How to Clean Patio Furniture
All POLYWOOD products are easy to maintain, and we've created multiple guides you can follow to keep your furniture and accessories relaxation-ready.
How to Clean POLYWOOD Products
Follow these cleaning methods to spruce up your furniture fast.
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
- Washcloth
- (Optional) Liquid bleach
Instructions
- Quickly remove loose dirt and debris with the dry vacuum.
- Mix the dish soap and warm water in the bucket.
- (Optional step) To clean and sanitize, pour in a bit of bleach. We recommend 1 part bleach to 2 parts water.
- Use a washcloth to apply the soapy water to the lumber and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the surfaces using the soft-bristle brush to loosen any dirt or debris.
- Rinse with clean water and let your furniture air-dry.
Tips:
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves if you plan to use bleach.
- For a natural bleach alternative, try undistilled white vinegar and baking soda.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaning or polishing scrubbers (such as eraser pads) on lumber.
This high-pressure power washing method gives your furniture a deep, thorough cleaning.
Supplies Needed
- A pressure washer (rated no higher than 1,500 psi) equipped with a 40-degree fan tip
Instructions
- Spray all areas of your furniture with slow, even sweeps, keeping the nozzle about 8 inches away from the surface.
- If any stubborn spots remain, follow the Clean & Sanitize steps to remove them.
Tips:
- Always keep the pressure washer's wand moving. Spraying one spot continuously can cause gouges and other damage.
- Wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, boots, and ear protection when using a pressure washer.
All POLYWOOD furniture hardware (screws, nuts, bolts, and other fasteners) is made using marine-grade 18-8 stainless steel with an AlloChrome 3200+™ finish and cosmetic coating. Here’s how to clean these hardworking parts.
Supplies Needed
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
- Towel
Instructions
- Mix the dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
- Apply the soapy mixture to the hardware with a soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe away excess water with a dry towel.
Salt Air Tips:
Keep your hardware in great shape with these corrosion-prevention tips.
- Apply a color-appropriate appliance touch-up paint (available at your local hardware store).
- Dab on a coat of clear car wax.
- If the hardware comes in contact with salt water, rinse it right away with fresh water and towel dry.
Follow these easy steps to keep your outdoor cushions clean and pillows pristine.
Supplies Needed
- (Optional) Dry vacuum
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Washcloth
Instructions
- Brush or rinse loose debris off cushion covers before it embeds in the fabric. Using your dry vacuum makes quick work of this.
- Create a mixture of ¼ cup of dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. (For 5 gallons of water, use 1¼ cup of soap.)
- Apply the mixture to the material with a clean cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and let your cushions air-dry.
Tips:
- Standing cushions on their sides will help them dry faster.
- If possible, flip your cushions periodically to even out the wear on each side.
- Store patio cushions in a dry spot—such as a shed, garage, or console table—when not in use.
Extend the life of your outdoor sling fabrics with this easy semi-annual cleaning method.
Supplies Needed
- Whisk broom
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Sponge or washcloth
- Liquid bleach
Instructions
- Remove loose dirt with the whisk broom.
- Mix 1 Tbsp dish soap and 2 Tbsp bleach per 1 gallon of water. (For 5 gallons of water, use 5 Tbsp dish soap and 10 Tbsp bleach.)
- Use the sponge or cloth to scrub the mixture onto all parts of the sling fabric.
- Thoroughly rinse the material right away and let it air-dry.
Oil-based products can damage outdoor sling fabric and make it age faster. If direct contact occurs, clean it off right away using the following method.
Supplies Needed
- Paper towel
- Corn starch
- Dry vacuum cleaner or straight edge
Instructions
- Blot any excess oil with paper towels—do not rub.
- Apply cornstarch to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove the corn starch using the dry vacuum or straight edge.
- Repeat the process until all the oil has been absorbed.
Remove mold, mildew, and stains with this deep cleaning method.
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- 5-gallon bucket
- Mild dish soap
- Bleach
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions
- Open your umbrella and lay it on its side.
- Remove dust and loose dirt with your dry vacuum fitted with a brush attachment.
- Rinse the canopy with your garden hose.
- Fill the bucket with warm water and mix in 1 cup of bleach and ¼ cup of soap per gallon of water.
- Apply the solution to the fabric and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Thoroughly rinse the canopy and leave it open to air-dry.
NOTE: Only use this method on bleach-cleanable performance fabrics. Before trying this approach, check with your umbrella’s manufacturer to see if it’s safe to clean with bleach.
Prevent wear and tear on resin wicker with this easy cleaning method.
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- Paintbrush
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Soft-bristle brush
- Toothbrush
- Towel
Instructions
- Before cleaning, remove any cushions.
- Sweep away debris using your dry vacuum’s brush attachment, and get hard-to-reach areas with the paintbrush.
- Dip your soft-bristle brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the wicker’s surfaces. Use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies.
- Rinse with clean water and dry it off with a towel.
Maintain your aluminum furniture with these easy cleaning tips.
Supplies Needed
- Garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Bucket of warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microfiber towel
Instructions
- Remove loose dirt, pollen, and dust with the garden hose.
- Mix a bit of dish soap into the bucket of water.
- Use the cloth and soapy water to thoroughly clean all surfaces.
- Rinse the aluminum with clean water and towel-dry immediately.
PRO TIPS:
- For stubborn stains and water spots, apply a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar to the aluminum after washing with soapy water. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and drying.
- Avoid using abrasive brushes or pads and harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage the aluminum and its protective powder coating.
How to Keep Your Patio Furniture Looking Like New
Use our tips and tricks to ensure your lawn furniture keeps that "like new" look year after year.
How to Clean Less Often
With these preventive measures, you can spend less time cleaning and more time lounging.
- Store outdoor furniture and cushions in your shed or garage when you aren't using them.
- Invest in durable covers that you can put over your furniture when it's not in use.
- If possible, keep furniture and cushions out of direct sunlight to reduce fading caused by sun exposure.
- Spray outdoor cushions and umbrellas with fabric protectant that repels water, stains, and mildew.
- Protect aluminum deck furniture from the elements with a coat of car wax, exterior paint, or a silicone spray like WD-40.
- It's always best to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, which are the results of thorough research and testing. Other methods may cause damage or lead to additional cleaning.
FAQs
Quickly clean your outdoor furniture in 4 easy steps.
- Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
- Scrub the soapy solution onto the surfaces using a washcloth or soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Let your furniture air-dry.
The best cleaner for patio furniture is mild dish soap. It's safe to use on various materials, inexpensive, and easy to find online or at your local grocer.
Follow these steps to clean the fabric on your outdoor chairs:
- Pour distilled white vinegar into a plastic spray bottle.
- Spritz the material and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub the areas with a soft-bristle brush.
- Thoroughly rinse the fabric and let it air-dry.
How can I make my patio furniture look new?
Make patio furniture material look good as new with these tips.
- Clean your furniture regularly with mild dish soap, water, and a soft-bristle brush.
- Use touch-up paint on aluminum to cover any chips or scratches in the finish.
- Refresh your furniture’s look by adding new seat cushions and throw pillows.
- Condition natural wicker fibers with a thin coat of lemon oil every few months.
- Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to wooden furniture.