Different Materials, Different Methods
Patio furniture comes in five main materials: metal (aluminum, steel, iron), plastic/resin, wicker (natural or synthetic), wood, and fabric cushions. Each one handles cleaning differently. Use the wrong product on the wrong material and you'll fade finishes, rust metal, or rot fibers. This guide covers the right method for each type, so you can clean everything on your patio in one afternoon without damage.
What You'll Need
- A multi-surface cleaner — Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner is safe for most patio materials.
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle.
- A soft-bristled brush — for wicker and delicate surfaces.
- A stiff-bristled brush — for metal and plastic.
- Microfiber cloths.
- A bucket.
- Rubber gloves.
- White vinegar — for natural cleaning alternatives.
- Mildew remover — for heavily affected cushions and fabric.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning by Material
Metal Furniture (Aluminum, Steel, Iron)
Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose dirt. Mix multi-surface cleaner with warm water and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. Pay extra attention to joints and welds where dirt accumulates. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. For rust spots on iron or steel, use fine-grit sandpaper or a wire brush, then apply touch-up paint.
Plastic and Resin Furniture
Plastic is the easiest to clean. Hose it down, spray with multi-surface cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse, and dry. For yellowed or weathered plastic, a mixture of baking soda paste rubbed in with a cloth can brighten the surface. Avoid bleach on colored plastic — it fades dyes.
Wicker (Natural and Synthetic)
Natural wicker is more delicate. Use a soft brush and minimal water — too much moisture damages the fibers. Dust first with a vacuum brush attachment, then wipe gently with a cloth lightly dampened in diluted cleaner. Dry immediately. Synthetic (resin) wicker is more forgiving — you can hose it down like plastic furniture, then scrub with a soft brush.
Wood Furniture
Wood furniture needs a gentle approach. Dust with a dry cloth, then wipe with a cloth dampened in a mild cleaner solution — don't saturate the wood. Dry thoroughly. Once a year, oil untreated wood (like teak) with a dedicated teak oil or wood protector. Painted wood furniture can be washed more aggressively but should be dried immediately to prevent peeling.
Fabric Cushions
Remove cushions from furniture and vacuum them with a brush attachment. Spot-clean stains with a mild cleaner and a soft brush. For general cleaning, mix diluted cleaner with warm water and scrub the fabric surface, working in circles. Rinse with a hose on low pressure and stand the cushions on edge to drain. Let them dry completely in the sun (at least 24 hours) before returning them to furniture — trapped moisture causes mildew.
Pro Tips
- Clean on a sunny, warm day. Fabric dries faster, reducing mildew risk.
- Cover furniture during winter. Covered furniture needs one-third the cleaning of uncovered furniture.
- Treat wicker with furniture oil annually. Keeps natural fibers flexible and prevents cracking.
Common Mistakes
- Using bleach on wicker or wood. Discolors both permanently.
- Putting wet cushions back on furniture. Traps moisture and grows mildew within days.
- Pressure washing delicate furniture. Strips finishes and damages fibers.
FAQ
How often should I clean patio furniture?
Light cleaning weekly during the active season. Deep cleaning twice a year — once in spring before use and once in fall before covering or storage.
How do I get mildew off patio cushions?
Scrub with a mild cleaner solution and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. For stubborn mildew, use a dedicated mildew remover. Dry the cushions completely in direct sunlight — the UV helps kill remaining spores.
Can I use bleach on white patio furniture?
Only on colorfast plastic or vinyl. Never on fabric, wicker, or wood. Test in a hidden spot first, and dilute heavily.
My metal furniture is rusting. What now?
Sand the rust spot with fine-grit sandpaper, wipe clean, apply a rust-converter primer, and touch up with matching paint. Address rust early — small spots spread fast outdoors.
How do I keep patio furniture cleaner longer?
Cover it when not in use, store cushions indoors during off-season, and do a quick hose-down monthly to remove pollen and bird droppings before they bond. Prevention is always faster than cleaning.
