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3 Simple And Easy Ways To Clean Patio Furniture

After a whole spring and summer of use your outdoor patio furniture needs to be cleaned to make sure it looks its best. Of course, that is true in the spring too when you are getting ready for the new season’s use.

I have found 3 ways to clean the different varieties of outdoor furniture available. Here they are.

Aluminum Furniture:

You don’t have to worry about aluminum furniture rusting but it will oxidize. That is the hazy white finish metal furniture gets when it is left outside.

You clean aluminum furniture with mild soap and warm water. After soaking a rag or sponge in the solution wipe off the furniture. Next, dry it off with a clean towel. When the furniture is clean use a metal cleaner or polishing paste to remove the white haze if necessary.

You probably could have guessed those steps but this next one you probably haven’t heard. Use car wax!

Use a good car wax, preferably carnauba based, and it will protect your aluminum furniture the same as it protects the finish of your car.

It will keep minor scratches and stuff from getting to the metal and it is a heck of a lot easier to re-apply car wax than it is to repaint a table!

Alkaline based cleaners, such as window cleaner, can cause oxidation so you shouldn’t use them. Harsh brushes can scratch the metal so avoid those as well.

White Resin/Plastic Furniture:

This time you should use dishwasher detergent because most have a little bit of bleach in them. The bleach will whiten up the white furniture. Use a solution of the detergent and warm water then wipe it on your tables and chairs. Leave it on the furniture for about 10 to 15 minutes then rinse. You can also use car wax on this kind of furniture as well. It fills in the pores and keeps grime from setting into them, making the furniture easier to clean. It works best on new furniture but after you clean the furniture you can use it then too.

Regular bleach and laundry detergent with bleach will work as well when combined with warm water.

Always wear gloves when cleaning with harsh chemicals and bleach. Also remember to work in an open area so you don’t pass out!

Unfinished Wood Furniture:

Use a combination of ammonia, vinegar and water. Use about a cup of ammonia, a half a cup of vinegar, and a gallon of water to get the correct ratio. Scrub the mixture above into your wood and rinse it off very well. Pat the furniture dry with a towel to remove excess water and chemicals.

You really need an outdoor furniture cover to keep the dirt and grime off your furniture while it sits all winter. Head over to http://gardenpatiosets.org to find some good ones and other tips and advice. Also published at 3 Simple And Easy Ways To Clean Patio Furniture.

October 31st, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Category: garden

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