Outdoor furniture can look fine until you actually need to use it. A few months of rain, dust, bird droppings, and damp cushions can leave your outdoor setting looking much less inviting than it did at the end of summer.
The good news is that you don't need to attack every surface with the same cleaner. Plastic, teak, wicker, aluminium and outdoor fabrics all need slightly different treatment, and choosing the right approach can save you time and help prevent damage.
Here's how to clean outdoor furniture, from cushions and mould to teak, plastic, wicker, aluminium and glass.
Before You Start
A little preparation makes outdoor furniture cleaning much easier. Before you start:
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Remove leaves, dust and loose dirt with a soft brush or vacuum where appropriate.
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Hose down suitable hard surfaces to loosen dirt before cleaning.
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Check the manufacturer's care instructions, particularly for cushions, timber and treated finishes.
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Spot-test your chosen cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
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Work in the shade where possible. Direct sunlight can cause cleaning products to dry too quickly.
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If you're dealing with mould, make sure the area has good airflow and avoid aggressively dry-brushing the affected surface.
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Wear suitable protective gear and follow the safety directions on the product label.
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Never mix cleaning products, even if you think combining them will make the job easier.
If you're dealing with extensive mould growth or aren't comfortable handling the job yourself, it's worth getting professional help.
How To Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions
Outdoor cushions can be some of the trickiest parts of an outdoor setting to clean. Dirt settles into the fabric, while rain and humidity can leave cushions damp for long enough for mould to develop.
Start by checking the care label. If the cover is removable, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying.
Removable Covers
If the covers can go in the wash:
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Remove the covers and treat any visible stains first.
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Check the care label for the recommended washing temperature and drying method.
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Use a suitable laundry detergent, such as OzKleen Laundry Power, according to its directions.
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Allow the covers to dry completely before putting them back on the cushions.
Don't assume every outdoor cushion cover can be washed in the same way. Coatings, finishes and fabric blends can have different care requirements.
Non-Removable Covers
For fixed covers, avoid soaking the entire cushion. Too much moisture can make it harder for the filling to dry properly.
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Remove loose dirt with a vacuum or gentle brush.
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Spot-test your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous area.
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Work in small sections rather than saturating the cushion.
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If you find mould, use a mould treatment suitable for the fabric and follow its directions.
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Let the cushion dry completely before covering or storing it.
For outdoor furniture fabric that has developed mould, OzKleen Mould Power is designed for use on suitable fabrics and other surfaces. Always check the product directions and material suitability before use.
How To Remove Mould From Outdoor Furniture And Cushions
Mould needs a different approach from everyday dirt. If it appears after a period of wet weather, cleaning the affected area is only part of the job. You also need to consider why the surface stayed damp.
Here's how to tackle mould on outdoor furniture and cushions:
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Move the furniture into a well-ventilated area. If possible, work somewhere with plenty of airflow.
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Don't aggressively dry-brush the mould. This can disturb the affected material.
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Spot-test the treatment. Make sure the product suits the surface before treating the whole area.
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Apply a suitable mould treatment. Follow the product's application instructions and recommended contact time.
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Clean the surface as directed. Don't leave the product on for longer than the label recommends.
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Let everything dry completely. Damp cushions and furniture can encourage mould to return.
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Deal with the source of the moisture. Poor airflow, prolonged rain and damp storage can all contribute to recurring mould.
Our How To Get Rid Of Mould In Your Home guide has more information on tackling mould around the home.
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture By Material
Different outdoor furniture materials need different levels of care. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning painted, powder-coated, sealed or treated surfaces.
Plastic And Resin
Plastic and resin furniture is generally straightforward to clean.
Remove loose dirt first, then clean one section at a time with a suitable cloth or sponge. For everyday dirt, grease and grime, OzKleen Multi Purpose Power is listed for outdoor furniture.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly if the furniture has a decorative finish that could become scratched or marked.
Aluminium
Start by removing loose dirt, then use a suitable non-abrasive cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can mark the finish. If the aluminium is painted or powder-coated, check the manufacturer's instructions before applying a cleaner.
Timber And Teak
Timber and teak need a gentler approach.
Remove loose dirt with a soft brush and avoid abrasive pads or aggressive scrubbing, which can scratch the timber or change its appearance.
If you're learning how to clean teak outdoor furniture, first check whether the timber is oiled, sealed or weathered. Different finishes have different care requirements, so follow the manufacturer's instructions if you're unsure.
Wicker And Rattan
Use a soft brush or cloth to clean between the weave without pulling or damaging the fibres.
Natural rattan needs particular care around water, so avoid excessive moisture and let it dry thoroughly afterwards. Synthetic wicker is generally more resistant to moisture, but it's still worth checking the care instructions for coated or treated furniture.
