Outdoor wood furniture can add beauty and comfort to your patio, deck, or yard. However, exposure to the elements causes dirt, mildew, and mold to build up. Learning how to properly clean outdoor wood furniture ensures it stays in the best shape so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Supplies Needed to Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture
Cleaning outdoor wood furniture doesn’t require special skills, but having the right supplies makes the task easier and more effective. Here are the essential items to have on hand:
Mild Detergent
Choose a gentle cleanser like dish soap or Murphy’s Oil Soap. Avoid harsh degreasers that could strip the finish. Make sure it’s specially formulated for wood.
Soft Bristle Brush
Look for a brush with natural bristles. Stiff plastic bristles could scratch the wood. An old toothbrush also works for crevices.
Bucket
Use two buckets – one for sudsy wash water and one for clean rinse water. This prevents the dirty wash water from being reapplied to the furniture.
Spray Nozzle
A spray nozzle that attaches to a garden hose makes rinsing faster and more effective. Adjust it to a fan setting instead of a narrow jet stream.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths lift and trap dirt without leaving behind lint or scratches. Have plenty on hand for drying and buffing.
Soft Towels
Absorbent terry cloth towels help soak up rinse water quickly. They also come in handy for hard to reach spots.
Protective Gear
Wear gloves to protect your hands and clothes you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Safety goggles also help protect eyes from debris while cleaning.
How to Clean Wood Furniture Before Applying Protective Finish
Outdoor wood furniture is often left unfinished, coated with polyurethane, or covered with a penetrating oil finish. Here are tips for cleaning new unfinished outdoor wood furniture before applying a protective coating:
Remove Hardware
Remove any hardware, cushions, or other removable parts and set aside. This prevents damage and makes cleaning easier.
Mix Soapy Water
Fill one bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent like Murphy’s Oil Soap. Stir to mix well.
Scrub With Soft Bristle Brush
Dip the soft bristle brush in the soapy water and scrub all wood surfaces. Get into crevices and carvings. Let the soapy water sit for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse Well
Use a garden hose with spray nozzle on a fan setting to thoroughly rinse away all soap residue. Wipe with clean wet rags as needed.
Allow to Dry
Let the outdoor wood furniture dry completely before applying any type of protective finish like stain, sealer, or oil. Follow manufacturer’s directions for application and drying time.
Thoroughly cleaning new outdoor wood furniture removes dirt, grease, and other contaminants so finishes adhere well and last.
How to Clean Painted Outdoor Wood Furniture
Painted wood requires gentler cleaning methods than bare wood. Follow these steps to safely clean painted outdoor furniture:
Remove Loose Dirt
Use a soft bristle brush, microfiber cloth or compressed air to remove loose dirt, leaves, pollen, and other debris. Work top to bottom.
Create Soapy Solution
Add a small amount of mild dish detergent to warm water in a bucket. Choose a soap specified for wood.
Use Soft Sponge or Cloth
Dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth in the sudsy water and wring out well. Gently wipe painted surfaces to lift dirt. Avoid scrubbing.
Spot Clean Stubborn Areas
For tougher dirt or mildew spots, allow soapy water to sit for several minutes before gently wiping away. Repeat as needed.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with clean water using a garden hose on fan spray setting. Wipe with clean wet cloths to remove all soapy residue.
Dry Surfaces
Rub the furniture with dry soft cloths to absorb excess moisture. Allow to air dry completely before applying protective products.
This gentle cleaning method keeps painted outdoor wood furniture looking like new. Harsh scrubbing can damage the painted finish.
How to Clean Stained Outdoor Wood Furniture
Stained wood finishes help protect outdoor furniture while adding beautiful color. Follow these guidelines to clean stained furniture safely and effectively:
Dust Away Loose Debris
Use a microfiber duster to gently whisk away pollen, dirt, leaves, and other debris on top of the stain.
Mix Soapy Solution
Fill one bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent made for wood.
Scrub With Soft Bristle Brush
Dip a soft bristle scrub brush in the soapy solution and gently scrub to lift dirt from the stained finish. Avoid scouring.
Target Mold and Mildew
For areas with mold, mildew or algae growth, use a soft bristle brush and soapy water to gently scrub. Let soak if needed.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with clean water from a garden hose using a fan spray nozzle. Wipe away soap residue with a wet cloth.
Dry Completely
Blot excess water with a clean soft towel. Allow the outdoor furniture to air dry entirely before applying protective products.
Gentle scrubbing cleans stained wood while minimizing damage to the finish. Harsh chemicals can strip and fade stains.
How to Clean Teak Outdoor Wood Furniture
Teak is a popular tropical hardwood used for outdoor furniture. The natural oils make it weather-resistant. Here are tips for cleaning teak:
Rinse Away Loose Debris
Use a garden hose on a gentle setting to rinse away surface-level dirt, pollen, bird droppings. Avoid scouring.
Create Sudsy Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap or soap made for teak. The foam helps lift grime.
Scrub With Soft Bristle Brush
Use a soft bristle scrub brush dipped in the sudsy water to gently scrub the teak. Get into crevices.
Remove Stubborn Stains
For tougher stains, allow the soapy solution to soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing again gently. Do not scour.
Rinse Away Residue
Rinse thoroughly with clean water using a wide fan spray nozzle. Wipe away excess water with a clean cloth.
Allow to Dry
Use a towel to absorb pooled water on teak furniture. Allow to completely air dry before applying teak sealer.
Avoid abrasive scouring on teak’s natural oils. Mild soap and gentle scrubbing keep teak clean without damage.
How to Clean Wicker Outdoor Furniture
Wicker refers to furniture woven from plant materials like rattan, reed, and willow. Follow these steps to clean wicker properly:
Vacuum Away Loose Debris
Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum up dirt, leaves, spiders, and other debris stuck in wicker crevices.
Mix Soapy Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish detergent safe for wicker.
Use Soft Brush to Scrub
Dip a soft bristle brush in the sudsy solution and gently scrub to lift dirt from the woven material.
Spot Clean Tough Stains
For stubborn spots, use a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in soapy water to gently scrub. Rinse and repeat if needed.
Rinse Away Residue
Rinse well with clean water from a garden hose on a wide fan spray setting. Blot excess water with a towel.
Allow to Dry Fully
Let wicker air dry completely before applying protection like UV inhibitors. Avoid leaving damp for long periods.
Thorough drying prevents mildew from growing in shaded wicker crevices. Harsh scrubbing can damage the woven material.
How to Clean Aluminum Outdoor Furniture
Aluminum outdoor furniture has a metal frame with woven straps or slats for seating and backs. Here’s how to clean it safely:
Rinse Away Loose Debris
Use a garden hose on a gentle setting to rinse away surface-level dirt, leaves, pollen and bird droppings.
Create a Mildly Abrasive Paste
Make a paste with baking soda and water. For stubborn buildup, use a non-scratching cleanser.
Scrub With a Soft Brush or Sponge
Apply the paste to aluminum furniture and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush or non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse Thoroughly
Use a fan spray nozzle on your garden hose to thoroughly rinse away all paste residue from the aluminum frame.
Dry Frame Completely
Blot wet metal with a towel. Allow the aluminum frame to completely air dry to prevent water spots.
Clean Woven Areas
Use mild dish soap and water with a soft brush to scrub woven vinyl straps or slats, then rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda cleans aluminum gently without scratching. Take care not to soak wicker or woven material too long to prevent mildew.
How to Clean Patio Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas provide shade on hot summer days. Follow these tips to keep them clean:
Brush Away Loose Debris
Use a soft bristle brush to whisk away dirt, leaves, spiderwebs and other debris from the umbrella canopy.
Rinse With a Hose
Set the umbrella canopy at an angle. Use a garden hose on a gentle setting to rinse away dust and pollen.
Wash With Mild Soap
Fill a bucket with warm water and add mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge to wipe down the fabric. Rinse well.
Scrub Stains and Mildew
For tougher stains, dip a soft bristle brush in soapy water and gently scrub. You can also use a bleach pen on mildew spots.
Sanitize With Lemon Juice
Wipe lemon juice over the fabric canopy using a sponge or soft cloth to sanitize and whiten it. Rinse well.
Freshen With Baking Soda
Lightly sprinkle baking soda over the fabric canopy before opening the umbrella. The breeze disseminates the powder.
Check frames and bases for chipped paint or rust. Wipe down exposed metal parts as needed.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions
Patio and porch cushions take a beating from weather, dirt, food and drink spills, pollen, and mildew. Follow these steps to clean them:
Shake Away Debris
Pick up cushions and give them a good shake or two to remove dirt, leaves, acorns, and other debris.
Check Care Tags
Review fabric care tags before washing outdoor cushions. Test cleaners on small hidden sections first.
Hand Wash
For most standard cushion fabric, hand wash with mild detergent and lukewarm water using a soft brush or sponge. Avoid excess water.
Machine Wash Tougher Stains
For heavier soiling, machine wash on gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent. Air dry only.
Remove Mildew and Stains
Treat mildew and other stubborn stains by scrubbing gently with soapy water. For tougher spots, use diluted bleach.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse all detergent residue away with clean water. Wring excess from cushions and allow to fully air dry before replacing covers.
Check cushion filling for mold or mildew. Discard if you see or smell any.
How Often to Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture
Set a regular cleaning schedule based on how and where you use your outdoor wood furniture:
After Every Use
Do a quick wipedown to remove food, dirt, and debris after each use. This prevents buildup.
