Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, therefore, just as you want to keep the interiors of your home in pristine condition, It’s only natural to want to maintain the exteriors of your home as well. Think of it as your indoors and outdoors blurred into one… because that’s ultimately what happens when creating an outdoor living space. The only thing separating the two living spaces is the maintenance and upkeep of it all.
For both your indoor and outdoor spaces, the furniture is the main focal point. Your indoor furniture doesn’t endure anything close to what your outdoor patio furniture endures on a daily basis, so you’re going to have to put a little more TLC in your patio furniture if you want it to last.
Weather Conditions Your Patio Furniture Endures
- Rain
- Wind
- Humidity
- Snow
- Hail
- Extreme hot and cold temperatures
Effects of Weather on Your Patio Furniture
- Mold and mildew
- Warping
- Fading
- Rust
- Cracking
The outdoor elements are hard on your furniture, causing it to be susceptible to damaging effects. That’s why you have to do all you can to protect and preserve it. One of the best ways to do that is to clean it properly. This is especially important if you’re looking to buy new patio furniture… You want to definitely do what you can to extend its life span. The great news is that cleaning and maintaining your patio furniture doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, nor do you need to hire professional cleaners to do it. You can actually clean your furniture with a few ingredients most likely found in your pantry or under your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. To extend the life of your outdoor patio furniture, here are some easy cleaning solutions you can make from the comforts of your home.
DIY Cleaning Solutions For Your Outdoor Patio Furniture
Plastic Furniture
Yes, people still have plastic outdoor patio furniture, and it’s definitely come a long way from those “old school,” flimsy, white plastic chairs. But even if you have those chairs at home, there’s no reason for you to neglect them. Here’s an easy DIY cleaning solution to keep all your plastic furniture shining like new.
Plastic Furniture DIY Cleaning Solution
- Two cups of water
- ¼ cup of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of borax
Take two cups of boiling water and mix with the vinegar and Borax. Let cool. Once cool, pour mixture in spray bottle. Before spraying furniture, be sure to hose down your patio furniture first to remove any excess dirt and grime. Then spray solution on furniture and scrub with sponge. Rinse and let dry.
Wood and Wicker Furniture
Wood and wicker is a very beautiful and popular furniture material but once dirt and grime get a hold of it, it can go from beautiful and pristine to gross and needs to be cleaned! Here’s an easy DIY cleaning solution to keep your wood and wicker patio furniture clean and pristine.
Wood and Wicker DIY Cleaning Solution
- 1 quart of warm water
- ¼ cup ammonia
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Mix solution and wipe clean with a soft rag. Rinse and let dry.
Patio Furniture Cushions
Your patio cushions are the part of your furniture that will require the most love and care. From dirt and grime from outdoor elements to various spills of lemonade and barbecue sauce (even bird droppings, here is an easy DIY cleaning solution to keep your patio cushions in tip-top shape!
Patio Furniture Cushions DIY Cleaning Solution
- 1 tablespoon of Borax
- 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid
- 4 cups warm water
Mix solution in a bucket and scrub cushions with a sponge. Once scrubbed clean to your satisfaction, rinse with water hose and let air dry. If your cushions are very dirty, pour solution in a spray bottle and spray cushion with solution and let sit for 5-10 minutes, then repeat the initial scrubbing/rinsing process.
Aluminum, Iron, Metal Patio Furniture
For your aluminum, iron, and metal patio furniture, you simply want to 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water and wipe with soft rag… Simple as that.
As you can see, there are many ways to get your outdoor patio furniture in tip-top condition, and it can all be done with just a few ingredients you have in your kitchen pantry or under your kitchen or bathroom sink. The next time your patio furniture needs a quick refresh, there’s no need for expensive, fancy, cleaners… simply use what you have at home!
