs and tables to clean the undersides, and don’t forget to give your cushions a good fluffing.
- Apply sun and rain treatments. Once your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to apply any necessary sun and rain treatments. This will help protect your pieces from the elements and keep them looking their best all season long.
Ah, spring! The season of new beginnings, fresh flowers, and… furniture cleaning? That’s right, my fellow outdoor oasis enthusiasts. Spring is the perfect time to give your patio pieces a little extra TLC as they emerge from their winter hibernation.
Think about it: your furniture has been cooped up in storage for months, gathering dust and dreaming of the day it can bask in the sunlight once again. And what better way to welcome it back than with a thorough spring cleaning?
But don’t put those super-fashionable plastic yellow gloves away just yet! Spring is also the ideal time to apply any sun or rain treatments to your furniture. It’s like giving your pieces a little spa day before the summer rush. Trust me, they’ll thank you later when they’re looking as good as new and ready to party.
Some Patio Furniture Materials Need Extra Care
Now, let’s talk about those special cases. You know, the furniture materials that need a little extra attention during the spring cleaning extravaganza.
First up: wood. If your wood furniture has been stored indoors for the winter, it may have dried out a bit. Give it a good moisturizing treatment with some wood oil to bring back that rich, natural glow. And don’t forget to check for any cracks or splits that may have developed over the winter – a little wood filler and sandpaper can work wonders.
Next, we have our old friend wicker. Wicker can be a bit of a diva when it comes to spring cleaning. It loves to trap dust and dirt in all those intricate weaves, so you’ll want to use a soft-bristled brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. And if your wicker is looking a little lackluster, a quick coat of paint can give it a whole new lease on life.
Finally, let’s not forget about those hardworking metal pieces. They may seem tough, but even metal needs a little love after a long winter. Check for any rust spots and give them a good scrubbing with a wire brush. And if you really want to go the extra mile, a fresh coat of rust-resistant paint will keep them looking sharp all season long.
So there’s your spring cleaning patio furniture checklist. It may seem like a daunting task, but trust me – the satisfaction of sinking into a freshly cleaned and treated chair on that first warm spring day is worth all the elbow grease. Plus, the work you put into those patio furniture pieces now will still be paying you back when they look great in the summer … and for years to come!
Summers with a Chance of Fading: UV-Protecting Patio Furniture
Now that we’ve got our furniture squeaky clean, it’s time to talk about protection. Just like you wouldn’t spend a day at the beach without sunscreen (right?), your outdoor furniture needs a little extra love to keep it safe from the sun’s harsh rays.
For wood furniture, a good UV-resistant sealant is a must. It’s like SPF for your wood! And for fabric, look for cushions and pillows with UV-resistant properties. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll save you from the heartbreak of watching your favorite prints fade away.
Of course, the best protection is prevention. If possible, try to position your furniture in a shaded area, or invest in a good umbrella or shade sail to keep the sun at bay.
Fall into Furniture Care: Keeping It Clean and Cozy
- Rinse and spot-clean your patio furniture, using the cleaning tips for different materials above
- Keep mold and pests away by regularly brush leaves off
- Maintain and clean your fire pit
Alright, another season down. That’s right, it’s fall! The leaves are changing, the air’s getting crisper, and we’re all dreaming of cozy nights around the fire pit with a warm mug of delish.
“But wait,” you might be thinking, “fall weather doesn’t really present any new challenges for our patio furniture, right?” Well, you’re not wrong. Aside from the occasional leaf or two (or ten thousand, if you’re lucky enough to have big trees in your yard), fall is pretty much business as usual when it comes to furniture care.
So for my general fall cleaning tips: simply scroll up and apply the “Year-round Dirt on Cleaning” tips. Though, any seasonally-appropriate accessories you’re bringing out of storage (pillows, cushions, blankets, etc.) should get a thorough cleaning before use.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind as we transition into this beautiful season. So grab a pumpkin spice latte (or a hard cider, if that’s more your style), and let’s dive in!
Falling Leaves, Falling Leaves, Drift By My Window
Ah, the iconic image of fall: a gentle breeze blowing through the trees, sending a cascade of colorful leaves fluttering to the ground. It’s enough to make even the most hardened cynic feel a little warm and fuzzy inside.
But for those of us with patio furniture, those falling leaves can be a bit of a nuisance. They seem to have a way of finding every nook and cranny in our chairs and tables, creating a cozy little home for themselves (and maybe a few creepy crawlies, too).
