As summer starts to wind down, the temperatures drop, and the days start to get a bit shorter, now is the perfect time to take stock of your backyard space and look for areas that could use a little attention. One item that may be looking a little worse for wear after months of repeated use is your patio furniture. This tends to be the place people gravitate towards when outdoors, using it to relax at, enjoy a meal around, and just make that outdoor living dream a reality. Over time, however, the furniture can start to look pretty grimy and worn.
Before you decide that you need to get rid of the furniture and start from scratch next year, it could be that it just needs a really good, post-summer cleaning. Here are some tips and techniques that will help you do just that.
Give the Cushions a Good Cleaning
If you got into the habit of leaving your seat cushions outdoors at all times, no matter the weather, there’s a good chance that a fair amount of dirt and even dust has accumulated. Homeowners are often left wondering how to clean outdoor cushions and get them back to that “like new” condition they once were.
First you want to take a broom and brush off any debris, dirt, and dust from the cushions. This step alone will help them to look more refreshed.
Next, you want to look to see if you can remove the seat covers. If you can, they can then be washed in a mild detergent on the warm water cycle unless otherwise stated on the tag. Don’t use any sort of fabric softener on them, as it’s not necessary and will create a build-up on the fabric. Before you place them in the washing machine, it may also be necessary to treat stains with a stain remover spray.
If you can’t remove the seat cover, you’ll need to resort to spot cleaning. One trick to help the cushion dry faster is to stand it up on its edges to allow for maximum air circulation.
Cleaning the Actual Furniture
Then, there is the furniture itself, which can also look pretty rough after a long summer. Typically, plastic furniture is the easiest to clean, as all you need is an all-purpose cleaner and a damp cloth to wipe it down. You can also rinse it off with the garden hose if you like.
If you have metal furniture, you’ll want to use a brush or sponge to really get a deep clean. As for your cleaning solution, simple mix a gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of mild, colorless dish soap. You can then rinse it all off and then buff it dry.
With wooden furniture, your best bet is to use a soft bristled brush to remove any sort of dust and debris and then use a power washer on it.
Back to New Condition
By following these basic steps you’ll be able to get your patio furniture back to new condition.
