Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Outdoor Furniture Look New

A cold beverage in one hand, a good book in the other, and your comfy rocking chair in a partly sunny position – perfection! But wait, is that dirt, sap, or a dusty paw print? I can’t sit in that, it’ll ruin my pants. How do I even clean this thing? We all know that no matter where you live, a good refresher is required before you can truly enjoy your outdoor furniture this Spring. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you find the right care tips for your furniture.

Wood

A damp rag or cloth will do wonders for removing pollen, dirt, and dust. But when a quick clean doesn’t cut it, consider using a soft bristle brush with water and mild dish soap. The brush will get into the porous nooks and crannies for a more thorough clean. If there are extra tough stains, add a white vinegar to warm water for a second clean. Pro Tip: Scrub in the direction of the grain.

For mold and mildew removal, mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water to wipe down the wood. After cleaning, rinse well and let them dry in the sun. A word of caution – While it may be tempting to use a power washer, it can destroy the finish and is not recommended for wood products.

Poly

Poly furniture is known for being easy to maintain. You can simply clean your poly furniture with a non-abrasive soap and water. Colors like white, gray or ivory will need to be cleaned more frequently to maintain their original beauty. With lighter colors, spray the furniture with a non-abrasive cleaner then wipe the furniture with a cloth and rinse off with warm, clean water. Pro Tip: Pressure washing is not recommended. However, if you choose to use one, be sure to hold the top more than 12” away from the furniture to avoid damage.

Unfinished Furniture of Wilmington is proud to carry the best poly furniture from Colonial Road. This heavy duty product comes with a 20 year residential warranty, stainless steel fasteners, and UV stabilizers to reduce fading.

Wicker and Teak

You can easily clean wicker and teak furniture with a soft brush, warm water, and mild soap. Allow your furniture to air-dry completely after cleaning. Teak can lose it’s luster over time, so applying a natural teak oil can revitalize its color and shine. Pro Tip: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals to clean your furniture. For added protection, you can store these pieces in a covered area during the winter for quick use when the warm weather returns.

Cushion Care

Cleaning upholstered furniture can seem daunting, but can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Hand washing is the gentlest option, but for cushions that have been stained with tree sap or bird droppings, you can use a pressure washer with a low-pressure nozzle. Pro Tip: If the covers are removable, lay them on a flat surface.

• Brush off any dirt or debris to prepare the surface.
• Pre-treat any stains, spritz a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water on any stains and let it sit for about 20 minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth.
• Fill a large bucket with warm water and a mild detergent and place the covers in the bucket if removable. If not, gently wet the cushions with hose.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the cushions and then rinse with clean water until all suds are gone.
• Hang the cushions up to air dry in a shaded area.

Always check the cushion labels before washing – some may be able to be laundered in the washing machine.

Your furniture should be as comfortable and inviting outdoors as it is indoors. At Unfinished Furniture of Wilmington, we want to help you find pieces that fit perfectly with your Spring and Summer lifestyle. We know that outdoor furniture is an investment and should be enjoyed for years to come. Our friendly staff is ready to answer any questions you might have about cleaning and maintaining your outdoor pieces so you can kick back, relax, and soak up the rays!