What is the Best Way to Clean Patio Furniture

Cleaning patio furniture doesn't have to be expensive if you know what cleaning supplies to use.

Every spring it comes time to take out the patio furniture, and homeowners begin asking themselves, "What is the best way to clean patio furniture?" After a season of being stored in the garage or being covered in snow, patio furniture can be dusty, dingy and downright disgusting. If you want to hold onto the investment you've made in your outdoor furniture, you'll want to find the best way to wash it. The best cleaners will depend on the material of your patio furniture and how dirty the furniture is. The following options are some of the best products you can use to get your patio furniture clean.

1.

$1-3

 Mix several drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket of warm water.

 Dishwashing liquid and water are a good answer to the question, "What is the best way to clean patio furniture?" They are the best cleaning combination because they are inexpensive and effective for many different types of patio furniture.

This solution is good for cleaning patio umbrellas because it disinfects without damaging their delicate material. Wash the umbrella with a sponge soaked in the solution. After washing and rinsing with clean water, leave it open in the sun to dry.

Dishwashing liquid and water can also be used to clean plastic furniture. For this type of furniture, use a wet sponge to wash off the surfaces of the chairs and tables. Use an old toothbrush to clean crevices well. Rinse off the plastic furniture with clean water, and set it in the sun to dry.

This cleaning combination is also very effective for cleaning wooden patio furniture. For this type of furniture, you'll need to clean the surfaces with a dry brush or cloth before using water. Use only as much water as you need and be sure to wring out the sponge before applying it to the wood. Wash off all of the surfaces and then rinse with clean water and let dry.

2.

$2-3

 Dip a sponge into warm water and then into a tray full of baking soda.

 This solution is best for plastic (resin) furniture since it lightly scrubs the surface clean without damaging it. To use it, just dip your wet sponge into the baking soda and lightly scrub the paste over the surface of the furniture. Make sure to use a lot of paste in crevices and detailed areas. Rinse the surface clean with water.

3.

$10 -$20

 Apply wood wash with the soft bristled brush.

 For wood furniture, wood wash is the top answer to the question, "What is the best way to clean patio furniture?" Wood wash helps clean the wood, but unlike dishwashing liquid and water, it also restores its luster. After following the manufacturer's directions, rinse off the wood wash with water and let the furniture dry in the sun.

4.

$20 to $30

 Sand the surfaces of the furniture, then apply the primer and paint.

 Iron patio furniture needs special care. The best way to clean it is to sand it down and apply a fresh coat of primer and paint. To complete this project, you'll also need a drop cloth, gloves and a spray mask. Sand down the rusted spots and then wipe with a clean cloth. Follow the manufacturers' directions to apply the primer and paint.

5.

$5

 Mix 1/2 cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Clean with a soft brush dipped in the water.

 This bleach solution should only be used if you find mold on your wooden patio furniture. Apply with a soft brush and then rinse it off with clean water.

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