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Design 101
How To Clean Outdoor and Patio Furniture
Published: May 15, 2025
Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to dirt, grime, mold, harsh weather, and countless other elements that can wear it down quickly. Regular maintenance isn’t only about keeping things clean — it keeps your furniture from deteriorating. Below, we’ll break down how to clean outdoor furniture.
General Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
The basic tools you will need to clean any patio, garden, or porch furniture include a garden hose, a cleaning solution containing warm water and gentle detergent, and a soft bristle brush, sponge, or cloth.
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Choose a sunny and dry day to clean your outdoor furniture. This will prevent the growth of rust, mildew, and mold.
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Follow the care labels for any fabric and upholstery, including all cushions, pillows, and covers for proper maintenance.
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Always wear protective gloves, eyewear, and a mask when using chemicals, outdoor furniture cleaner, and sanding materials.
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Use a soft-bristled brush or a cloth to dust off any loose dirt, cobwebs, or leaves gathered on your outdoor furniture. For faster results and easier cleanup, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the fabric surfaces.
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Always remove dust and debris before cleaning patio furniture to avoid spreading grime.
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Make sure you rinse thoroughly after cleaning, as leftover cleaning solutions can cause discoloration.
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Protect the furniture with covers during rough weather if you can’t bring it inside your house.
These are general guidelines on how to clean patio furniture; specifics may vary from material to material. But these fundamental practices prevent avoidable damage to your furniture during cleaning.
How To Clean Outdoor Furniture by Material
Some outdoor furniture materials are extremely easy to maintain, while others require you to keep an eye out for accidents and natural wear and tear. Fortunately, if you clean your outdoor furniture the right way, you’ll be able to keep it looking as good as new for years.
How To Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture
Hardwood or softwood furniture can bring a cozy and warm ambiance to any exterior space. Their natural beauty is aesthetically pleasing until the golden hues turn patina gray, mildew forms, or the surfaces crack and splinter. If you're wonder how to clean outdoor wood furniture, here are steps to keep your wood furniture sturdy and elegant:
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Brush off and wipe down any grime collecting on the surfaces.
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Clean any harder-to-remove residue by gently scrubbing the area with a soft-bristle brush or microfiber towel and outdoor furniture cleaner. Commercial wood cleaners are available, but make sure to read the labels carefully. When they’re not diluted properly, some chemicals in cleaners can harm woods like wicker and painted wood.
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Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning solution. If you have access to a garden hose, keep the pressure on the gentler side to prevent damaging the wood.
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Check the sealant and paint on your wood furniture for scratches, dents, or chips. If there are any minor damages, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth them out, remove wood dust, and apply a new protective sealant coat.
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Apply wood oil, wax, or polish to your outdoor furniture once or twice a year to nourish and moisturize the wood, helping enhance its shine and color. You can also use a UV-resistant product to prevent fading or discoloration from the sun.
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If your wooden outdoor furniture has any mildew or mold, use a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Apply the solution with a spray bottle or a cloth and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then rinse it off with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning Wicker Furniture
Wicker is a style of weaving, and the materials used to make this style range from rattan to bamboo, cane, and synthetic resin. Before using any wood cleaner, make sure you know what material was used to create your wicker furniture. Here are some pro tips for cleaning and maintaining wicker furniture:
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For monthly cleaning, wipe the furniture down or vacuum it with the soft brush attachment.
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For seasonal cleaning, use an outdoor furniture cleaner or a wicker cleaner. With a soft-bristled brush, move gently in a circular motion to loosen and remove any grime between the woven patterns. Thoroughly rinse the furniture down with clean water or a hose. Pat down excess water and let it dry in the sun or a well-ventilated area.
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For wicker pieces with a lacquer finish, we recommend putting on a new coat of paste wax after they are clean and dry to maintain water resistance.
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For non-white, natural wicker, and wood furniture, expert cleaners recommend wiping them down with lemon oil twice a year after cleaning. Lemon oil protects your furniture from insects and molds and keeps away dirt and dust.
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For storage during the wet and colder months, ensure the furniture is clean and dry to prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
Cleaning Metal Furniture
Metal patio furniture is chosen for its longevity, durability, and easy maintenance. Along with its clean lines and elegant allure, outdoor metal furniture needs less maintenance than wood furniture to keep its luster. Here are some great tips for preserving your metal furniture for the long haul:
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One of the simplest ways to clean metal patio furniture is by routinely dusting off dirt and debris with a damp cloth and allowing it to dry.
