How To Clean Outdoor Furniture | The Complete Guide To Refresh Your Patio

Summer entertaining is only complete with delicious and healthy food, enjoyable company, and clean, inviting outdoor patio furniture. Because, let’s face it, no one wants to sit on nasty, unkempt, dirty chairs and loungers. 

To keep your outdoor furniture looking and feeling fresh, it’s important to deep clean it a few times a year. Regular cleanings help to keep dirt, dust, and pollen from accumulating, providing a cozy set of chairs, tables, and fabric cushions.

But with different types of materials and the various cleaning products available, the task can feel a bit daunting.

Many conventional cleaners, even those labeled as “green”, contain hundreds of hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), wreaking havoc on human health and the environment. A recent study conducted by Environmental Working Group scientists showed the use of harmfulVOC-containing products negatively affects the quality of air both indoors and outdoors.

Fortunately, there are safer alternatives.

The Branch Basics Concentrate, for example, is a multi-purpose, human-safe, plant-based cleaner that is biodegradable and kind to the earth. Meaning, you can spray and use it outside without harming the environment. 

It’s so safe we hold the Made Safe certification, indicating our formula is made without harsh chemicals, including VOCs, and other known carcinogens.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Branch Basics, and other natural products, to clean your outdoor furniture. 

Materials Needed

Although most outdoor patio furniture is made with durable materials like metal, wicker, wood, and plastic, it’s important to use the right products and tools to prevent damage.

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your outdoor furniture:

• Vacuum (preferably a HEPA-certified vacuum) with a dust-brush attachment
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Branch Basics products, including:
• Concentrate
• All Purpose
• Streak Free
• Foaming Wash
• Laundry
• Soft-bristle brush, like Branch Basics Natural Scrub Brush
• Garden hose
• Sandpaper (optional for wood furniture)
• Microfiber cloths

How Often Should I Clean My Outdoor Furniture?

Regularly cleaning your outdoor furniture can significantly help to extend its life and usability.

Plan to clean your outdoor furniture and cushions at least twice a year – once prior to use in the spring or summer, and again in the fall before storing it away. For best results, cleaning once per month is recommended.

How To Clean Wicker and Wood Furniture

Most outdoor furniture is made from all-weather materials, including wicker and wood. These types of patio furniture are stylish, versatile, and fairly easy to clean. 

To protect wicker and wood from damage, we recommend keeping it simple. Stick with warm water and a mild dish soap, like Branch Basics Concentrate. 

Avoid power washing as the high water pressure can deepen any cracks in the wood, and damage the weave of the wicker.

Here’s how to use Branch Basics to clean outdoor wicker and wood furniture:

1. Start by removing all cushions and setting them aside.
   
2. Using the dust-brush attachment on the vacuum, remove any visible dirt and debris.
   
3. Fill a bucket with warm water and add ½ to 1 teaspoon of Concentrate. Dilute the concentration more for painted wood.
   
4. Dip a soft-bristle brush into the soapy solution and lightly scrub the furniture from top to bottom. Note: For wicker furniture, alternate working the brush from side to side and up and down. This will help to agitate dirt and debris trapped in the weave.
   
5. Hose down with a garden hose until all soap is removed. Note: Do not oversaturate wicker as it can weaken the fibers, causing the furniture to break down and come apart.
6. Remove excess water with a microfiber cloth. Let air dry.

If you’re cleaning wood furniture and notice the surface becomes rough, you can use sandpaper to lightly smooth it out. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratching.

To protect wood and wicker furniture after a deep clean, wipe down regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. To do so, try making and using our homemade dusting spray found in “How do I clean wood furniture with Branch Basics?”

How To Clean Metal Furniture

Most outdoor metal furniture is made from a combination of aluminum, iron, steel, and other metals. To preserve its like-new shine, outdoor metal furniture requires regular cleanings to prevent oxidation or rusting.

Here’s how to use Branch Basics All Purpose to clean outdoor metal furniture:

1. Start by removing all cushions and setting them aside.
   
2. Use a dry microfiber cloth, or a vacuum, to dust the furniture off.
   
3. Spray with All Purpose, and use a damp microfiber cloth to work the solution onto the furniture.
   
4. Use a garden hose to rinse off soap and debris.
   
5. Let air dry before replacing all cushions.

How To Clean Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture, or resin, is made from all-weather materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE). This easy-to-clean material doesn’t take much, so a few sprays of All Purpose and wiping with a microfiber cloth should do the trick.

Here’s how to use Branch Basics to clean outdoor plastic furniture:

1. Start by removing all cushions and setting them aside.
   
2. Use a dry microfiber cloth, or a vacuum, to dust the furniture off.
   
3. Spray with All Purpose and wipe away with a damp microfiber cloth or use a soft-bristle brush to agitate any stains.
   
4. Use a garden hose to rinse off any excess soap and debris.
   
5. Let air dry before replacing any cushions. 

Sometimes a deeper clean is necessary for stuck-on stains and grime. Here are some alternative homemade cleaning solutions for plastic furniture:

• To remove grime, mix ½ cup of baking soda with a bucket of warm water. Dip a soft-bristle brush into the solution and gently scrub. Rinse off with cool, clean water.
• For tough stains, dampen a microfiber cloth with white distilled vinegar (be sure to use cleaning gloves) and wipe the plastic furniture down. Let sit a few minutes, then rinse with cool, clean water and let air dry.
• If vinegar doesn’t work, try sprinkling baking soda on a wet microfiber cloth to gently agitate and remove stains.

How To Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions

Branch Basics' all-purpose cleaner is safe enough to use on many different types of fabrics, including cotton, linen, and upholstery.

If your outdoor furniture cushions are removable, it’s best to remove them and run through the washer once or twice each season. If they are not removable, spray with All Purpose, wipe, and air dry. It’s really that easy!

Here’s how to clean outdoor furniture cushions with Branch Basics:

For removable cushion covers:

1. Remove the cushion covers and vacuum if needed.
2. If they are machine washable (check the manufacturer’s label), run them through the washer with Branch Basics Laundry.
3. Allow to fully air dry before replacing the covers.

For cushions that do not have removable covers:

1. Using the dust-brush attachment, vacuum cushions well to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Spray with All Purpose, focusing on grime and stains.
3. Gently agitate and blot stains with a damp microfiber cloth. Wipe the entire cushion to clean.
4. With a clean wet cloth, wipe and remove excess soap.
5. Let it air dry.

Note: Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing. As a general rule of thumb, never dry outdoor furniture cushions in the dryer - always air dry.

For more, check out How to Get Stains Out of Everything with Branch Basics [Complete Guide]. 

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

In addition to Branch Basics, natural ingredients commonly found in your home pantry can be used to easily clean outdoor furniture.

Vinegar

Mix an equal amount of white distilled vinegar and warm water in a bucket. Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe the furniture from top to bottom. Rinse well and air dry.

For tough cleaning jobs and stains, combine a ratio of 1:2 white vinegar and warm water. Add two to three pumps of Foaming Wash. Dampen a cloth in the mixture and wipe the furniture down from top to bottom. Rinse well and air dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for deodorizing and cleaning outdoor patio furniture cushions. Sprinkle some baking soda over the cushions and let sit for a few hours. Vacuum off.

You can also make a cleaning mixture with one part warm water, two parts white vinegar, and three tablespoons of baking soda. Using a soft-bristle brush, apply the cleaning solution to the furniture and scrub gently. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub again to lift any stains. Rinse with clean water and let air dry.

For tough stains like grass and red wine, try mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Apply with a microfiber cloth, dab into the stain, and let soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Streak-Free

Some outdoor furniture, such as tables, come with glass tops. Branch Basics Streak-Free is a safe and human-safe glass cleaner, leaving a clean, streak-free surface. Just spray, wipe, and let air dry.

Transform Your Outdoor Space With Branch Basics

Now you know how to clean outdoor furniture and cushions without using harsh chemicals. 

Let’s take a look at some general tips for maintaining your clean outdoor space:

• Regular maintenance cleanings, like a quick vacuuming or spot-cleans, help to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime over time.
• When not in use, cover your outdoor furniture. This protects it from harsh climates and reduces the need to clean more frequently.
• Bring cushions and outdoor furniture indoors over winter.
• Always check and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

And lastly, avoid harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the furniture’s material. 

Instead, choose to clean with Branch Basics - a MADE SAFE certified, plant-based, eco-friendly, multi-purpose cleaning solution used for any cleaning job, including outdoor patio furniture and cushions.

To get started, check out our Branch Basics Premium Starter Kits. Each comes with our all-in-one Concentrate, Oxygen Boost, and five refillable bottles (available in reusable plastic or glass) to make All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, Streak-Free, and Laundry.

To learn more about Branch Basics and what’s in it, read more here:

• How Branch Basics Is A Healthy & Sustainable Cleaning Line
• How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit 
• How To Use Branch Basics All-Purpose: Complete Guide 

And for more safe and natural outdoor tips, check out:

• Natural Ways to Make Your Yard & Garden Less Susceptible to Bugs
• How to Minimize Chlorine Exposure At The Pool