Glass And Stainless Steel
Clean glass in manageable sections. Use a suitable glass cleaner, wipe the surface clean and dry it afterwards to help reduce streaks.
For stainless steel, wipe with the grain where applicable and avoid abrasive products that could scratch polished or finished areas.
OzKleen Glass Power can be used on suitable glass and hard surfaces. If you're cleaning surfaces that also need polishing, Spray & Polish is another option for suitable surfaces.
Always check the product directions before use and spot-test finished or coated areas.
Choosing An Outdoor Furniture Cleaner
So, what should you look for in an outdoor furniture cleaner?
Start with the material you're cleaning and the type of dirt you're trying to remove. Everyday dust and grime don't need the same treatment as mould, and a product suitable for plastic may not suit delicate fabric, timber, or a coated finish.
Check the furniture manufacturer's recommendations first, then read the cleaner's label. Only use a product on surfaces that the directions identify as suitable.
Also avoid bleach, ammonia, and abrasive products where they could damage the surface or finish. Most importantly, never mix cleaning products.
What Not To Use On Outdoor Furniture
Using the wrong cleaning method can leave you with a bigger problem than the dirt you started with.
Avoid:
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Abrasive cleaners and harsh scrubbing on surfaces that can scratch or mark.
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Excessive water on natural rattan, timber and cushions.
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A general-purpose cleaner on delicate fabrics unless the product directions say it's suitable.
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Unapproved products on coated or treated finishes.
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Mixed cleaning products or chemicals. Use one product at a time and follow its directions.
When you're unsure, check the furniture manufacturer's care instructions before reaching for a cleaner.
How To Keep Outdoor Furniture Clean
Once you've put the effort into cleaning your outdoor setting, a little regular maintenance can make the next job much easier.
1. Remove Dirt Regularly
Brush away leaves, dust, and loose debris before they build up. Clean bird droppings and spills rather than allowing them to sit on the surface.
2. Keep Cushions Dry
Move cushions undercover during prolonged wet weather where possible. After cleaning or rain, give them plenty of time to dry before covering or storing them.
3. Check Shaded Areas
Check corners, underneath cushions, and areas where furniture sits close together. These spots can stay damp for longer and are worth checking after wet weather.
4. Use Covers Where Appropriate
Furniture covers can help protect outdoor settings from rain, dust and debris between uses. Make sure the furniture is dry before covering it so you don't trap moisture underneath.
5. Give Everything A Seasonal Clean
You don't need to deep clean your entire outdoor setting every week. A quick clean every few weeks can keep everyday grime under control, while a more thorough clean at the start of spring can get everything ready for regular use again.
Ready To Get Your Outdoor Furniture Ready For Spring?
With the right approach for each material, you can tackle built-up dirt, mould and everyday grime without making the job harder than it needs to be. For everyday outdoor cleaning, OzKleen Multi Purpose Power can be used on outdoor furniture and is designed for everyday dirt, grease, and grime.
Shop OzKleen to get started, and always check the product label and your furniture manufacturer's care instructions before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Clean Outdoor Furniture In Direct Sunlight?
Shade is generally better. Direct sunlight can cause cleaning products to dry quickly on the surface, making them harder to apply and remove evenly.
Can You Use A Pressure Washer On Outdoor Furniture?
It depends on the material and the manufacturer's instructions. High-pressure water can damage finishes or force water into materials such as wicker and timber. Check the furniture manufacturer's recommendations before using one.
How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Furniture?
Clean it when dirt starts to build up rather than waiting for an annual deep clean. A quick clean every few weeks can help prevent leaves, bird droppings and general grime from becoming harder to remove.
How Do You Clean Mould Off Outdoor Cushions?
Start by checking the cushion's care instructions and moving it to a well-ventilated area. Avoid aggressively dry-brushing the mould. Instead, spot-test a suitable mould treatment first, then apply it according to the product directions.
After you've finished treating the affected area, let the cushion dry completely before covering or storing it. If mould keeps returning, check the conditions around the cushion, especially prolonged moisture, poor airflow, or damp storage.
How Do You Clean Outdoor Furniture Fabric?
Start by checking the fabric's care instructions. Remove loose dirt, spot-test your chosen cleaner and avoid soaking the fabric unless the manufacturer's instructions allow it. If you find mould, use a treatment specifically suitable for the material and let it dry completely afterwards.
Can Outdoor Furniture Be Left Outside In The Rain?
It depends on the furniture and how it is designed to be used. Outdoor furniture is made to handle weather, but prolonged moisture can still affect cushions, timber, natural rattan and some finishes. Move cushions somewhere dry during extended wet weather, and let everything dry properly.