How to Clean Patio Furniture

Patio furniture is an investment, and therefore cleaning it is important to make sure it lasts as long as possible. There are special furniture cleaners that you can purchase depending on the materials, but typically mild dish soap works the best and is cheapest. The patio cushions, which are often are covered with plastic or waterproof materials, can also be cleaned with a diluted solution of dish soap and water.

1. Purchase mild dish soap or one that does not have harsh chemicals; place some in a bucket with warm water. the solution should be nice and “sudsy”; a few tablespoons of the soap to one gallon of water is sufficient. You will also need a clean cloth or sponge to dip in the solution.


2. Remove the cushions (if they are removable) and set them aside to clean after you have washed the furniture.


3. Apply the solution with the sponge or cloth generously and clean all the areas of the furniture, including the legs, arms, seat, back and sides. Make sure to get into all the bends and creases as you will find with aluminum, plastic and wrought iron frames.


4. Take your garden hose, turn the water on as high as possible and then rinse off the furniture, making sure that all the soap has been rinsed off and the water is running clear. Allow the furniture to dry.


5. Focus your attention on the cushions. If they are covered in plastic or a waterproof material, use your solution and sponge to wipe them clean and then use the garden hose to spray off the excess soap.


6. Use a towel to dry off the cushions and the furniture completely. You can then place the cushions back in their place. If your furniture is wood, you can still use the mild dish soap, but allow the wood to dry completely in the sun if possible. In addition, re-staining or painting the wood will help it to last longer and cut down on rot, which can happen with most wood when it is exposed to the elements.