Outdoor furniture takes a beating—from weather to spills to falling leaves and pollen. If you’ve ever sat down and gotten up with yellow dust on your shorts, you know it’s time for a deep clean. The good news is, cleaning your patio furniture doesn’t take much. A few supplies, a little time, and some easy steps will do the trick. Here’s how to wash your outdoor furniture and cushions so you’re always ready to sit back and relax.
How to Wash Outdoor Furniture Frames
The first step is to clear off dirt, loose debris, or anything else sitting on the surface. This includes leaves, spiderwebs, and that layer of dust that always seems to appear out of nowhere. For most materials—plastic, metal, wicker, and wood—you don’t need much to get started.
- A bucket of warm water
- Mild dish soap or a cleaner concentrate
- A soft scrub brush or clean cloth
- Garden hose
Mix the soap and water and dip your cloth or soft-bristled brush into the soapy solution. Wipe everything down, working top to bottom in a circular motion. Rinse with the hose and let air dry. That’s it. If you have wood furniture, don’t soak it; use a damp cloth instead and dry it off right away with a clean microfiber cloth.
For stubborn mildew or tougher stains, you can mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water and scrub the area gently with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid bleach—it can fade colors and damage some surfaces.
How to Organize Your Outdoor Space
How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Covers Without Ruining Them
Removable covers make this job easier. Start by checking the care label for care instructions. If the furniture covers are machine-washable, that’s your quickest path. Most can be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air-dried.
If the covers don’t come off, don’t worry. You can still clean them without a washing machine. Here's how:
- Brush off loose dirt or pollen off of the entire cushion with your hand, soft cloth, or a soft brush.
- Fill a spray bottle with a mild cleaning solution of dish soap and warm water.
- Spray the cushion surfaces and let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently scrub the entire surface with a soft bristle brush.
- Rinse off soap residue with a hose or clean damp cloth.
- Stand the cushions on their sides to dry. This helps excess water drain out. And, avoid putting cushions directly in a sunny spot to dry for too long; it can cause the fabric surface to fade.
How to Get Yellow Pollen Off Outdoor Cushions
Loose pollen can settle fast, and once it does, it sticks to everything. If you’re dealing with that fine yellow dust, here’s what works best:
- One of my favorite cleaning methods, the leaf blower. Blast those patio cushions.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to lift dry pollen from fabric.
- For covers you can remove, shake them out first, then wash.
- For cushions, a lint roller can help spot cleaning fine pollen build-up.
- Spray lightly with clean water and wipe down with a microfiber cloth if needed.
This quick cleaning process works best when done regularly, especially during heavy pollen season.
FAQ
Can I use a pressure washer to clean patio furniture or cushions?
You can use a pressure washer on some patio furniture, like metal or plastic, but it’s not recommended for fabric or wood. The high pressure can tear fabric, strip paint, or damage wood. Stick with a hose and mild soap unless your furniture is labeled safe for pressure washing.
How often should I wash outdoor furniture and cushions?
Wipe down your furniture once a week during peak outdoor season, especially during the height of pollen season. If cushions are stored when not in use, they'll need regular cleaning less often. If they're left out in the elements, you'll probably need to wash them more often to remove dust, leaves, and dirt.
