How to Clean Your Adirondack Chairs

POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs are built for all-weather durability and low maintenance, making them a favorite for outdoor living. However, even the toughest POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs benefit from occasional cleaning to keep them looking their best. Grime, pollen, and salt residue can accumulate over time, especially in humid summers, salty coastal air, desert dust, or after a snowy winter.

The good news is that maintaining POLYWOOD outdoor furniture is straightforward. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs step by step. You’ll also find climate-specific care tips to ensure your chairs shine in any environment. With a little routine care, your Adirondack chairs will stay as beautiful and inviting as the day you brought them home.

Gather a few simple supplies before you begin cleaning your POLYWOOD chairs. You likely have most of these at home already:

• Mild Dish Soap: A gentle detergent (like dish soap) is the perfect cleaning solution for Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber. Harsh chemicals aren’t necessary.

• Warm Water: Mix warm water with the soap to create a cleaning solution. Warm water helps loosen dirt and debris.

• Soft Cloth or Sponge: Wash the chairs using a non-abrasive cloth, sponge, or soft scrub brush without scratching the surface.

• Soft-Bristle Brush: This brush is helpful for scrubbing textured surfaces and reaching into the slats or crevices of the Adirondack chair. Ensure the bristles are not made of wire or are not overly stiff.

• Bucket: You’ll need a container to mix your soap and water solution.

• Garden Hose (or Water Source): A standard garden hose works perfectly to rinse off soap and dirt. Avoid high-pressure nozzles unless needed—we’ll cover more on that later.

• (Optional) White Vinegar or Household Bleach: Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for tougher grime or mildew. A mild bleach solution can sanitize and remove stubborn stains like algae or mold. (If using bleach, wear rubber gloves and eye protection, and never mix bleach with other cleaners.)

With these supplies ready, you’re prepared to give your Adirondack chairs a thorough cleaning.

Follow these simple steps to wash away dirt and restore the original beauty of your POLYWOOD chairs. This method is safe for the lumber material and will work in any climate:

1. Remove Loose Debris: Remove any cushions or accessories from your Adirondack chair. (Set aside any POLYWOOD cushions for separate cleaning.) Next, brush off or hose off loose debris such as dust, leaves, pollen, and cobwebs. A soft-bristle brush or even a vacuum with a brush attachment can quickly clear dirt from the surface and between slats. This prevents grit from scratching the lumber during washing.

2. Mix a Mild Soap Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap (about a quarter-cup of soap per gallon of water works well). Stir gently to create a soapy solution.

3. Wash the Chair Surfaces: Dip your soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristle brush into the soapy water. Wipe down all surfaces of the Adirondack chair, including the seat, back, arms, and legs. Be thorough—scrub gently in any textured grain and between the back and seat slats where dirt can hide. For sticky spots or bird droppings, let the soapy water sit on those areas for a minute or two, then gently scrub.

   Our Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber material is non-porous, so most messes should come off with light scrubbing. Remember to rinse your cloth or brush periodically in the bucket to avoid spreading dirt around.

4. Address Stubborn Stains (if needed): Most of the time, soap and water will do the job. For tougher stains like dried-on algae, mildew in a humid climate, or an accidental spill that left a stain, you have a couple of options:

   • Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket or spray bottle. Apply it to the problem area and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing. Vinegar helps kill mildew and loosen mineral deposits or grime.

   • Bleach Solution: For heavy mildew or mold, especially on lighter-colored chairs, you can use a very mild bleach solution. Mix approximately 1 part bleach with 2 parts water. Wearing gloves, apply the solution with a cloth and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub and rinse immediately.
   • Important: Use bleach sparingly and never mix it with vinegar or any other cleaner. Avoid using bleach on or near any fabric (like cushions) and rinse it off promptly. If you're concerned about potential effects, always test any stronger solution on a small, hidden area first. POLYWOOD’s fade-resistant pigments run throughout the lumber material, so a diluted bleach solution will not discolor it, but it’s best to be cautious with any concentrated cleaner.

5. Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed the entire chair and are satisfied that all dirt is gone, it’s time to rinse. Using a garden hose (or buckets of clean water), rinse off all soap and residue from every surface of the chair. Start from the top of the chair and work your way down so dirty water runs off the furniture. Be sure to rinse under the arms, between slats, and beneath the seat—any areas where soap might get trapped.

   Removing all soap, vinegar, or bleach residue is essential so no film is left behind. Leftover soap can attract dirt or leave a dull film, and bleach residue could discolor clothing or skin when using the chair later. A thorough rinse leaves the Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber clean and neutral.

6. Dry and Enjoy: POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs dry quickly since the lumber doesn’t absorb water. Simply let your chairs air-dry in the sun or a well-ventilated area. You can also wipe them down with a clean, dry towel to speed up drying, especially if you plan to use them right away. Once dry, put any cushions or pillows back on (make sure they’re clean and dry as well). Step back and admire your like-new Adirondack chairs! They should now be free of grime and ready for relaxation.

By following these steps, learning how to clean POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs becomes a simple task rather than a chore. Regular cleaning will ensure your furniture remains inviting and maintains that signature POLYWOOD look year after year.

For most homeowners, the simple soap-and-water method above will suffice. But what if your Adirondack chairs have been sitting out all winter or haven’t been cleaned in a long time? Here are some deep-cleaning tips from the experts at POLYWOOD to tackle extra dirty furniture:

• Pressure Washing (Use Caution): You can pressure wash POLYWOOD furniture for a deep clean, but it must be done carefully. Use a pressure washer rated at no more than 1,500 PSI and equip it with a wide 40-degree fan tip. Keep the nozzle about 8–12 inches from the surface and spray in slow, even sweeps. This will blast away caked-on dirt, pollen, or algae without harming the chair.

  Do not concentrate the spray in one spot for long—keep the wand moving to prevent gouges in the material. Always start on a lower pressure setting and at a greater distance, then gradually move closer if needed. If any stubborn spots remain after pressure washing, revert to gentle scrubbing with soapy water for detail work. (Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear when using a pressure washer, and avoid spraying near peeling paint on hardware or any nearby fabrics.)

• Avoid Abrasive Scrubbers: Steer clear of steel wool, metal brushes, or abrasive scouring pads (like Magic Erasers) on Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber. These can scratch or dull the surface. Stick to soft-bristle brushes or cloths as recommended. Fortunately, heavy scrubbing isn’t necessary—the durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material releases dirt easily without harsh tools.

• No Harsh Solvents Needed: POLYWOOD’s HDPE lumber is resistant to many chemicals, but strong solvents or cleaners aren’t necessary. Avoid acetone, paint thinners, or any cleaner meant for stripping paint or grease—these products aren’t needed for routine cleaning and could damage the surface sheen. Mild soap, vinegar, or a diluted bleach solution are all you need, even for tough stains.

• Hardware Care: The ClimateTuff™ hardware on POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs is made of marine-grade quality stainless steel enhanced with a Xylan coating to resist corrosion. In most climates, they won’t need special attention. However, if you live in a coastal or humid area (where salt air or moisture can cause slight corrosion over time), take a moment during cleaning to inspect the hardware.

  Wipe screws, bolts, and other metal components with soapy water and rinse them as well. Dry them with a towel to prevent water spots. Some owners in saltwater climates even apply a thin coat of clear automotive wax on exposed metal hardware after cleaning. This extra step adds a protective barrier against salt and moisture. It’s not required, but it can keep your chair’s hardware looking like new.

By using these deep cleaning tips when necessary, you’ll handle any heavy grime or weathering without breaking a sweat. POLYWOOD furniture is engineered to withstand the elements (from hot sun to snow and salt), so think of deep cleaning as an occasional refresh, not a frequent burden.

One of the best features of POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs is that they are truly all-weather. Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber is built to withstand all four seasons and a range of climates, including extreme sun, snowy winters, salty coastal air, and desert heat. Unlike real wood, it will never need sanding, painting, or sealing to endure the outdoors.