So what’s a patio lover to do? Well, the answer is simple: break out the trusty leaf blower (or a good old-fashioned soft-bristled brush, if you’re the low-tech type) and get to work! A quick once-over of your furniture every few days will keep those leaves from getting too comfortable and make your fall cleanup a breeze.
Gather ‘Round: Fire Pit Care
Now, I know I promised you some fire pit maintenance tips, and I’m not one to disappoint. Whether you’re a fan of the classic wood-burning variety or you prefer the convenience of natural gas, a little TLC will keep your fire pit in tip-top shape all season long.
For wood-burning pits, the key is to keep them clean and free of debris. After each use, let the ashes cool completely before removing them with a shovel or ash vacuum. Give the inside of the pit a good scrub with a wire brush to remove any built-up soot or grime, and you’re good to go!
If you have a natural gas fire pit, your maintenance checklist is a little different. Start by turning off the gas supply and disconnecting the pit from the gas line. Give the burner and any decorative elements a good cleaning with a soft-bristled brush and some mild soap and water. Check the gas line for any signs of wear or damage, and if everything looks good, reconnect the pit and fire it up!
The Rest is Easy
Aside from the leaf patrol and fire pit duty, fall furniture care is pretty much the same as any other season. Keep things clean, dry, and protected from the elements, and you’ll be golden.
Cold-Weather Tip: One thing to keep in mind as the temperatures start to drop: your metal furniture might start to feel a little chilly to the touch. So break out the cozy throw blankets, pillows and cushions. Drape them over your chairs and benches for a pop of fall color that also keeps your guests from getting a bad case of Frozen Cheeks!
Winter Is Coming: Storing Patio Furniture
As much as we hate to admit it, patio season can’t last forever. When the temperatures start to drop and the leaves start to fall, it’s time to think about storing your furniture for the winter.
- Give everything a good cleaning. Dust, dirt, and debris can attract critters and cause damage over time, so make sure your furniture is squeaky clean before storing.
- Make any necessary repairs. Got a wobbly leg or a loose screw? Now’s the time to fix it. Trust me, future you will thank you.
- Apply protective treatments. A quick coat of wood oil, paint, or rust-resistant spray can go a long way in keeping your furniture looking its best come springtime.
- Invest in high-quality covers. If you don’t have the space to store your furniture indoors, make sure you have some heavy-duty, waterproof covers on hand. Look for covers with ties or straps to keep them securely in place.
- Store cushions and pillows separately. Fabric items can attract moisture and mildew, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place indoors. A storage bench or deck box is a great option.
- Stack and store smartly. When it comes time to put your furniture away, make sure to stack and store it in a way that maximizes space and minimizes damage. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of delicate ones, and use furniture pads or blankets to prevent scratches.
If you have the space, bringing your furniture indoors is always the best option. But if that’s not feasible, invest in some high-quality, waterproof covers to keep your pieces protected from the elements. Just make sure to give everything a good cleaning before you cover it up – you don’t want any critters making a cozy home in there over the winter!
For smaller items like cushions and pillows, consider investing in a storage bench or deck box. Not only will this keep them safe and dry, but it also gives you an extra place to sit in the summer.
Winterize Your Pool!
While you’re getting your patio ready for winter, don’t forget your swimming pool! Our friends over at Inyo Pools have decades of pool maintenance experience, and they’ve offered this full guide to protect your inground pool through the cold months. The 12-minute video breaks each step down for you. Easy-peasy.
A well-winterized pool means easier opening when spring rolls around, and who doesn’t want that?
Wrapping Up Your Patio Furniture Care Plan
Go ahead and bookmark this article because taking care of your patio furniture is a year-round task. It sounds like a lot of effort, but you’ll find that you can knock it out pretty quickly if you have a good plan. And now you do! But if you find yourself with any more questions, give the expert team over here at Patio Productions a call. Or swing by the San Diego store. We have decades of experience keeping outdoor furniture looking its best.
So, go show your furniture some love! Or, feel free to shop out library of luxury outdoor furniture and accessories. Either way, make this patio season a great one!
ARTICLE REFERENCES:
1. MarthaStewart.com Article
Eben Jol is a creative media specialist with over 10 years of experience creating helpful content for outdoor brands. In that time he has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry and has a keen understanding of what topics customers and information seekers need to know when they are planning and furnishing their outdoor space. He has gathered data and reported on industry insights for organizations such as the ICFA, and in his spare time, loves relaxing in his own backyard (and the great outdoors at large) with his wife and 3 kids.
