Nobody likes sitting on a dirty patio chair or eating their meal at a table that has been left outside for too long. To keep your outdoor furniture in good condition, you should clean it regularly. How you should clean your garden furniture depends on the material it is made of. We have figured out the most effective methods for cleaning wooden, metal, rattan and plastic furniture. By following these cleaning recommendations, you're sure to give chairs, tables, and lounge sets a new lease of life.
Cleaning garden furniture – tips and home remedies
Keep your furniture indoors during the winter months to protect it from further damage from the elements and stains.
Cleaning metal outdoor furniture
To maintain the shine of the surface of metal patio furniture isregular cleaningrequired by regulations. Oxidation is the most typical problem that can occur with aluminum components. A metal polishing paste or a solution consisting of equal parts water and white vinegar should be used before cleaning the surface to remove as much of this blemish as possible. It is important that you avoid chemicals such as ammonia and also avoid abrasive cleaners and alkaline cleaners. You can also clean metal patio furniture with dishwashing detergent, water, and a sponge.
Please note the following: Using a stiff brush, even if made of natural fibers, may scratch the surface of the furniture, which would be difficult to remove. You can scrub off hard-to-reach dirt with a toothbrush, for example. However, you should make sure that the toothbrush has soft bristles. After that, you can clean the furniture in the same way as before using soapy water and a sponge. You can help this process by polishing your furniture with a dry cloth after cleaning.
You can remove rust stains on your metal furniture with a rust remover that is specifically designed for metal. Finally, you should apply a clear seal to your metal patio furniture to prevent it from rusting in the future. Not only will they stay in excellent condition for longer, but they will also be easier to clean in the future.
Get rattan furniture (chairs, tables and lounge furniture) clean again
Most natural rattan furniture is intended for use in conservatories and requires only basic (but consistent) cleaning and care to maintain its natural durability and color. Synthetic rattan, on the other hand, is made from a much more robust material. You can safely leave it outdoors as it will not fade when exposed to the sun.
Once the debris is dry, you can use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove the dry particles from the mesh. By only cleaning your rattan furniture when absolutely necessary, you can help preserve the weave by preventing unnecessary wear and tear. To clean the rattan, always use a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of mild dishwashing detergent and warm water.
Also read:Clean garden furniture with baking soda: aluminum, plastic, upholstery, etc.
Cleaning garden furniture – plastic outdoor furniture
- Use vinegar or baking soda
Vinegar in its white form is an efficient cleaner that can break down and remove even the most stubborn stains, dirt and grime. To clean the colored plastic furniture, mix the white vinegar with a bucket of warm water and scrub the surface with a sponge. You can also make another natural cleaning agent yourself: simply mix 120 g of soda and 4 l of warm water.
If you want to avoid scratches or other damage to the surface, use a sponge and not an abrasive cleaner. You should then rinse the piece of furniture well before drying it with a towel and placing it in direct sunlight.
For cleaningdirty plastic furnitureIf there are no stains, a solution of dishwashing detergent and water is sufficient for thorough cleaning.
- Bleach for white plastic garden furniture
Bleach is an effective way to clean white plastic furniture that has particularly stubborn stains. Use a cloth to apply a bleach solution diluted with water and wipe the affected areas. If you use bleach on a piece of furniture, you shouldBe sure to clean thoroughly.
Clean garden furniture – clean and care for wood
- Clean wooden garden chairs and tables with vinegar and ammonia
The cleaning ofWooden outdoor furnitureisn't difficult and doesn't have to be elaborate, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you don't cause them any harm while cleaning. Of course, the amount of work also depends on how well your garden furniture survived the winter. These simple cleaning methods can breathe new life into wooden furniture that has lost its shine due to dirt and grime. To make your own homemade cleaning solution, combine 2 ounces of ammonia, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water.
- Sand and paint
To get your furniture back to usable condition, you may want to sand it if it has scratches, chips, or stains. First, remove any dirt or mold stains from the surface by brushing them with a small-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush. After that, take some sandpaper and gently sand the surface, paying special attention to any areas with stains or chips. Then mix the natural cleaning agent and wipe each piece of furniture with the solution. Finally, clean the piece of furniture with a hose or a fresh sponge and some water in a bucket. After sanding your furniture, be sure to paint it as soon as it is dry.
How to get your teak outdoor furniture sparkling clean againfind out here!
