Deep cleaning of your outdoor furniture is essential to maintain its visual appeal and ensure longevity. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, mould, and mildew, which can cause structural damage and, in some cases, lead to health risks. Here's a checklist for deep cleaning your outdoor furniture.
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Outdoor Deep Cleaning Checklist
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Clear Debris:
The first step is to clear any debris and trash that might be on your patio or outdoor space. Remove any leaves, dust or dirt from furniture surfaces as well as surrounding areas. -
Assess the Material:
Your outdoor furniture could be made of various materials such as metal, wood, plastic or wicker, and each material requires special care. Determine the kind of material used to make the furniture and follow specific cleaning instructions for each one. -
Check for Damaged Areas:
Check for any damaged areas, such as cracks, chipped paint, or rusted spots. This will help you determine the extent of the cleaning required and whether repairs are needed. -
Use Cleaning Solutions:
Depending on the material, use an appropriate cleaning solution. For example, you can use mild soap and water to clean plastic or resin furniture. Non-corrosive cleaners are ideal for metal furniture, whereas oil soap works perfectly for wooden furniture. -
Scrub:
Use a scrub brush or soft-bristled brush to scrub surfaces gently. For tough stains, apply a cleaning solution and leave it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing. -
Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove all cleaning solution and dirt. Make sure to remove all excess water to prevent watermarks and discolouration. -
Sun-Dry:
Let the furniture dry in the sun, especially if you cleaned them with water. Avoid drying them in the shade, as this could encourage the growth of mold and mildew. -
Apply for Protection:
Finally, depending on the material, you may need to apply a protection layer once the furniture is dry. This could include applying a layer of paint or sealer to protect the wooden furniture, adding a coat of protectant to metal furniture or adding UV protectant to plastic furniture.
Outdoor Resin Wicker Cleaning Checklist
1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris:
The first step in cleaning your outdoor wicker furniture is to remove any loose dirt and debris that might have accumulated on it. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently brush the surface of the furniture. You can also use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:
To clean your wicker furniture, you'll need a cleaning solution that can remove grime, dirt, and other impurities. You can either buy a commercial wicker cleaner or make your own solution using liquid dish soap and warm water. Mix two to three tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of warm water to make a cleaning solution.
3. Test the Solution on a Small Area:
Before you begin cleaning your entire furniture, it's always wise to test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area. This will help you ensure that the solution doesn't cause any damage to the furniture. Apply the solution to a small area and wait for five to ten minutes to see the effect; if there is no discolouration, you can proceed with cleaning your entire furniture.
4. Clean the Wicker Furniture:
Once you've tested the cleaning solution, you can start cleaning your wicker furniture. Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the cleaning solution, and gently scrub the surface of the furniture in a circular motion. Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies of the furniture, including the underside, the corners, and the crevices.
5. Rinse off the Furniture:
After scrubbing the furniture, you'll need to rinse it off with clean water. Use a hose or a bucket of water to rinse off the cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse off the furniture thoroughly, so there is no soapy residue left behind.
6. Dry the Furniture:
After rinsing off the furniture, it's time to dry it. You can either air dry the furniture or use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess water. If you're air drying the furniture, make sure to move it to a dry and shaded area to avoid sun damage.
7. Apply Furniture Protectant:
To protect your wicker furniture from further damage caused by environmental elements, it's advisable to apply a furniture protectant. You can either buy a commercial furniture protectant or use a mixture of water and vinegar to make your own solution. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and spray the solution on the furniture. Let it air dry.
8. Store the Furniture:
If you're not using your wicker furniture during the winter or rainy season, it's advisable to store it indoors to avoid damage. Make sure to clean the furniture thoroughly before storing it, and cover it with a protective cover to prevent dust buildup.
You may want to know: can outdoor furniture be left outside in the winter?
Outdoor Wood Cleaning Checklist
1. Gather your cleaning supplies
Before you start cleaning your outdoor wood furniture, you should gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need a bucket of warm water, a mild dishwashing detergent or wood cleaner, a soft-bristled brush, a sponge or cloth, and a garden hose or pressure washer.
2. Choose a good day
Pick a dry and sunny day to clean your outdoor wood furniture. If you clean the furniture when it’s still wet or damp, you will create a breeding ground for moulds or mildew, which can damage the wood.
3. Remove any loose debris
Start by brushing away any loose dust or debris from the outdoor wood furniture using a soft-bristled brush. Be gentle, as too much pressure can damage the wood.
4. Clean your furniture
Add some mild detergent or wood cleaner to a bucket of warm water and mix well. Dip a sponge or cloth in the solution and start cleaning the wood furniture, starting from the top and working down. Be careful not to saturate the wood or let the solution sit on the wood for too long, as this can cause discolouration.
5. Rinse with water
Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the furniture with a garden hose or pressure washer. Make sure you rinse all the soap suds off the wood to avoid any residue that could cause damage.
6. Let it dry
Allow the wood furniture to dry completely before sitting on it or storing it. Never cover outdoor wood furniture until it's completely dry; otherwise, you could create a breeding ground for mildew or mold.
7. Apply wood sealer
After cleaning, you may wish to apply wood sealer to your furniture to protect it and keep it looking good. Choose a wood sealer that matches the color of your wood furniture and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Cover it
When you're not using your wood furniture, it's a good idea to cover it up to protect it from the elements. Choose a waterproof, UV-resistant cover that is the right size for your furniture. Store the covers in a dry place when they're not in use.
9. Do a regular cleaning
To maintain your outdoor wood furniture in good condition, you must clean it regularly, at least once a year. However, if you live in a humid or wet area, you should clean your furniture more frequently. Remember that the more often you clean your furniture, the less time and effort you'll have to spend on cleaning it.
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In Conclusion
Some additional tips to keep your outdoor furniture in pristine condition include keeping them covered when not in use, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can scratch surfaces and routinely treated with an outdoor protection solution. By following this checklist regularly, you will keep your outdoor furniture looking brand new for ages to come.