Sanitizing Outdoor Furniture: Tips For A Clean Backyard. Alfresco living is one of the perks of living on a tropical island like Singapore – so it’s no surprise that lounging on outdoor furniture is a popular way to soak in the sun and fresh air.
But let’s face it, furniture left outdoors is always prone to dirt, so regular sanitizing is necessary.
Sanitizing your favorite outdoor pieces doesn’t have to be difficult, but it requires understanding the different types of furniture materials and the best way to clean each.
Whether it’s a new patio set or a well-loved outdoor sofa, this simple sanitizing guide will ensure the longevity and protection of your outdoor furniture for years to come.
Why It’s Important To Sanitize Your Outdoor Furniture
Sanitizing Outdoor Furniture: Tips For A Clean Backyard. While most outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements, that doesn’t mean it’s resistant to dust, mold, insects, and harsh weather conditions.
This is particularly true in Singapore, where the climate is a mix of high humidity and abundant rainfall due to its proximity to the equator and maritime exposure.
Extreme sun exposure can expand or shrink certain furniture materials and cause them to crack or become fragile. Rainy days, on the other hand, may cause moisture-related issues that can lead to mold or mildew growth.
This is why proper cleaning and sanitizing are integral to maintaining your outdoor furniture and looking its best.
How To Sanitize Different Kinds Of Outdoor Furniture
Different types of materials require other cleaning techniques. Find out which one is best for your outdoor furniture:
1. Wood Furniture
- Remove leaves or other light debris using a nylon soft-bristled brush.
- Mix a diluted cleaning solution of half a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of liquid detergent.
- Use a sponge or damp cloth to scrub the furniture lightly. Remember to always clean in the same direction as the wood grain.
- Rinse the water using a garden hose with low pressure. Avoid using a power washer, as aggressive spraying could damage the fibers and structure of the wood.
- Soak up any excess water using a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
- Leave it out in the sun to dry naturally.
Remember not to use any cleaning solution with chlorine bleach because it deteriorates the wood at a chemical level — causing changes in color and weakening the material.
Alternatively, mix equal water, vinegar, and a teaspoon of olive oil with liquid detergent. Vinegar is an excellent disinfectant because it cuts through sticky grease on wood, while olive oil adds moisture and shine.
2. Wicker (Rattan Or Bamboo) Furniture
Wicker furniture is made of natural products like bamboo or rattan, but the weave pattern makes sanitizing more challenging.
- Remove all cushions and fabric before cleaning.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt and other superficial debris visible on the furniture’s surface.
- If twigs, leaves, or other small debris are lodged between the crevices of the weave, you can use an old toothbrush to remove them. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment to save time.
- Create a soapy solution with 2 to 3 cups of water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Use the soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the furniture, alternating back and forth with up and down strokes.
- Rise completely using a garden hose and leave it to air dry in a shady area.
When cleaning wicker furniture, it’s essential to work section by section — allowing each area to dry completely before moving to the next one. This is because thoroughly wetting your wicker furniture all at once may deform it during drying. Sectional cleaning ensures that the weaves remain tight.
3. Plastic Or Hard Resin Furniture
Plastic and resin are generally easier to clean than wood or wicker because they aren’t prone to mold or mildew.
- Make a mild cleaning solution using one gallon of lukewarm water into a bucket and add one-fourth cup of liquid dishwashing soap. Stir well to disperse the soap.
- Using a sponge or soft-bristled brush, scrub the furniture from the top too.
- If there are any stains, sprinkle baking soda on the area to act as a light abrasive to lift the stains without scratching the surface.
- Rinse the chairs well with a garden hose and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, like steel wool or hard scrubbing pads. These could scratch the material and allow more grime to settle in the groves.
If your outdoor plastic furniture is white, use an oxygen-based bleach solution to remove stains and preserve their white color. Oxygen bleach is more gentle and less corrosive to plastic than chlorine bleach.
4. Metal Furniture
Some of the most popular materials for outdoor metal furniture are aluminum, stainless steel, and wrought iron.
- Scrub away any loose dirt or debris using a dry brush or cloth.
- If there is grime or build-up of sticky substances, use a garden hose to spray the metal furniture thoroughly to wash it off.
- Make a gentle cleaning solution using a gallon of warm water and 1/4 cup of dish soap or laundry detergent.
- Rinse it with water and leave it to air dry
The greatest enemy of metal furniture is rust. If you notice rust stains building up, rinse the furniture and dust with baking soda or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water. Leave it on for an hour, then use a steel wool or metal brush to remove oxidation.
If you want to prevent further rust build-up, it’s an excellent idea to re-paint your metal furniture annually using a combination of rust-resistant primer and paint.
5. Furniture With Fabric Covering And Cushions
Fabric and cushions are prone to stains from bird droppings, food, drinks, and even grass stains from clothing. The trick is to act fast- clean it immediately once you notice a spill or stain.
- Remove any dried or caked-on debris before brushing to prevent it from seeping into the fabric.
- Mix a solution of warm water and heavy liquid detergent. Alternatively, you can make a paste cleaner by mixing powdered detergent and water until it forms a paste-like texture.
- DON’T pour the entire mixture onto your fabric. Instead, dip your cloth or brush and scrub lightly. This will prevent excess moisture from soaking into the material.
- Use small, circular motions to help loosen any stains in the fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly with plain water, ensuring no cleaning mixture is left, which could cause discoloration.
- Please leave it to air dry.
Sanitizing Outdoor Furniture: Tips For A Clean Backyard – Conclusion
Knowing how to sanitize different furniture materials properly is crucial to keeping your favorite outdoor pieces clean and your backyard ready to relax.
As with most things, prevention is the best way to keep your outdoor furniture looking good as new. Regular sanitizing and cleaning will ensure it stays in tip-top condition for years.