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For caked-on grime, use the cleaning solution (ingredients are listed above) with a non-abrasive cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Then wipe down with a clean, damp towel or rinse it with a garden hose. Make sure you avoid alkaline cleaners that can cause oxidation.
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For aluminum and stainless steel furniture, use a white vinegar and water mixture (1:1 ratio) for the cleaning solution.
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Check for cracks in the paint or coated finish that may lead to rust. Often metal furniture is sealed in a protective layer, but it can fade with time, use, or external elements. Repair affected areas with protective paint or varnish.
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Use a rust remover, then rinse and let it dry before using a protective paint or varnish. For stubborn rust spots, try using a wire brush. Once finished, clean off any residue with a damp cloth and mineral spirits. Let the furniture dry completely before repainting the affected area with protective paint or varnish.
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For extra protection against rust, use 1–2 coats of automotive paste wax or naval jelly.
Cleaning Plastic Furniture
Plastic and hard resin patio furniture are inexpensive and are the easiest outdoor furniture to maintain. Here are some ways to keep your plastic outdoor furniture looking clean and new:
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For daily use, simply spray it down with a hose. After your furniture has thoroughly been dried, apply a thin coat of paste wax for protection.
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For dirt, grime, and cobwebs, wipe your furniture down using a mixture of warm water and mild soap in a bucket.
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For colored plastic furniture, we recommend a mixture of a quart of water and ¼ cup of vinegar to maintain its hue.
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For moldy spots, mix ¼ cup of bleach and a gallon of water. Use a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the affected areas. If the mold spot is stubborn, try leaving the mixture on for up to fifteen minutes before rinsing it off and drying it completely.
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For a longer lifespan, make sure your store your plastic furniture when not in use. While the sun can degrade plastic, keeping your furniture out during cold seasons can also lead to brittleness and cracking.
Cleaning Concrete Furniture
From fire pits to modern dining tables, Outdoor concrete furniture takes modern styling to the next level with its minimalistic design. As one of the heaviest and most durable options, it can stay outside year-round, but can still benefit from routine cleaning. Here are some easy tips to keep your concrete furniture looking fresh:
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To clean concrete furniture, use warm water and mild soap. Chemicals, vinegar, and baking soda can deteriorate the material and damage the surfaces.
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Because concrete is porous, clean up any spills immediately to avoid stains.
Cleaning Outdoor Fabric Furniture
Cleaning outdoor furniture fabric is a bit more involved than a quick wipe-down job, although that's better than nothing if you're pressed for time. Between the dirt, pollen, and even mildew that build ups on outdoor sectionals and seating, exterior cushions and upholstery need more detailed attention to stay looking nice. If you're wondering how to clean patio cushions effectively, following a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your outdoor fabrics fresh and comfortable year-round. Here's how to tackle stains, routine cleaning, and seasonal care to make sure your outdoor furniture fabric always looks its best:
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Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Regular vacuuming prevents particles from becoming embedded in the fabric and causing wear over time.
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For small stains, use a mild dish soap and water mixture to spot clean. Apply it with a soft cloth, gently dabbing the stained area without scrubbing. For tougher stains like mildew, mix a solution of 1 cup of bleach, ¼ cup of mild soap, and a gallon of water. Apply the mixture with a spray bottle, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Test the solution on an out-of-sight area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the fabric.
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Apply a fabric guard spray after cleaning patio furniture to help repel water, dirt, and stains. Look for products that are safe for outdoor fabrics and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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At least once a season, deep clean any fabric-covered furniture. Remove fabric covers if possible and wash them according to the care label. For fabrics that can't be removed, use an upholstery or steam cleaner designed for outdoor fabrics.
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No matter what cleaning method you choose, always let the fabric fully dry before storing or covering it to prevent mold and mildew growth. Air dry on a sunny day, or use a towel to absorb excess moisture.
Cleaning Outdoor Glass Tabletops
Glass tabletops are a fantastic addition to any outdoor dining or lounging area, but they’re prone to smudges, fingerprints, and scratches.
Use a commercial glass cleaner along with a soft cloth to remove streaks and smudges. You can also opt for a homemade vinegar-water solution for a quick wipedown.
Stain Removal Tips
From food spills to mold and mildew, outdoor furniture is subject to a wide variety of challenging stains.
