How Often to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture

We recommend giving your furniture a deep clean once per season, especially when setting up for summer. If you live in a place where patio season never ends, a refresh every six months should do the trick. Between those cleanings, a quick spot wipe or rinse can keep dust, spills, and grime from building up.

Why Cleaning Patio Furniture Is Important

Outdoor furniture is made to live outside, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Regular cleaning helps protect against rust, mold, and fading—keeping your pieces looking great and lasting longer. It also makes your space more inviting, whether it’s for a family BBQ or a solo sunrise coffee.

Patio Furniture Maintenance Tips

Not every cleaning needs to be a full weekend project. Small habits can go a long way:

• Dust and pollen: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down surfaces.
• Spills: Blot and gently scrub with mild soap as soon as they happen.
• Sunscreen stains: Blot (don’t rub), then use a vinegar and soap solution to break down the oils.

Jess’s Pro Tip: Keep It Fresh

I keep a spray bottle with soapy water and a clean rag in my deck box. That way, I can tackle dust, spills, or sunscreen smudges as they happen—before they become weekend projects.

How to Clean Different Patio Furniture Materials

Every surface has its own personality. Here’s how to show each one a little love:

🧺 Wicker

• Resin wicker: Hose it off and wipe it down.
• Natural wicker: Use a vacuum with a brush to clean grooves, then gently wipe with warm water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly to avoid damage.

If you’re drawn to the natural charm of wicker, check out the Portfino by Ratana collection—designed for effortless summer entertaining with its thick, earth-toned weave, rust-resistant aluminum frames, and all-weather durability that lets you relax outside year-round.

🌳 Teak

• Routine clean: Use water with mild soap and a soft brush. Let it dry in the sun.
• Deep clean: Mix warm water with white vinegar. Scrub with a soft brush, rinse, and sun-dry.

Looking for low-maintenance wood with timeless appeal? Check out the Spencer or St. Tropez collections by Kingsley Bate—classic teak that only gets better with age.

🔩 Metal (Aluminum & Iron)

• Wipe down with mild soap and water.
• Use a soft brush to reach crevices and details.
• Once dry, apply a product like Faron Guard to protect the finish.

For weather-tough style, explore Classico by O.W. Lee or Somerset by Hanamint, both built to take on wind, rain, and everything in between.

🌿 Ipe (Brazilian Hardwood)

• Brush First: Sweep off debris with a soft broom or brush.
• Wash Gently: Mix mild soap or a wood-safe cleaner with warm water. Scrub with a soft cloth or brush, following the grain. Use minimal water to avoid damage.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse with a low-pressure hose or clean water. Wipe dry or air dry in the shade.
• Treat Stains: For tougher spots, use 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water. Let sit for 5 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse.
• Brighten and Protect: To restore color, use a product like DeckWise Ipe Cleaner or lightly sand with fine-grit paper. For extra protection, apply Ipe Oil or Penofin Hardwood Formula every 6–12 months. Skip the oil if you prefer Ipe’s natural silver patina—just clean regularly.

Shop weather-tough Ipe styles like Opal, Sky, or Mix by Jensen Outdoor for natural strength and beauty.

☀️ Outdoor Cushions

• Spot clean with water, mild soap, and a soft brush.
• For mold or mildew, use a mix of 1 cup bleach, ¼ cup soap, and 1 gallon of water (spot test first).
• Blot sunscreen stains, apply a vinegar-based solution, and rinse well.
• Always air dry—cushions are not dryer-safe.

✨ Glass Tabletops

• Pour club soda directly onto the surface, scrub gently with a soft sponge, and wipe dry for a streak-free shine. It’s an easy fix for water spots and smudges.

☂️ Patio Umbrellas

• Remove debris: Brush off loose dirt, pollen, or leaves using a soft broom or handheld vacuum.
• Mix a gentle cleaner: Combine warm water with mild dish soap in a bucket.
• Scrub the fabric: Use a sponge or soft brush to clean the umbrella canopy in sections, following the fabric grain.
• Rinse thoroughly: Spray with a garden hose to remove soap residue.
• Air dry fully: Let the umbrella dry completely in the open position before closing it to prevent mildew.
• Tackle mildew: For stubborn spots, use a solution of 1 cup bleach, ¼ cup mild soap, and 1 gallon of water. (Always spot test first.)
• Wipe down the frame: Clean the pole and hardware with a damp cloth, then dry to prevent rust.

Pro Tip: Keep your umbrella covered when not in use to extend its life and cut down on cleanings.

When to Replace or Refresh Your Patio Furniture

If your furniture has seen better days, it might be time to upgrade. Step into a Christy Sports or Leisure Living showroom to experience what online browsing can’t replicate. Feel the textures, test the comfort, and explore a full spectrum of colors and finishes in person.

Our patio experts are here to help you find the right fit for your space, style, and climate—whether that means waterproof fabrics, fade-resistant finishes, or eco-friendly materials like POLYWOOD®. When it’s time to bring it all home, our white-glove delivery service takes care of the setup—so you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space right away.