If you haven’t already, it’s time to break out the outdoor furniture.
Barbecue season, outdoor happy hour season, read-a-good-book-in-the sun season—or whatever you like to call it—is upon us, and after a long winter, we couldn’t be more thrilled.
The last thing you probably want to think about right now is cleaning the furniture. (Because above all, it’s rosé season!) But you do have to clean it before you have company over. Great news: With the help of cleaning expert Donna Smallin-Kuper, we’ve done the prep work for you.
Here are her best tips for cleaning our furniture picks for this season.
Polywood
Adirondack Chairs
“These are easy,” says Donna. “Use warm, soapy water to remove dirt, bird poop, sap drips, and more, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Air-dry or wipe dry with an old towel.”
Fire Pit Table
“For the wood, clean the same way you would the Adirondack chairs. For the glass and aluminum wind guard, clean with a microfiber cloth dampened with water.”
Wicker
Patio Armchair Dining Set; Outdoor Canopy Daybed
Wicker Furniture: “For the furniture, vacuum with the dusting brush attachment,” says Donna. “Then, wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth.”
Glass top: She recommends using a microfiber cloth dampened with water.
Cushions: “To spot clean the fabric, sponge the area with warm, soapy water. If necessary, mix 1/4 cup of liquid all-fabric bleach in 1 gallon of warm water and sponge the mixture over the fabric. Rinse by sponging with plain water. Air-dry. Turn cushions on their sides, with the zipper or seam side down for faster drying.”
Eucalyptus Wood
5-Piece Deluxe Eucalyptus Patio Dining Set: Brazilian eucalyptus has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, so it’s resistant to weather and mildew—perfect for outside. But that doesn’t mean it can withstand anything. It’s best to cover it during rainstorms and wipe away any water as quickly as possible.
To clean, use a mixture of dish soap and warm water, and scrub with a cleaning brush. This only needs to be done once or twice a year.
One last thing: When the season ends, “Do yourself a favor,” says Donna. “Do not put furniture away that’s dirty. This just gives stains a chance to set, maybe permanently.” When you do take out your patio furniture for next spring and summer, it will be in tip-top shape.