For rust stains, create a baking soda paste and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and gently scrub it off with a brush or a rough sponge. Rinse thoroughly afterward to ensure there aren’t any leftovers.
For bird droppings, apply some mild dishwashing liquid and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub the area with a damp cloth or sponge.
To remove mildew (or mold) from patio furniture, use a mixture of white vinegar and water. If it's stubborn, use a bit of diluted bleach — but keep in mind this can potentially affect paint and finishes.
For oil and grease stains, time is of the essence. Sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch on the area as soon as possible and let it absorb for a few minutes. Then, wipe the whole stain clean.
Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Just as important as what you should do when cleaning patio furniture is what you shouldn’t do. The do’s and don’ts vary depending on the exact material and finish on a specific piece, but general rules of thumb still apply.
Here are some key concepts you should keep in mind when learning how to clean outdoor furniture:
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Use a gentle outdoor furniture cleaner, clothes, and sponges.
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Regularly check for rust, mold, and other signs of wear and tear.
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Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent moisture damage
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Use protective covers during harsh weather.
And here’s what you should avoid:
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Don't use bleach or abrasive cleaners unless you’re positive the material can withstand them.
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Don't use very hard sponges or scrubbers.
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Don't hose down fragile materials such as wood and wicker.
How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Furniture?
The frequency you clean your patio furniture depends on how frequently you use it, the materials it's made of, and the elements. Of course, spills and other accidents require immediate cleaning to avoid permanent stains.
If you aren’t sure how to keep a cleaning schedule, start by wiping down dust and debris from the surfaces weekly. On a monthly basis, do a deeper clean involving cleaning solutions and gentle scrubbing.
Once or twice per year, give everything a thorough deep cleaning and wash before storing the furniture away. This guarantees that no stain goes unnoticed while ensuring your furniture is ready for the next season.
Storage and Protection Tips
If there’s one thing that can extend the life span of your outdoor furniture sets, it’s storing it away during winter and harsh weather.
Proper storage is essential to keeping your pieces in top condition. If you can, bring the furniture inside your house or inside a shed to give the most protection. This is especially true for cushions, fabrics, and wood or wicker furniture, which are much more sensitive to weather conditions.
If you don’t have enough space inside, invest in waterproof furniture covers. These will help shield against dust and moisture, which can quickly build up if the pieces aren’t frequently used.
Other than that, checking in on the furniture monthly isn’t a bad idea. A quick wipe will go a long way in keeping the pieces in pristine condition all through the colder seasons.
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F.A.Q.
Can I pressure wash patio furniture?
Yes, but try to use a low-pressure setting, and keep in mind that it mostly depends on the material. For metal and plastic furniture, it’s the best way to clean outdoor furniture, but wood and wicker can get severely damaged by a pressure wash.
What's the best cleaner for plastic furniture?
The most versatile solution for cleaning outdoor furniture is some dish soap mixed with warm water. This gentle solution will help clear most stains. For tougher cases, you could use baking soda paste or diluted vinegar.
Can you use vinegar to clean patio furniture?
You can absolutely use vinegar as a cleaner for metal, plastic, and glass furniture — but only if it’s diluted enough. Other materials, such as wood and wicker, may not be able to withstand it, though.
How to clean patio cushions?
If you're wondering how to clean outdoor cushions, start by brushing off loose dirt or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. For general cleaning, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to scrub the cushions, focusing on stains or heavily soiled areas. Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes if needed, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. For mildew, use a stronger solution of 1 cup of bleach, ¼ cup of mild soap, and 1 gallon of water (test on a hidden area first). Rinse well and let the cushions dry completely in a sunny, well-ventilated spot before using or storing. Optional tip on how to clean outdoor cushions: apply a fabric protector spray to help repel dirt and moisture. Learn more about cleaning performance fabric with our helpful guide.
How to keep outdoor furniture clean?
If you're wondering how to keep outdoor furniture clean, the key is consistent care and protection. Start with regular maintenance—wipe down hard surfaces weekly using a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt, pollen, and grime. Shake out or vacuum cushions frequently to prevent dust from settling into the fabric. Use waterproof covers when furniture isn’t in use, and store cushions in a dry, shaded space during bad weather or off-season months. Spot clean any spills right away using a mild soap-and-water solution to avoid stains. For extra protection, apply weatherproof sealants to wood or metal and use fabric guard spray on cushions to repel water, dirt, and UV damage. Knowing how to keep outdoor furniture clean with these steps will help preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan.