Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist: Getting Your Patio Furniture and Accessories Ready for Spring

Spring Cleaning Series: Part 1 of 3

Winter has many of us cozily cocooned inside our homes, but the urge to transform into social butterflies takes hold when springtime rolls around. Before firing up the grill and planning get-togethers, it's a good idea to clean your outdoor furniture and accessories to ensure your guests have the best seats in (and out of) the house. Even if you’re not hosting and just looking forward to spending more time in your backyard, spring is the perfect time to dust off the winter doldrums and refresh your space.

Here's a handy outdoor spring cleaning checklist to help you keep your furniture and accessories primed for the season. From easy cleaning how-tos to preventative maintenance, we've got you covered.

Before you start cleaning: We recommend checking the warranty and care instructions for any items you own to see the suggested cleaning methods. When working with harsh chemicals and pressure washers, always wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, boots, and ear protection.* And don't forget to block off your work area so curious kids and pets can't wander in by mistake.

*NOTE: Bleach is used in some of the cleaning methods below. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to bleach, we recommend undistilled white vinegar.

Quick-Look Spring Cleaning Tips

Furniture

• Brush off dust and debris.
• Clean off stains, dirt, mold, and mildew.
• Check for scratches and dents, and repair them as necessary.

  PRO TIP:  
Apply a protective coating to all surfaces, or use weatherproof covers to ensure your furniture stays safe when left out in the elements.

Accessories

• Remove dust and dirt.
• Clean up stains, mold, and mildew.
• Fix fabric tears as soon as you see them.

  PRO TIP:  
Spray outdoor cushions and umbrellas with a fabric protectant that repels water, stains, and mildew.

How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Whether you're coming back from a winter hiatus or you've spent time on the patio all year long, it's good to show your outdoor furniture some love. Here's our advice for keeping your lounge furniture clean and prepped for springtime entertaining.

HDPE

The Quick Clean 

Step 1: Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
Step 2: Use a clean cloth or soft-bristle brush to wipe the surfaces of your furniture.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water and let your furniture air-dry. 

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Fill a bucket with clean water and pour in a bit of bleach.
Step 2: Use a clean cloth to wipe the solution onto the lumber and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 3: Scrub off any debris caught in surface grooves with a soft-bristle brush.
Step 4: Rinse with clean water and let it air-dry.

Aluminum

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
Step 2: Use a clean cloth to wipe the mixture onto the aluminum surfaces, rubbing off any dirt.
Step 3: Rinse your furniture thoroughly with clean water and let it air-dry.

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Spot test a mild solvent, such as mineral spirits, to ensure it won’t stain or damage the aluminum.
Step 2: If the solvent works safely, apply it to stains with a soft cloth or sponge.
Step 3: Gently scrub all surfaces of the aluminum.
Step 4: Rinse your furniture with clean water and let it air-dry.

Wicker

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Before cleaning, remove any cushions. Those require different cleaning methods (see the Accessories section for outdoor cushion care).
Step 2: Remove dust with a clean cloth or microfiber duster.
Step 3: If you have natural wicker furniture (bamboo, rattan, willow, etc.), spot clean with soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. This method works on resin wicker too.
Step 4: Dry wicker completely with a soft cloth before putting cushions back on.

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Take off any cushions and sweep away debris using a dry vacuum fitted with a brush attachment.
Step 2: Gently scrub the wicker’s surfaces with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Use a toothbrush to get hard-to-reach spots.
Step 3: Rinse your furniture and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Wood

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Blow off dust and dirt with a leaf blower.
Step 2: Gently scrub away dirt and grime using soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
Step 3: Let your furniture air-dry completely. 

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Mix powdered oxygen bleach with water, and apply it to the surfaces of the furniture with a soft-bristle brush.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Step 3: Allow wooden furniture fully to dry before using it.

Wrought Iron

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Remove any cushions.
Step 2: Clear away loose dirt with a dry vac with a brush attachment or your leaf blower.
Step 3: Mix mild dish soap and water in a bucket.
Step 4: Dip a clean cloth in the soapy water and wash away any grime left on the surfaces. Use a toothbrush to reach inside tight curves and twisted pieces.
Step 5: Rinse your furniture with clean water and let it air-dry.

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Clean your wrought iron furniture using the above Quick Clean method.
Step 2: Remove rust, chipped paint, and stains with sandpaper or a wire brush as soon as you finish cleaning. Repeat as necessary on stubborn areas.
Step 3: Apply an even coat of touch-up paint to the impacted areas.
Step 4: Let the paint dry completely before using your furniture. 

Injection-Molded Plastic

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
Step 2: Rub the soapy solution on the surfaces of your furniture with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Rinse each piece with clean water and let them dry completely before using.

Removing White Film

When left in the sun too long, injection-molded plastic chairs can develop a chalky, white film on the surfaces. This film is the dusty remnants of the plastic material as it degrades under the sun's rays. Follow these steps to get rid of this unwanted finish.

