May 27, 2016

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How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Perhaps you didn’t clean your outdoor furniture last year before putting it away.  Or maybe there is a chair or two that was accidentally left outside all winter.  Don’t despair!  With just a little effort and some elbow grease, you can clean and prepare your outdoor furniture right now.

Here is a complete guide to how to clean various types of outdoor furniture surfaces:

Hard Surfaces: Apply the indicated solution with a soft scrub brush, cloth or plastic scrubbing pad, rinse off with the hose, and allow to dry in full sun:
  • Wood Furniture- Murphy’s Oil Soap
  • Aluminum- A 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water OR dishwashing liquid and water
  • Plastic or Resin- Baking soda and water OR dishwashing liquid and water
  • Teak – you will need a special cleaner for Teak
  • Wrought Iron – wash with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water.  Sand down any rust spots, prime with a spray primer made especially for metal.
  • Wicker – A solution of dishwashing liquid and water works best for wicker
Tip:  Aluminum and Plastic furniture will also benefit from a protective coating of regular car wax after washing

 

Fabric: If the covers are machine washable, than by all means go ahead and throw them in the washer.  If not, you can wash cushions and such with a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water, using a soft brush or sponge.  Allow to air dry.

 

Clean your outdoor furniture right  now, and it will be ready to serve you all summer long!

 

by See Jane Drill, Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved