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How To Clean Your Outdoor Patio Furniture In 6 Easy Steps

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Having a great backyard is not just about buying the right patio furniture. It’s about keeping that furniture clean to achieve a neat and stylish patio. How you go about keeping your furniture in tip-top shape depends on the type you purchased.

Teak patio furniture, for instance, requires a very different method of maintenance than wicker or rattan.

Read on to learn how to keep your outdoor entertainment area clean and tidy, no matter what kind of furniture you have.

1. Teak

Teak furniture is not only durable, but it also requires little maintenance, making it a popular choice with consumers. Regular cleaning ensures your furniture will not fall victim to discoloration or mildew.

To keep the teak in good condition, use a simple solution of one cup of vinegar in one gallon of warm water and scrub the wood with a soft plastic brush.

Allow the vinegar solution to rest on the wood for roughly 15 minutes, and then rinse clean with water.

2. Wrought Iron

Wrought iron furniture is extremely durable, needing to be cleaned only once every few months. Spray the furniture with your hose or power washer to get rid of dirt and grime.

Using a drop or two of mild dish soap on a sponge, clean your furniture in circular motions and re-apply the soap as needed. Spray furniture clean using your hose and allow it to air dry. Chips or rust can be fixed with some sandpaper and a new coat of paint.

3. Wicker

Wicker furniture is also a low-maintenance choice. Use a vacuum to get rid of spider webs, bugs and dirt. You can use a mild oil-based soap and warm water to clean the wicker if, after vacuuming, it is still quite dirty.

If your furniture does not require heavy cleaning, a small amount of natural dish soap mixed with warm water and applied with a sponge will do the trick. After rinsing, allow the furniture to dry completely before using it.

4. Rattan

Rattan, like wicker, is best cleaned with natural dish soap. Add a small amount of the soap to warm water and mix until frothy bubbles form. Dip a soft cloth into the bubbles, but not the water, and wipe down your furniture.

You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in the suds to clean any nooks or crannies. Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly in the sun. Once dry, you can apply lacquer to your furniture for extra protection.

5. Plastic

The most affordable of all outdoor furniture options, plastic needs more care than you might think. Regular cleaning and care is necessary to avoid discoloration. You can use a vinegar-water solution or mild dish soap and water, depending on your preference.

Start by hosing the furniture down and then, using a sponge, scrub with the solution of your choice. Dry the furniture with a towel or cloth to avoid water spots. To add a little luster, spray with WD-40 and wipe with a soft cloth.

6. Wood

Wooden patio furniture can be cleaned using a power washer on a regular basis. For deeper cleaning, use warm soapy water and a cloth.

All outdoor wooden furniture should be treated with weather-resistant sealants and products to help protect it from the elements.

Patio Furniture at Aqua Paradise

Need more tips for an immaculate patio? Our experts at Aqua Paradise can answer any questions you have about patio furniture, hot tubs and swim spas.

Contact our experts or visit us at one of our Aqua Paradise showrooms to see all of the affordable hot tub models we have on display.

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