How to Clean Patio Furniture
What You'll Need
- 1 tbsp
- For stubborn spots
- For mildew
- Bucket
- 1
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Spray all furniture with a garden hose to remove loose pollen, dust, and debris. This prevents scratching when you scrub.
Mix 1 tbsp dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Scrub all surfaces with a soft brush or sponge. For plastic and resin: scrub freely. For wicker: use a softer brush. For aluminum: use a sponge to avoid scratching.
For mildew (common on shaded furniture): spray with undiluted white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Rinse all furniture thoroughly with the garden hose. Wipe dry with a towel or let air dry in the sun. Sunlight also helps kill remaining mildew spores.
- Do not use a pressure washer on wicker, teak, or softwood furniture (damages fibers and grain)
- Do not use bleach on colored cushion fabric (fading)
- Do not leave cushions outside during rain (mildew forms inside the foam)
- Store cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box when not in use. This prevents 90% of outdoor cushion mildew.
- For teak furniture: clean with soapy water only. Teak naturally grays with age and does not need sealing (the silver patina is desirable and protective).
- For wrought iron: check for rust spots during cleaning. Sand, prime, and touch up paint immediately to prevent spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remove covers if possible and machine wash on gentle with cold water. For non-removable cushions: scrub with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and stand upright to drain and dry. Never put cushions away damp.
Sources & Methodology
Outdoor furniture care methods based on material properties. Vinegar (acetic acid) kills most mildew species on contact. UV exposure from sunlight provides additional antimicrobial action.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026