How to Care for Your Outdoor Lounge Furniture

As the sun-kissed day's beckon, there's nothing quite like lounging in the open air, basking in the warm embrace of nature. But with this indulgence comes the responsibility of preserving your best outdoor furniture's pristine condition and longevity. 


Whether you're a seasoned patio enthusiast or a greenhorn seeking to elevate your outdoor experience, our comprehensive blog is your ultimate companion. It offers expert tips, ingenious hacks, and practical maintenance strategies to safeguard your outdoor haven from the elements, ensuring its resilience against time and weather. Unveil the secrets to unparalleled outdoor lounge furniture care and embrace the joy of unwinding in the lap of outdoor luxury, year after year.

How to Clean Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture, made from pliable weaves of rattan, split reed, or coated paper and sometimes reinforced with metal, is often coated with clear varnish, paint, or a combination of both to protect its surface. The cleaning process remains the same whether it's indoor or outdoor rattan furniture. Follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:|

Vacuum or Dusting

Use a dust-brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dirt and debris from the wicker surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a dry paintbrush to remove loose particles.


Cleaning Solution

Create a cleaning solution by mixing mild soap with water. Make sure the soap is gentle to avoid damaging the wicker material. Dip a soft-bristle brush or a sponge into the soapy solution.


Scrubbing

Gently scrub the wicker furniture with a soapy brush or sponge, covering all surfaces. Don't apply too much pressure, as harsh scrubbing can damage delicate fibers.


Rinsing

After scrubbing, rinse the soap residue with clean water. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the soap.


Drying

Ensure you don't use excessive water during cleaning to avoid weakening the wicker fibers. Pat dry the furniture with a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Regular cleaning is highly recommended for wicker furniture, as it helps to prevent the buildup of mildew and maintains the furniture's overall appearance and longevity.

How to Clean Wood Furniture

Most lumbers used for outdoor lounge furniture are naturally resistant to decay and can withstand the elements quite well. While sealants can help preserve the wood's colour and protect it from wear and tear, they are not necessary. Leaving the wood unfinished will allow it to develop a beautiful silvery-grey patina and require minimal maintenance, though regular cleaning is still recommended.

Cleaning

  • Vacuum the wood furniture using a dust-brush attachment or a dry paintbrush to remove loose dirt and debris.
  • Prepare a mild soap and water solution.
  • Clean the furniture by gently scrubbing it with a soft-bristle brush and the soap and water mixture.
  • Rinse the furniture with clean water to remove any soapy residue.
  • Pat the wood dry with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and promote quicker drying.

Stain Removal For Mildew Stains

  • Mix 1 gallon of hot water with powdered oxygen bleach (never use chlorine bleach) according to the product's directions.
  • Scrub the affected area with a soft-bristle brush using the oxygen bleach solution.
  • Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
  • Pat the wood dries with a lint-free cloth.

For rust stains

  • Lightly sand the affected area along the grain using fine-grit sandpaper.
  • Rinse the sanded area with clean water to remove any sanding residue.
  • If the rust stain is too large to sand, prepare a wood bleach solution according to the product's directions and mix it with hot water.
  • Apply the wood bleach solution to the rust-stained area using a soft-bristle brush.
  • Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.

How to Clean Fabric Furniture

Fabric furniture designed for outdoor use, also known as performance fabric, boasts excellent resistance to sun damage, stains, moisture, and mildew. There are two main types: solution-dyed fabric, woven with pigment-infused fibres, which is less prone to fading and can withstand more aggressive cleansers, and printed or piece-dyed cloth. To identify your type, examine both sides of the fabric; if they are identical, it's likely to be solution-dyed; otherwise, it's printed or piece-dyed.

Cleaning Instructions

For Furniture with Removable Covers

Some fabric furniture comes with removable, machine-washed covers. Use cold water and mild, bleach-free laundry soap, then let them air dry.
  1. To hand wash the removable covers.
  2. Submerge the fabric in a 1/4 cup of gentle liquid soap solution and 1 gallon of lukewarm water (ensure the temperature does not exceed 100 degrees).
  3. Gently swish the covers around in the solution.
  4. Rinse the covers thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Hang the covers to air-dry.

For Furniture without Removable Covers

  1. Lay down a tarp or plastic sheet to protect the ground or surfaces from getting wet or dirty during cleaning.
  2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the cushions.

