A closeup of an orange chair seat covered in soap suds with the text, POLYWOOD Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: Prep Your Patio Furniture and Accessories

Written by: Caitlin Evans

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 8 min

Spring Cleaning Series: Part 1 of 3

Many of us are cozily cocooned inside our homes during winter, but the urge to get outside takes hold when springtime rolls around. It’s the season of renewal—the perfect time to dust off the winter doldrums and refresh your outdoor spaces.

Here's a handy outdoor spring cleaning checklist to help you keep your patio 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 completing the following tasks:

  • Check the warranty and care instructions for any items you own, and follow the suggested cleaning methods.
  • When working with harsh chemicals and pressure washers, always wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, boots, and ear protection.*
  • Block off your work area so curious kids and pets can't wander in by mistake.

*NOTE: Some of the cleaning methods below include bleach. If you prefer a natural alternative, we recommend undistilled white vinegar.

Two images of a yellow tabletop sitting side by side, showing its appearance before and after cleaning.

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

Here's our advice for keeping your lounge furniture clean and prepped for springtime entertaining.

A hand cleans a white slatted HDPE lumber surface with a scrub brush and soapy water.

High-Density Polyethylene (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: Wipe the solution onto the lumber with a clean cloth 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: Remove any cushions before cleaning. Different cleaning methods are required for cushions (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 the wicker with a soft cloth and let it air-dry completely in a shaded, ventilated space before replacing the cushions.

A person wipes a wicker chair’s armrest with a cloth.

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, then allow it to fully air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

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 according to the product’s instructions and apply it to the furniture's surfaces with a soft-bristle brush.
Step 2: Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub gently where needed before rinsing with clean water.
Step 3: Allow your furniture to air-dry completely before use.

Wrought Iron

The Quick Clean


Step 1: Remove any cushions.
Step 2: Clear away loose dirt with a dry vacuum, leaf blower, or hand broom. For hard-to-reach places, use a toothbrush.
Step 3: Mix mild dish soap and water in a bucket.
Step 4: Wash away grime with soapy water and a clean cloth, using the toothbrush to scrub small spaces.
Step 5: Rinse your furniture with clean water and let it air-dry.

The Spring Clean


Step 1: Follow The Quick Clean method shown above.
Step 2: Remove rust, chipped paint, and stains with sandpaper or a wire brush. Repeat as needed on stubborn areas.
Step 3: Apply an even coat of touch-up paint to the impacted areas.
Step 4: Let the paint cure 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 your furniture with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water and let each piece air-dry completely before using.

Removing White Film


When left in the sun too long, injection-molded plastic chairs can develop a chalky, white film. This dusty residue is the result of UV rays breaking down plastic. Follow these steps to restore the 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 again.
Step 4: Pour baking soda onto a damp sponge and scour your furniture, repeating as needed.
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: Dry cushions and pillows on their sides with the zippers facing down—this helps water drain out faster.

A graphic with multiple images showing the steps for cleaning a POLYWOOD Standard Seat Cushion 17.25 Inches Deep by 19.25 Inches Wide by 2.5 Inches High in Glacier Spa.

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 for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Step 5: Dry the cushions on their sides with the zippers facing down.

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: In a bucket, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and add a bit 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 directly on stains.
Step 3: Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, then scrub the fabric with a soft-bristle brush.
Step 4: Rinse with clean water.
Step 5: In a bucket, blend equal parts water and white vinegar with a small amount of dish soap.
Step 6: Using a soft-bristle brush, scrub the solution into both sides of the fabric, the umbrella shaft, and its base.
Step 7: Let it soak in for 10 minutes, then rinse everything with clean water.
Step 8: Spread the canopy out on a tarp and let it air-dry overnight.
Step 9: Reattach the fabric to the frame once it's completely dry.

Two images showing a POLYWOOD Prairie Deep Seating Chair in Black and Dune Burlap covered in water droplets.

Preventive Maintenance

Here are our tips for keeping your outdoor furniture in excellent condition for years to come.

Furniture

All Materials

  • Store furniture in your shed or garage when you aren't using it.
  • Invest in durable covers to protect pieces from the elements.

Aluminum and Wrought Iron

  • Use touch-up paint on aluminum and wrought iron to cover any chips or scratches in the finish.
  • Prevent water buildup inside aluminum frames by periodically removing the foot caps.
  • Apply mineral oil or baby oil to textured aluminum finishes to repel dirt and debris.
  • Spread a thin, even coat of fine car wax on non-textured aluminum and wrought iron to maintain its appearance.

Natural Wicker

  • Keep wicker dry. Moisture can weaken the fibers, leading to breakage.
  • Style 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

  • To avoid scratches and damage, use even pressure and move with the grain when sanding or scrubbing wooden furniture.
  • 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 advice on removing oil-based stains, reversing water damage, fade prevention, and more tips.
  • If possible, flip your cushions occasionally to even out the wear on all sides.
  • Store cushions in your garage or console table 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

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your property while cleaning.

Furniture

  • Identify the wood type you're working with before cleaning—softwoods have different needs than hardwoods.
  • Don't use a pressure washer to clean wooden furniture. If you aren't careful, it can strip the finish and cause surface damage.
  • Never use steel wool, stiff brushes, pressure washers, or abrasive substances on wicker, aluminum, or injection-molded plastic, as these can damage the materials.
  • Wear rubber gloves, a face mask, goggles, and boots when handling strong chemicals.
  • For a natural alternative to bleach, try undistilled white vinegar.

Accessories

  • Check care labels before machine washing or dry cleaning outdoor cushions—these methods aren’t safe for some fabrics.
  • Do not use a pressure washer to clean outdoor cushions or umbrellas.