How to Care for Outdoor Furniture

Got to have outdoor furniture, even if it's only one inexpensive piece like a plastic chair in which we can sit and enjoy the view. Most of us have more than one piece of outdoor furniture and often times those pieces consist of more than one material. Wood, wicker, metal, plastic and fabric grace our outdoor living spaces and each material type requires a different method of care and cleaning. Here's a guide on how to care for the various types of outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Wood Furniture

The wood type and/or finish determines the care routine - Unfinished wood should be washed once per year with a mixture of one cup white vinegar and one cup household ammonia mixed into one gallon of water.

Painted or stained wood surfaces should be washed yearly with a dish washing liquid and water solution. After washing, place wood furniture in sun light so it will dry quickly. Teak furniture only needs an occasional wipe down with a dry cloth and a yearly application of teak oil.

Wicker Furniture

Remove dust and small debris from natural wicker furniture (bamboo, rattan, willow) with a soft brush vacuum attachment. Remove any stains by dipping a clean cloth into soapy water and wringing out cloth until it's almost dry. Wipe on the wicker stain, blot dry with paper towel.

Wicker furniture specifically manufactured for outdoor use will be made with a weatherproof compound which allows the wicker furniture to be cleaned with soapy water, brush and/or cloth. An old toothbrush works well to clean cracks and cervices of wicker furniture. Paint wicker as needed, removing all loose paint with a wire brush first.

Metal Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture, like steel, iron and aluminum, can be washed with a mild soap and water. If you live near salt water, wash metal outdoor furniture monthly and apply and coat of car wax to avoid pitting and rusting.

Remove rust from outdoor metal furniture with fine grit sandpaper. Brush away all rust and sanding residue and apply a coat of rust inhibiting paint followed by a coat of car wax.

How To Care For Plastic Furniture

Plastic or resin furniture is easy to clean with soap and water. If the plastic develops mold, wash furniture with a mixture of one tablespoon laundry detergent, one cup bleach and one gallon of water. Rinse and allow to dry in the sun.

How To Clean Outdoor Fabric

Read the label before attempting fabric cleaning. Outdoor fabrics have been treated with products that make them moisture and stain resistant, cleaning them in the wrong way will remove that protection from the fabric. Follow manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions, allow outdoor fabrics to dry thoroughly and apply a fresh spray coat of fabric protector after cleaning.

Outdoor Furniture Storage Tips

When possible, store outdoor furniture indoors and leave the furniture uncovered so air can circulate, preventing mold, mildew and odors. If furniture pieces can not be stored indoors, bring fabric pieces indoors for winter storage, remove any foot caps and stand furniture upright so any accumulated water will drain out.