For spot-cleaning stains

  1. Prepare a dish soap and warm water mixture.
  2. Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous cushion area to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration.
  3. Scrub the stained areas vertically using a soft brush or sponge.
  4. After spot cleaning, rinse the cushions thoroughly with water to remove any detergent residue or remaining dirt.
  5. Let the cushions air dry in a well-ventilated area.
  6. Fluff the cushions to restore their shape once they are dry. Gently pat or punch the cushions to achieve the desired fluffiness.

Bonus Tips to Clean Outdoor Cushions

To clean fabric patio furniture cushions that lack removable covers, follow these steps:

  • Regular maintenance: Preventive care is essential. Brush off loose dirt and debris regularly using a soft-bristle brush or a handheld vacuum cleaner to avoid grime buildup.
  • Spot cleaning: Address stains promptly to avoid them setting in. Use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in the soapy solution. Avoid rubbing the stain, as it may spread further.
  • Power washing: If your cushions have removable covers and the care instructions permit it, use a low-pressure power washer to remove embedded dirt and grime. Ensure not to use high pressure, as it may damage the fabric or force water into the cushion, leading to mould and mildew growth.
  • Hand washing: For cushions with non-removable covers, fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the cushions gently. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry.
  • Vinegar solution: To combat mildew or mould, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the affected areas and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat if necessary.
  • Sunning and ventilation: After cleaning, allow the cushions to air dry in direct sunlight, if possible. The sun's UV rays help kill bacteria and mould naturally and remove any remaining odours.
  • Use fabric protectors: Consider applying a fabric protector spray designed explicitly for outdoor fabrics. It can create a protective barrier against stains and make future cleanups more manageable.
  • Store cushions when not in use: When the outdoor season is over, store them in a dry, cool place to protect them from extreme weather conditions.
  • Use weatherproof covers: Invest in weatherproof covers for your outdoor cushions. These covers provide an additional layer of protection from rain, dust, and UV rays, extending the life of your cushions.

Follow manufacturer's instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's cleaning and care guidelines for outdoor cushions to avoid damaging the fabric or voiding any warranty.

How to Clean Plastic Furniture

Resin or all-weather furniture is primarily crafted from plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethene (PE). These plastics are imbued with various chemical additives like ultraviolet stabilisers and fungicides to enhance their durability. Moreover, they can be shaped and designed to imitate the appearance of wood, wicker, and even items such as woven chair straps and slings. To clean your plastic furniture, follow these solutions:

Cleaning Process:

  1. Start by vacuuming the plastic furniture with a dust-brush attachment, or use a dry paintbrush to eliminate accumulated dirt and debris.
  2. Prepare a mild cleaning solution using a combination of soap and water.
  3. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the plastic surfaces with the soap-water solution to remove stubborn stains and grime.
  4. Thoroughly rinse the furniture with clean water to remove any soap residue.
  5. To prevent water spots, pat dry the cleaned furniture using a lint-free cloth.

Stain Removal:

Plastic furniture is less susceptible to stains than fabric or wood, making stain removal a relatively easier.

  1. Create a stain-treatment solution by mixing ten parts water with 1 part chlorine bleach.
  2. Utilising a microfiber cloth, carefully apply the bleach solution to the stained areas of the furniture.
  3. Rinse the treated areas with clean water to eliminate any remaining bleach.
  4. Once again, use a lint-free cloth to pat dry the furniture and ensure no water spots are left.

Conclusion

As the inviting days of warm sunshine beckon, there's nothing quite like lounging in the open air, basking in nature's warm embrace. However, with this delightful indulgence comes the responsibility of preserving our beloved outdoor lounge furniture's pristine condition and longevity. Whether you are an experienced patio enthusiast or a newcomer eager to elevate your outdoor experience, we explored the secrets to unparalleled outdoor lounge furniture care. We embraced the joy of unwinding in the lap of outdoor luxury year after year. 

From the gentle cleaning of wicker furniture to preserving the natural beauty of wood and mastering the art of cleaning fabric furniture, we explained invaluable insights to help you maintain and cherish your outdoor retreat. With these practical guidelines, you can confidently relish the tranquility of your outdoor sanctuary, knowing that your outdoor lounge furniture is well-tended and ready to be your delightful escape whenever you desire. Stay tuned with Hudson.

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