Step 1: Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to all furniture surfaces.
Step 2: Let the solution sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Step 3: Scrub grime with a vinegar-soaked cloth and rinse it away with clean water.
Step 4: Pour baking soda on a damp sponge and scour the surfaces of your furniture, repeating as necessary.
Step 5: Rinse with clean water, and let your furniture air-dry. 

Source: Hunker.com 

Cleaning Outdoor Accessories

Extend the lives of your outdoor pillows, cushions, and umbrellas with these easy cleaning tips. 

Cushions and Pillows

The Quick Clean

Step 1: Brush off loose dirt.
Step 2: Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
Step 3: Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and wipe down the cushion fabric.
Step 4: Rinse with clean water.
Step 5: Place cushions and pillows on their sides to dry with the zippers facing the bottom so water drains out faster.

The Spring Clean

Step 1: Pour a bit of Borax and mild dish soap into a spray bottle filled with warm water.
Step 2: Spray the solution directly onto the fabric and let it soak for a few minutes.
Step 3: Scrub the solution in with a clean cloth or soft-bristle brush.
Step 4: Let it stand once more for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Step 5: Allow the cushions to dry on their sides with the zippers facing the bottom.

Umbrellas

Spring Clean Fixed Fabrics

Step 1: Open your umbrella and lay it on its side.
Step 2: Use a dry vacuum fitted with a brush attachment to remove debris.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water.
Step 4: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket and add a dollop of dish soap.
Step 5: Dip a clean cloth in the soapy water and clean any noticeable stains on the umbrella’s base, shaft, and canopy.
Step 6: Rinse your umbrella and leave it open to air-dry.

Spring Clean Detachable Fabrics

Step 1: Remove the umbrella fabric from the frame and shake off loose debris.
Step 2: Rub liquid detergent onto any stains.
Step 3: Let the detergent soak in for 10–15 minutes, then scrub the areas with a soft-bristle brush.
Step 4: Rinse with clean water.
Step 5: In a bucket, blend equal parts of water and white vinegar with a bit of dish soap.
Step 6: Scrub the solution into both sides of the fabric, the umbrella shaft, and its base using a soft-bristle brush.
Step 7: Let it soak in for 10 minutes, then rinse everything with clean water.
Step 8: Spread the canopy out on a tarp, letting it air-dry overnight.
Step 9: Reattach the fabric to the umbrella's frame after it's completely dry.

Preventive Maintenance

Read the tips below to keep your outdoor furniture in excellent condition for years to come.

Furniture

All Materials

• Store outdoor furniture in your shed or garage when you aren't using it.
• Invest in durable covers you can put over your furniture when not in use.

Aluminum and Wrought Iron

• Use touch-up paint on aluminum and wrought iron to cover any chips or scratches in the finish. 
• Prevent water from building up inside aluminum frames by periodically removing the foot caps.
• Use baby oil or mineral oil as a protective coating for textured aluminum finishes to keep out dirt and debris.
• Maintain the appearance of non-textured aluminum and wrought iron by applying an even coat of fine car wax.

Natural Wicker

• Keep natural wicker dry. Moisture can loosen and weaken the woven fibers, leading to breakage. 
• Keep your furniture in a covered space, like a gazebo, to prevent cracking or fading from sun exposure.  
• Condition wicker fibers with lemon oil a few times a year for added protection.

Wood

• Use even pressure and move with the grain when sanding or scrubbing wooden furniture to avoid scratches and surface damage.
• Clean sunscreen and bird droppings right away so they don’t cause permanent stains and damage.
• Reapply sealant, paint, and stain every few years to protect your pieces.

Accessories

Pillows, Cushions, and Umbrellas

• Browse our cushion care guide for tips on removing oil-based stains, reversing water damage, fade prevention, etc.
• If possible, flip your cushions occasionally to even out the wear on all sides.
• Store cushions in your garage or deck box when you're not using them.
• Extend the life of your umbrella by brushing off leaves, debris, and cobwebs once a month—or more if it's under trees.

Cleaning Safety Tips

Sometimes you'll have to use power tools and chemicals when cleaning. Read our safety tips to keep yourself and your property safe.

Furniture

• Before cleaning wooden furniture, know what type you're working with. Softwoods have different needs than hardwoods. 
• Don't use a pressure washer to clean wooden furniture. It can damage the surface, stripping off the finish and leaving gouges if you aren't careful.
• Never use steel wool, stiff brushes, power washers, or abrasive substances on natural or synthetic wicker, aluminum, or injection-molded plastic, as these can damage the materials.
• Wear rubber gloves, a face mask, goggles, and boots when using strong chemicals.
• For a natural alternative to bleach, try undistilled white vinegar.

Accessories

• Check the care instructions for your outdoor cushions before dry cleaning or putting them in the washer. These methods aren’t safe for some materials.
• Do not use a pressure washer to clean outdoor cushions or umbrellas.