10 Tips to Clean Outdoor Furniture

Cleaning outdoor furniture can be a time consuming chore if the furniture wasn't stored during the winter. Even then sometimes it has gotten dirt or bug residue that needs to be removed before the next use. Here is a list of tips on how to clean your outdoor furniture.

With a broom, sweep the dust and dirt off the fabric or out of bamboo weaves. Use a gentle motion so as not to tear any fabric threads or bamboo. When brushing bamboo, brush with the direction of the weave.

Be careful when removing insects and their caccoons or nests. When unsure about if the insects are gone, spray with a pesticide. After all, some spider bites are very serious and some people can be highly allergic to the smallest thing.

Use mild detergents instead of harsh chemicals to remove dirt. The harsh chemicals could cause irreparable damage to fabrics or materials that are already suffering stress. There are some good products on the market that are all natural and safe to use, such as Simple Green multi Surface Cleaner.

For cleaning hard to reach areas, use a denture brush. The brush will fit perfectly in your hand. The brush comes with two types of brushes to use for different needs. For instance, the round, pointy side is excellent for reaching into tight corners and the regular side is good for detail work.

Scouring pads should not be used on most materials. They will scratch the surface and make it possible for more dirt to become entrapped.

Use a textured cloth for scrubbing instead of a sponge. The textures will help to catch and lift out the dirt from the surface. Sponges tend to smear the dirty water around which leaves you cleaning longer.

Wear thick plastic gloves to prevent getting splinters of wood, paint or metal in your hands from the outdoor furniture being cleaned. Not only will you be spared the pain, but the cleaning chemicals won't touch your hands either.

Use Windex for glass surfaces like table tops. Windex is generally better at cleaning dirt and grease than the leading brands. Also it typically does not leave streaks.

On wooden outdoor furniture, use wood cleaners like Murphy's Oil Soap. This soap will not only clean your wooden outdoor furniture, but it will help protect it from the elements and give it a second life.

Paper towels or other soft rags should be used to wipe dry the furniture. This will prevent water spots and leftover dirt smears.

I hope this list of outdoor furniture cleaning tips helps you have a fun summer.