Garden furniture, used for outdoor enjoyment, can suffer from all sorts of wear and tear due to its direct exposure to harsh weather. Grime, grass, pollen, sap, surface dirt, and mould can accumulate and make your garden furniture look neglected. Fortunately, with some basic cleaning know-how, it is possible to restore an outdoor furniture set to its original glory in no time. Here are some tips on cleaning outdoor furniture and grime from your patio with minimal effort.
Prepare Your Furniture for Cleaning
The first step in cleaning garden furniture is to prepare it for cleaning. This means removing all cushions, umbrellas, and accessories, such as any decorations or accessories. Check that all parts are securely fastened. If the furniture is particularly dirty, you can consider soaking any cushions, umbrellas, and fabrics in warm soapy water first.
Set Up a Cleaning Area
Once your furniture is prepared, it is time to set up your cleaning area. Ideally, you should use a hard-surfaced area, such as a tiled patio or driveway, and set up a working surface, such as plastic or a tarp. This will provide a clean area to apply cleaning products and wipe off the dirt from your furniture.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solutions
Once you have chosen your cleaning area, it is time to select the right cleaning solution for your type of garden furniture. For wooden furniture, use a specialized wood cleaning process. For metal furniture, you may opt for a specialized metal cleaner. For wicker furniture, use a gentle solution of warm water and soap.
Cleaning Your Furniture
To begin cleaning your furniture, start with a gentle cleaning solution, such as a mild soap and warm water mix. This can be applied with a sponge or non-scratch cloth. You may need to do several shades of insect grime or weathering. Depending on the type of furniture and surface you are cleaning, you may require additional products such as a detergent, bleach, or rust remover to further enhance the cleaning process. If there are any stubborn stains, try using a toothbrush or an old rag to gently scrub them away.
Let Your Furniture Dry
Once you are done cleaning your outdoor furniture, it is important to let it dry thoroughly. You can either store your furniture in an inconspicuous area outdoors or indoors, or let it sit on your patio to dry in the sunshine. To prevent moisture damage, you should try to rotate the furniture every so often.
Remove Grime From Your Patio
After you have cleaned your furniture, it is time to tackle the dirt and grime that has built up on your patio. To do so, you can use several cleaning solutions, including warm water, detergent, and bleach, to break down dirt and grime. Additionally, you can use a pressure washer to effectively remove any mud and dirt without having to scrub too much.
Cover Your Furniture When Not In Use
If you want to ensure that your garden furniture remains clean for longer, it’s essential to protect it from the elements, particularly when you’re not using it. Consider investing in waterproof, waterproof, breathable, and waterproof covers for your furniture. Alternatively, you can keep them in a garage or shed when not in use.
Conclusion
Following the suggestions outlined above, you can effectively and efficiently clean your outdoor furniture and patio with minimal effort. Be sure to choose the correct cleaning products for the type of furniture you have and prepare your furniture and area before beginning your cleaning process.
Also, use weatherproof covers to keep your furniture clean and protected when not in use. After you learn how to clean a patio and outdoor furniture, you will be able to maintain your outdoor area with ease.