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Spring is finally (mostly) here and now that the season is changing and weather forecasts are warming up it’s time to think about getting your patio furniture ready for your outdoor oasis.
Just as you begin spring cleaning in your yard and indoors, don’t forget about your patio furniture!
If you properly cleaned and stored your patio furniture for the winter months, spring cleaning should be a breeze, but whether you did (or maybe forgot), follow these steps for proper cleaning and to keep your patio furniture like new.
Dust It Off
Apart from removing any tarps or coverings, the first step in your patio furniture spring cleaning is dusting everything off. No matter how well you think you stored them, dust has a way of collecting.
If your patio furniture has been outside but not covered well, such as stored under a deck or alongside your home, consider using a leaf blower to remove all the dust and additional debris like dirt and leaves that have collected.
Cleaning Tip: For more challenging furniture, such as wicker, where debris and dust can get in the grooves, consider using canned air that can add some more pressure to push out dust, cobwebs, and more.
Brush It Off
After you’ve removed the loose debris and dust, the next step is to thoroughly clean using a soft-bristle brush to remove stubborn dirt.
If you have metal patio furniture, check for rust and remove with a wire brush and smooth out with sandpaper before treating with a rust preventative to stop the spread.
Cleaning Tip: Don’t throw away your old toothbrushes. These make great tools for cleaning small or hard to reach nooks and crannies on your patio furniture.
Wash It Off
It can be very tempting to break out the pressure washer and hose down your furniture but be aware that too much pressure can actually damage your patio furniture materials causing more wear and tear. If you prefer the pressure washer over a sponge and soap, keep it to a lower setting and with wood furniture, clean with the grain.
The simplest way to wash away the winter months (and the safest way) is to use the old-fashioned, tried-and-true sponge and soap method.
For the most effective cleaning that won’t damage your furniture, but also cuts through dirt and grime, use warm water and dish soap. Warm water will break through dirt faster while dish soap is gentle enough to avoid any damage to your furniture that more abrasive cleaners may cause.
Cleaning Tip: White vinegar, soap, and water is a winning combination for cleaning solution for just about anything. It’s simple, safe, and gentle.
Be Attentive to the Material
Just like indoor furniture, patio furniture is available is a variety of materials, including varieties of wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. Each material can have its nuances with cleaning that are effective and ineffective.
Wood Patio Furniture: Avoid boiling water when cleaning wood as it can damage and even discolor your furniture. Abrasive cleaners can also leave marks. With any wood patio furniture, you’ll want to clean in the direction of the grain and use a gentle soap and sponge.
Metal Patio Furniture: This can rust easily, so avoid abrasive cleaners or those that contain bleach. Bleach can corrode and damage the metal, leaving unsightly rust spots. Use a gentle cleaner for metal furniture.
Plastic Patio Furniture: Harsh, abrasive cleaners can leave marks on plastics. Make sure you also place your plastic patio furniture out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Wicker Patio Furniture: Wicker is beautiful, but more challenging to clean. Too much water or cleaner left on the furniture for too long can cause the wicker to warp. Similar to wood furniture, wicker can also be damaged by scratches and marks left from harsh cleaners.
Don’t Forget Your Upholstery
Your upholstery should get the same level of care and cleaning as the rest of the furniture. Just because your patio upholstery is a little tougher and made for the elements, unlike your indoor options, you still need to care for them just the same.
If you have patio furniture with upholstery, follow the instructions provided. Whether you can remove the covers and throw in the washing machine or if you have to take a sponge and water, cleaning your upholstery will keep your patio furniture looking like new and last longer.
Whether you’re looking to update or maybe your existing patio furniture didn’t quite make it through winter unscathed, Watson’s carries a large selection of outdoor seating options, from seating and outdoor dining sets to sectionals, sofas, and much more. Stop in today to one of our nine locations or call and speak with one of our design experts.
