How to Remove Mold & Mildew from Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to moisture, making it vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. Whether it’s plastic chairs, wooden tables, or fabric cushions, mold can cause discoloration, unpleasant odors, and even damage your furniture.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to clean mold and mildew from different materials—including Sunbrella (Solution-Dyed Acrylic) fabric. Plus, we’ll recommend some powerful cleaning solutions available at Watson’s to make your job easier!

Why Does Mold & Mildew Grow on Outdoor Furniture?

Mold and mildew thrive in warm, humid, and shaded environments. If outdoor furniture isn’t regularly cleaned or dried, spores can quickly spread.

Common causes of mold and mildew on patio furniture:

• Moisture retention (from rain, humidity, or morning dew)
• Poor air circulation (especially in covered patios)
• Organic debris (dirt, pollen, and leaves create a food source for mold)
• Lack of sunlight (shaded areas promote mold growth)

Best Ways to Remove Mold & Mildew from Outdoor Furniture

Plastic & Resin Furniture

Plastic and resin furniture is non-porous, making it easy to clean.

What You’ll Need:
✔ White vinegar or mild dish soap
✔ Warm water
✔ Soft-bristle brush or sponge
✔ Hose or pressure washer (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (or use mild dish soap).
2. Scrub moldy areas with a sponge or brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer.
4. Let dry in direct sunlight.

Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Wood is porous, so it requires extra care to prevent water damage while cleaning mold and mildew.

What You’ll Need:
✔ White vinegar or mild dish soap
✔ Baking soda (for stubborn stains)
✔ Soft-bristle brush
✔ Sandpaper (if needed)
✔ Outdoor wood sealant (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water.
2. Scrub moldy areas with a soft-bristle brush.
3. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub again.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let the furniture dry in direct sunlight.
5. If mold persists, sand the area lightly and apply a wood sealant.

Metal Furniture (Stainless Steel, Cast Aluminum & Iron)

Metal is less prone to mold but can develop mildew in humid environments.

What You’ll Need:
✔ Mild dish soap
✔ Warm water
✔ Soft cloth or sponge
✔ Rust remover (if needed)

Steps:

1. Mix mild dish soap with warm water and wipe down surfaces.
2. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent rust.
3. If rust appears, use a rust remover and apply a protective sealant.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your outdoor furniture furniture clean and protected with the Stainless Steel/Cast Aluminum/Iron Cleaner & Guard from Watson’s. This heavy-duty, eco-friendly formula keeps your furniture looking new!

How to Clean Mold & Mildew from Outdoor Fabrics (Including Sunbrella)

Outdoor cushions, pillows, and fabric chairs are especially prone to mold and mildew because they absorb moisture.

Cleaning Traditional Outdoor Fabric Cushions

What You’ll Need:
✔ Mild soap (like Dawn)
✔ Warm water
✔ Soft-bristle brush
✔ Vinegar (for stubborn stains)
✔ Fabric protectant spray (optional)

Steps:

1. Mix mild soap with warm water and scrub affected areas.
2. For tough stains, use one part vinegar to three parts water.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let dry in direct sunlight.
4. Apply a fabric protectant spray to prevent future mold growth.

Cleaning Sunbrella Fabric (Solution-Dyed Acrylic)

Sunbrella fabric is mold-resistant but still requires occasional cleaning.

What You’ll Need:
✔ Mild soap (like Woolite or Dawn)
✔ Soft-bristle brush
✔ Bleach solution (for extreme cases)

Steps:

1. Brush off dirt before cleaning.
2. Mix mild soap with warm water and scrub gently.
3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
4. For stubborn mold stains: Mix ¼ cup of bleach, ¼ cup of mild soap, and one gallon of water. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

✅ For an even easier solution, use the Treasure Garden Mold & Mildew Remover from Watson’s! This eco-friendly, spray-and-rinse formula quickly dissolves mold and mildew on outdoor upholstery, cushions, and pillows.

Preventing Mold & Mildew on Outdoor Furniture

✔ Keep furniture dry – Wipe off excess moisture after rain.
✔ Store cushions properly – Bring them inside or use weatherproof storage.
✔ Use furniture covers – Choose breathable, waterproof covers.
✔ Apply protectant sprays – Helps prevent moisture buildup.
✔ Clean regularly – A quick wipe-down every few weeks prevents mold growth.

Final Thoughts

Mold and mildew are common problems for outdoor furniture, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right cleaning methods and maintenance, you can keep your patio looking fresh year-round.

For the fastest and most effective mold removal, check out our cleaning products:

• Treasure Garden Mold & Mildew Remover – Perfect for fabric, cushions, and pillows!
• Stainless Steel/Cast Aluminum/Iron Cleaner & Guard – Keep your metal furniture looking like new!

Shop online or visit your local Watson’s store to grab these must-have cleaning solutions today!

FAQs

Can I use bleach on all outdoor fabrics?

No, traditional outdoor fabrics can be damaged by bleach. However, Sunbrella fabric is bleach-safe when used correctly in a diluted solution.

What’s the best way to prevent mold on outdoor cushions?

Keep them dry and stored properly, and use a mold-resistant spray like the Treasure Garden Mold & Mildew Remover from Watson’s.

Can I pressure wash outdoor furniture to remove mold?

Yes, but only on durable materials like plastic, resin, and metal. Avoid pressure washing wood and fabric, as it can cause damage.