Cleaning patio furniture can be a very tedious process especially if you don't do it on a regular basis. In most cases, the cleaning procedure for an outdoor item will require nothing but the usual soap and water routine. However, you should try other cleaning process every once in a while.
In cleaning patio furniture, you should keep in mind that the cleaning chemicals will largely depend on the material of the outdoor item. Even the procedure involved will be based on the type of wood or metal used in building the furniture. Here are some pointers:
· When you are cleaning acrylic cushions, use mild soap instead of very harsh cleaning chemicals that are caustic based. Pick a mild detergent that can get rid of oil, grime and stains. Be sure to rinse the cushion well and let it dry completely under direct sunlight before putting it away on your closet or using it. This will prevent the growth of mold and mildews.
· If your patio furniture has frames made of aluminum, wrought iron or steel, use mild detergents and water. After cleaning it, wipe the frames with an absorbent cloth and make sure that they are completely dry. If the metal frames are not rust free, consider applying a paste wax to prevent corrosion and rusting.
· Fabric hammocks and other cloth pieces (i.e. cloth covers) that are attached on the patio furniture pieces can be machine washed. However, it is recommended to select gentle cycle. After washing, line the cloth pieces and let it dry to a slightly damp level. You can then stretch it over the furniture frame and let it completely dry out. When the winter season comes, consider storing your fabric furniture items indoors to avoid damage from excessive moisture.
· If you have patio furniture made of resin materials, water can be good enough to clean it. Just spray water using your regular garden hose. However, if there are stubborn dirt and stains, consider using mild soap. If there are marks left, considering using a gentle abrasive to remove it. Chemicals such as bleaching detergents can also be used if there are molds and mildews. Just keep the chemical concentrations low. The usual proportion is a cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water. When cleaning wicker patio furniture piece, use a pressure washer if available. You can also make use of a garden hose. If this is not enough, use mild liquid soap. Once the furniture is completely dry, a paste wax application is necessary if you want to retain the natural wooden shine of the frames. During the winter and rainy seasons, cover the frames and keep the cushions indoors.
