5 Tips to Clean All Outdoor Furniture and Areas

An outdoor space is something many people wish they had. Not only do you get to extend your living area. But, the chance to spend time outdoors has many physical and mental benefits. Instead of spending hours cooped up indoors, you can get some fresh air on the patio or backyard. 

The outdoor space has become a place for recreation and entertainment. That is why people invest in making the space as comfortable as possible. You find all manner of outdoor furniture and decor sprucing up the space. 

It is critical to keep up with cleaning the outdoor furniture and general area. We will share some easy-to-follow tips below. 

1. Develop a Cleaning Routine

You can do the basic dusting and sweeping the outdoor furniture and area. But, you should schedule a more thorough cleaning session at least once every quarter. 

The best time to do it is at the beginning of each season. Spring, for instance, contains plenty of pollen. You will want a deep clean to get rid of it before transitioning to summer. 

The hot summer temperatures mean plenty of dust. A lot of sweat will also soak into the fabric. A deep cleaning will give you clean furniture as you move to the next season. 

Autumn is the season when leaves fall off trees. You don’t have too much control over where they land. In this case, you will need gutter cleaning services to remove any clogs resulting from debris buildup. 

2. Cleaning Outdoor Cushions

Source: Unsplash

The cushions collect a lot of dirt over time. You can imagine the number of people who sit on them. The dirt or dust from the clothes will stick on. And, we can’t ignore those who prefer to sit with their feet up. Let’s not forget the spills, crumbs and oily fingers that leave imprints on the cushions.  

Washing outdoor cushions is as simple as using a soft brush and soapy water. In most cases, the material does not allow for machine washing. Unless, of course, the manufacturer has indicated that it is alright to do so. You can use the same soap and soft brush to clean outdoor umbrellas. 

A simple tip to keeping cushions clean longer is to keep them away when not in use. No one wants to sit in the frigid cold during winter. So, there is no point in having the cushions out at such a time.  

3. Cleaning Metal and Wood Furniture

Metal has one disadvantage; moisture will cause it to corrode. That is why you need to keep a close watch on it, especially after rainy or snowy seasons. Check if there are no scratches, rust or mold signs. You will need to seal such with rust-proof paint. 

To clean the metal furniture, use a non-abrasive, very mild detergent. Use a soft cloth that will not scratch the surface. Also, avoid alkaline cleaners because they will cause oxidation. Like in the case of cushions above, store away what you can, when not in use. 

The same routine pretty much applies to wood furniture. Any harsh chemical will spoil the finish or damage the wood. For tougher stains, sanding may be your best option. Keep up with the staining, painting or oiling to maintain the furniture in good order.  

4. Window Cleaning

Don’t ignore the windows when doing a thorough cleaning job. Remember, the windows provide that connection between the outdoor and indoor space. You will feel a better merging of both areas when the windows are super clean. If you have an indoor patio with glass enclosures, you must also keep up with the cleaning. 

We can’t lie that windows are perhaps the hardest to clean. Improper techniques can leave streaks that can be pretty unsightly. Fortunately, there are window cleaning services available if you would rather not do the job. The experts come in and clean all your exterior and interior windows for you. 

If you want to try your hand, you will need some basic items. These include dish soap, sponge, squeegee and small towels. For high windows, a ladder is also necessary. Take advantage of online resources to teach you how to do the job. 

You also get to know about window cleaning mistakes to avoid. Do you, for example, know that you should not wash windows on hot days? The soapy solution will dry on the glass surface, making it hard to clean off. 

5. Cleaning the Deck

The foot traffic that the deck experiences can make it pretty dirty. The leaves, flowers, dust and debris further exacerbate the problem. It is essential to clean this outdoor area very well every season. This is also the opportunity to check for any damage due to rotting, warping or splitting of the wood. Also, ensure the screws are in place, and no nails are jutting out. 

Source: Pexels

For a thorough clean, remove all the furniture and decor. Before hosing the deck down, sweep off the debris. You may need to chisel off those that have lodged between boards. A putty knife or screwdriver should do the trick.  

In addition, you will need a scrub brush, broom, garden hose or pressure washer and cleaning products. Like in the case of wooden furniture, avoid harsh chemicals. You can find cleaning solutions specific to decks in stores. Thankfully, there are also plenty of DIY homemade deck cleaning solutions you can try. You get to eradicate dirt, mildew, mold and algae. 

If you are using a power washer, be careful about the pressure you apply. If it is too high, it could damage the deck. The pressure should just be enough to wash away the dirt and debris.  

For pavements, curbs or driveways, it is alright to use higher pressure. Be careful, though, for flying stones and debris. 

Final Thoughts

Your outdoor space provides a lot of benefits to you and your family. So, it only makes sense that you take good care of it. Think about it this way: you spend a significant portion of your time cleaning the indoors. Why should the situation be any different for the outdoor space? 

We have shared some excellent tips on keeping the furniture and outdoor area clean. Please pay attention to the products and techniques you use. You don’t want to cause damage to wood, metal or the fabric.