Preparing for the Summer: How to Properly Take Care of Your Outdoor Furniture

Is your yard not ready for the summer?

Don’t worry, because dealing with stained or weathered outdoor furniture is not as time-consuming as it may sound. To have your garden furniture looking its best, we recommend cleaning it on a regular basis, as well as storing everything indoors before the winter hits.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at what you can do if you didn’t have the time (or motivation) to give your chairs and tables a proper, “head-to-toe” treatment.

How to Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

If you have coloured plastic furniture, an all-purpose cleaner and some water should be enough to deal with the stains then and there. An eco-friendly alternative is to mix  ¼ of vinegar with a quart of warm water.

For resilient stains, use a clean rag soaked in white distilled vinegar. After giving it a good rinse, coat your furniture with automotive paste wax for added protection.

As for how to clean white outdoor furniture, the first thing you should do is to avoid using chlorine and bleach. While these chemicals will make good work of the blemishes, they may also dissolve the material. Thus, a much better alternative is to use a gallon of warm water, about 3 tablespoons of automatic dishwashing detergent, and either a sponge or a soft brush.

How to Clean Teak Furniture

Ever wondered how to clean your teak table?

Well, the professional cleaners in London will give you some tips. For starters, you need to decide if you wish to leave the original finish or the silvery gray patina that has resulted from too much sun exposure. If you would like to preserve the cosmetic patina layer, then:

1. Treat all teak pieces with a teak protector.
2. Use a soft bristle brush and apply a mixture of laundry detergent with bleach and water (2:1 ratio) to deal with any smears that have stained the surface.
3. Rinse everything thoroughly to remove any leftover dirt or chemical residue.

If you wish to preserve the natural colours of your furniture and avoid the forming of a patina layer, then simply use a teak sealant. Doing so will protect your teak pieces keep mould and mildew away (or get rid of it), food stains, as well as general wear and tear. Generally, you get rid of stains the same way you do with carpets – with hassle and nerves.

Also, make sure to keep your garden accessories away from any water sources, especially if you have a pool in your yard.

Related read: How to Clear Up an Overgrown Garden Fast and Easy?

How to Clean Mesh Furniture

First things first – generally speaking, vinegar is not how you clean mesh patio chairs.

• In order to clean fabric mesh, dilute one tablespoon of powdered detergent in a cup of warm water.
• Once the powder has fully dissolved, start cleaning your chairs from their back side downwards.
• Then, rinse the furniture with a bucket of warm water and wipe it down with a soft cloth.
• Repeat the same process for plastic mesh, but add a ½ cup of oxygen bleach to the mixture as well.

How to Clean Glass Furniture

Stained glass tables are perhaps some of the easiest things to clean. All you need for this one is a bit of glass cleaner, some vinegar, a scrub brush, and a microfibre cloth. Here’s how it works:

1. Start by removing stains with a non-abrasive scrub brush to avoid scratching the surface.
2. Spray a bit of white vinegar and/or some glass cleaner.
3. Rub the surface clean in circular motions using a microfibre cloth or a paper towel.

To maintain your table in good shape, make sure to wipe the underside once every month to keep it grime-free all year long. If possible, cover your glass table with a piece of clothing whenever it’s not in use. This way, you won’t have to clean the glass surfaces every week.

How to Clean Metal Furniture

Whether you own wrought iron, cast iron, or aluminum furniture, one thing is certain – you will have to deal with oxidation. Oxidation is a process where a certain element loses some of its electrons.

In other words, keep ammonia, trisodium phosphate, abrasive products, rain, and moisture (mould and mildew) away from your sturdy garden furniture as metals are highly vulnerable to oxidation.

Preventing rust is quite an easy feat. You can either get a metal polishing paste or mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Then, simply clean your furniture as frequently as possible, say once or twice per week.

In case the damage has already been done, do the following:

1. Sand the rust along with the affected paint.
2. Soak a cloth in mineral spirits and gently brush the surface.
3. Use a rust-resistant primer before repainting the furniture.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

So far, we’ve taken a look at how to clean outdoor chairs and tables. But that doesn’t mean that we forgot about outdoor cushions. Here are the things you’ll need to refresh yours:

• 1 teaspoon of a regular dishwashing detergent;
• 1 quart of warm water;
• 1 tablespoon of sodium borate.

Pour the solution inside a spray bottle and generously apply it onto your cushions. Once you’re done, leave them be for about 15 minutes, then rinse the solution away with a garden hose. When drying your cushions, make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight. Once they’re almost dry, apply a fabric protector to preserve their cosy looks for weeks on end.

If you have any troubles with outdoor mats, you can always contact London’s rug and carpet cleaning specialists at Star Domestic Cleaners. If you have a dirty grill, BBQ or Oven, consider our specialsied services. For cleaning Aga cookers, try yourself or simply get in touch.