Every Week
In high-use areas, do a thorough scrub and rinse weekly during peak seasons to keep wood clean.
Monthly
For furniture used less often, clean thoroughly at least once a month in summer. Check for signs of mold or mildew.
Before Storing
Clean wood furniture at the end of the season before covering or storing to prevent off-season dirt and stains.
As Needed
After rain, dew, and damp weather, check for signs of mildew and wash all surfaces that got wet. Spot treat any issues.
More frequent cleaning is needed on furniture under trees or other sources of debris, pollen, and dripping water.
Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Wood Furniture
Follow these expert tips and tricks for safer, easier, and more effective outdoor wood furniture cleaning:
Work Top to Bottom
Start washing from the top and work your way down. This prevents dripping dirty suds onto already cleaned areas.
Follow Wood Grain
When scrubbing, go with the direction of the wood grain. Scrubbing across the grain can damage the finish.
Use Indirect Sunlight
Clean outdoor wood furniture in a shaded area or indirect sunlight. Direct sun can cause detergent and soap to dry out fast.
Handle Umbrellas With Care
When cleaning market-style patio umbrellas, abrasive scrubbing can damage the fabric. Use only mild soap and water.
Get Into Crevices
Use a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub crevices on wicker, carved wood, and intricate metalwork.
Wipe Teak When Wet
When cleaning teak, wipe surfaces with a dry cloth after rinsing while the wood is still damp. This lifts residue from the grain.
Rotate Cushions
If cushions don’t get evenly exposed to sun, dirt, and weather, rotate them occasionally so wear is more uniform.
Work Fast in Sections
On hot days, work in small sections when washing. This prevents soap from drying out before you can rinse it away.
Supplies for Maintaining Outdoor Wood Furniture
Regular maintenance between deep cleanings keeps outdoor wood furniture looking its best. Keep these supplies on hand:
Outdoor Wood Cleaner
Use an outdoor wood cleaner made for decks and furniture. Spray on and rinse away dirt between washings.
Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Have a quality mold and mildew stain remover ready for occasional stubborn spots, especially in shaded or damp areas.
Teak Oil
Replenish the protective finish on teak furniture with teak oil a couple times per year or as needed when it appears dry.
Sandpaper and Paint
Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth small scrapes or damaged paint. Touch up the paint to prevent damage or rot.
Rust Remover
For iron or other rust-prone metal frames, use a rust remover pen or naval jelly to touch up oxidation spots and prevent rust spread.
Lubricating Oil
Keep moving joints, hinges, and mechanisms running smoothly with regular application of silicone or lubricating oils made for outdoor use.
When to Call a Professional for Outdoor Furniture
While DIY cleaning and maintenance goes a long way, some scenarios call for a professional:
Finishing New Furniture
Hiring a pro to apply the ideal stain, sealer, or paint when furniture is new gets it started off right.
Major Restoration
For older furniture with extensive damage, rot, mold, or rust a pro may need to handle major restoration work.
Power Washing
If routine cleaning fails to restore wood or woven furniture, a power washing pro can remove ground-in grime safely.
Re-Upholstery
When cushion covers and strapping wear out, hire an upholstery pro to replace and recover for a fresh look.
Missing Hardware
A furniture maker can replace broken, corroded, or missing mounting hardware that’s unavailable at standard retail stores.
Major Repairs
Damaged frames, failed joints, broken weave, and missing slats often require a furniture builder’s expertise.
Skilled Refinishing
Professionals properly prep, strip, sand, stain, seal, and paint wood to keep it gorgeous and protected.
FAQs About Cleaning Outdoor Wood Furniture
Get answers to common questions about the best way to clean outdoor wood furniture:
Can I use a pressure washer to clean outdoor furniture?
No, avoid pressure washers. The high-powered spray can damage softer woods, woven furniture, cushions, and delicate finishes.
What temperature water should I use?
Warm water works best for cleaning outdoor furniture. Avoid excessively hot water that could damage the finish or encourage wood to crack or warp.
How should I clean mildew from outdoor cushions?
For mildew stains on cushion fabric, scrub with diluted bleach – 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in sunlight.
What’s the best way to clean bird droppings off wood?
Rinse away droppings with water as soon as possible. Dried waste can damage the finish. Gently scrub any remaining residue with soapy water and rinse.
How do I get sap off outdoor furniture?
Use cooking oil or Goo Gone applied directly on the sap to loosen it, then wipe with soapy water. Avoid scraping, which can remove the finish.
What cleaners should I avoid on teak furniture?
Do not use bleach, acid-based cleaners, or other harsh chemicals on teak. They strip away the protective oils that weatherproof the tropical hardwood.
Should I cover my outdoor furniture when not in use?
Yes, use covers when furniture is not being used. This will help protect the pieces from dirt, debris, rain, snow and other elements.
What is the best way to clean woven outdoor furniture?
Use