That said, different environments can introduce different types of dirt or wear. Here are some climate-specific cleaning and maintenance tips to keep in mind:

To combat this, clean your Adirondack chairs more frequently during the wet season. A quick wash with soap and water (or a vinegar solution) once every few weeks can prevent mildew growth. Pay extra attention to crevices and the undersides of arms or seats where moisture might linger. After heavy rain, it can help to wipe your chairs dry or let them air out in sunshine to discourage mold growth. If you ever see green or black mildew spots, use the vinegar or diluted bleach method from our steps above to quickly eliminate them.

To keep your chairs pristine by the seaside, make it a habit to occasionally rinse them down with fresh water to remove salt buildup. This is especially important if your chairs are directly exposed to salt spray, like when they’re right on the beach. Every month or so, give the chairs a quick hose-down and wipe the metal bolts or screws with a damp cloth. As mentioned, drying the hardware with a towel after rinsing helps prevent any rust film.

By removing salt buildup, you’ll ensure your Adirondack chairs stay clean and your hardware shiny. Coastal homeowners will appreciate how POLYWOOD furniture stands up to the harsh salt air without any maintenance beyond basic cleaning.

The main maintenance need in the desert is clearing off dust and sand that winds deposit on your furniture. Simply brushing off your Adirondack chairs or spraying them with a hose periodically will keep dust from accumulating in the crevices. If a layer of fine dust has built up, use the same soap-and-water cleaning method to wipe it away. This not only keeps the chairs looking fresh but also prevents any gritty dust from scratching surfaces when people sit down or when you move the chairs.

Additionally, arid heat can cause plastics to become a bit staticky, attracting more dust, so a quick rinse now and then can be helpful. There’s no need for any moisturizing or special protection for POLYWOOD furniture in desert conditions; the material is perfectly fine in dry heat. Just focus on regular cleaning to remove dust, and your chairs will continue to impress with their color and comfort.

That said, a bit of winter care will make your spring cleaning easier. In snowy weather, if possible, brush heavy snow off your chairs when you can. This prevents excessive weight on the furniture and keeps meltwater from pooling. (POLYWOOD is heavy and stable, but it’s wise to clear off any outdoor furniture from huge snow loads for safety.)

If your chairs will be unused for months of winter, consider using breathable outdoor furniture covers or storing them in a shed or garage. While not required, covering your Adirondack chairs over winter will keep them from getting overly dirty or stained by falling leaves, bird droppings, or soot. It also means you’ll have less to clean once spring arrives.

Come springtime, give your chairs a good wash as described above to remove any accumulated dirt over the winter months. After a quick cleaning, they’ll be ready for patio season again.

Remember, POLYWOOD furniture is all-weather, so it doesn’t need to be stored or protected from cold—doing so is just a convenience to reduce cleaning. Many owners leave their Adirondack chairs out on the deck year-round in places like New England or the Midwest and enjoy them on milder winter days too.

Keeping your POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs clean is a simple task with lasting rewards. By following these cleaning steps and tips, you’ll preserve the bright color and comfort of your chairs no matter what climate you live in.

A little soap, water, and routine care will ensure your POLYWOOD furniture remains the centerpiece of your outdoor space for many years. POLYWOOD prides itself on creating truly low-maintenance, all-weather outdoor furniture, and your ability to quickly clean and enjoy your Adirondack chairs is proof of that value.

After you’ve finished cleaning and your chairs are looking like new, take a moment to relax in them—you’ve earned it! And if this cleaning guide has you inspired to elevate your outdoor oasis even further, feel free to explore our range of POLYWOOD products.

From beautiful Adirondack chair sets that include matching side tables to cozy accessories like pillows, we offer everything you need to complete your perfect patio. Each piece is designed with the same durability and easy care in mind, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space and less time on upkeep.

With minimal effort, your POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs will remain as inviting as ever through every season. Keeping them clean is not only about appearances; it’s about maintaining the carefree, relaxing outdoor lifestyle that POLYWOOD furniture promises.

So go ahead, give your chairs a good cleaning and then get back to what you really bought them for: unwinding in comfort, no matter the weather. Here’s to many seasons of happy outdoor memories with your fresh and clean POLYWOOD Adirondack chairs!