How to clean outdoor furniture (2026)
Quick Answer
Clean outdoor furniture by matching the method to the material: brush off loose dirt, wash with a mild cleaner and water, rinse well, and let it dry fully before using or covering it. Do this light clean regularly during the outdoor season, and inspect for rust, cracked finishes, loose fixings, mould or fabric damage so small problems do not become permanent staining or structural wear.
Overview
Outdoor furniture lasts longer and looks better when it is cleaned little and often rather than left until it is heavily soiled. A routine clean removes pollen, bird mess, tree sap, salt, sunscreen residue and mildew food before they stain or break down finishes. The safest approach is to start gently: dry brushing first, then mild soapy water, then stronger cleaning only if the manufacturer says it is suitable for that material. Aluminium, plastic and many synthetic weaves usually cope well with basic washing, while wood, painted finishes, cushions and steel often need more care to avoid fading, swelling, rusting or stripping protective coatings. As a practical routine, brush or wipe furniture weekly when it is in regular use, wash it more thoroughly whenever you can see grime building up, and always clean before long-term storage or fitting covers. Watch for rough patches on wood, bubbling paint, orange rust marks on metal, green or black mildew on fabric, frayed straps, sagging webbing and loose screws or joints. These are signs that cleaning alone may not be enough and that repair, refinishing or professional help may be needed. Always check the care label or manufacturer instructions first, especially before using bleach, solvents, abrasive pads or pressure washers.
Who this is for
Homeowners, tenants and holiday-let managers looking after garden tables, chairs, benches, loungers and cushions made from common outdoor furniture materials.
What you’ll need
- Soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment
- Bucket of warm water
- Mild washing-up liquid or cleaner approved by the furniture manufacturer
- Microfibre cloths or soft sponges
- Garden hose or clean water for rinsing
- Dry towel
- Optional: non-scratch brush for textured surfaces
- Optional: protective gloves
Before you start
Check the care label, user manual or manufacturer website for the exact cleaning products and methods allowed for your furniture material. Test any cleaner on a small hidden area first. Move cushions aside, brush off grit before washing so you do not scratch the surface, and avoid cleaning in strong sun if the product label warns against it or if fast drying may leave marks.
Step-by-step
- 1
Identify the material and read the care guidance
Work out whether the furniture is wood, aluminium, steel, resin plastic, rattan-style synthetic weave, natural rattan, painted metal, stone-topped or fabric-covered. Then check the maker's instructions for approved cleaners, whether pressure washing is allowed, and whether any protective treatment is recommended after cleaning.
Why: Outdoor furniture materials react differently to water, cleaners and scrubbing. Using the wrong method can strip finishes, swell wood, promote rust or damage fabric coatings.
- 2
Remove loose dirt first
Take off cushions, brush away leaves and grit, and vacuum crevices, woven sections and seams. For bird mess or sticky debris, lift off as much as you can gently before washing.
Why: Dry debris turns into abrasive slurry when wet and can scratch painted, plastic and metal surfaces during washing.
- 3
Wash with a mild cleaner
Use a soft cloth, sponge or non-scratch brush with mild soapy water or a cleaner specifically recommended for the material. Clean from the top down, paying attention to arms, seat edges, undersides and joints where grime collects. For cushions and fabric slings, follow the care label and avoid soaking any foam or filling unless the manufacturer says it is washable.
Why: A mild wash removes the most common outdoor grime without unnecessarily attacking finishes, protective coatings or fabric treatments.
- 4
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse away all cleaner residue with clean water, using a hose on a gentle setting if suitable for the furniture. Do not force water into joints, cracks, cushion fills or rust-prone areas more than needed.
Why: Leftover cleaner can attract dirt, leave streaks and in some cases affect finishes or fabrics if it dries on the surface.
- 5
Dry completely
Wipe down hard surfaces and leave furniture and cushions to dry fully in a well-ventilated place before use, stacking, storing or fitting covers. Stand cushions on edge if that helps moisture escape and the care label allows it.
Why: Trapped moisture encourages mildew, corrosion, odours and staining, especially under covers or in folds and seams.
- 6
Inspect and deal with early warning signs
As you clean, check for rust spots, flaking paint, greyed or splintering wood, cracked welds, loose fixings, split weave, fading, mould growth, torn seams and sagging seats. Tighten accessible fixings if the manufacturer allows it, touch up minor finish damage with approved products, and set aside anything that looks structurally unsound.
Why: Cleaning is the best time to spot small defects before they spread into frame failure, water ingress or permanent staining.
- 7
Set a simple routine
Wipe or brush furniture regularly during the season, do a fuller wash whenever visible dirt builds up, and give everything a proper clean before winter storage or before putting covers on for longer periods. Reapply any wood oil, sealant or metal-protective finish only if the manufacturer recommends it and according to the product label.
Why: Routine care reduces the need for aggressive cleaning later and helps protective finishes last longer.
Why this works
Most outdoor furniture dirt is surface contamination from dust, plant matter, body oils, pollution and moisture-fed biological growth. Removing it gently and regularly stops it bonding to the surface, feeding mildew or sitting long enough to break down coatings, fabrics and exposed metal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a pressure washer without checking whether the furniture material and finish can cope with it
- Scrubbing with abrasive pads or stiff metal brushes that scratch coatings and plastics
- Leaving cleaner residue to dry on the surface
- Putting covers on while the furniture or cushions are still damp
- Using bleach, solvents or strong degreasers without checking the manufacturer guidance
- Ignoring small rust spots, split seams or loose joints until they become structural problems
Troubleshooting
White or dull marks after cleaning
Rinse again with clean water and buff dry. If the finish still looks dulled, check whether the cleaner used was unsuitable for that material.
Green, black or musty patches on cushions or slings
Follow the fabric care label and the manufacturer's cleaning method for mildew. Dry completely before reuse. Replace inserts or covers if odour and staining persist.
Orange-brown spotting on metal furniture
Treat it as early rust. Clean gently, dry thoroughly and use a manufacturer-approved touch-up or protective product if the finish system allows it. If rust is widespread or the metal is pitting, seek professional repair or replacement advice.
Wood feels rough or looks grey after cleaning
Let it dry fully, then check the manufacturer's maintenance advice. It may need a suitable refinishing product rather than more washing.
Synthetic weave or plastic still looks dirty in textured areas
Use a soft brush to reach crevices and repeat with mild cleaner. Avoid harsh solvents that can damage the material.
Compare your options
Mild soapy water and soft cloth
Best for: Routine cleaning on most outdoor furniture
Pros: Low risk, inexpensive, suitable for frequent use
Cons: May not remove heavy mildew, oxidation or ingrained staining
Manufacturer-approved specialist cleaner
Best for: Specific materials such as teak, fabric, powder-coated metal or resin weave
Pros: Designed for the finish or fabric, often safer for warranties and protective coatings
Cons: Costs more and requires you to match the right product to the material
Pressure washer
Best for: Only where the manufacturer explicitly allows it
Pros: Fast on robust surfaces and awkward textures
Cons: Easy to damage paint, wicker-style weave, wood fibres, seals and fabrics if used incorrectly
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild soapy water and soft cloth | Routine cleaning on most outdoor furniture | Low risk, inexpensive, suitable for frequent use | May not remove heavy mildew, oxidation or ingrained staining |
| Manufacturer-approved specialist cleaner | Specific materials such as teak, fabric, powder-coated metal or resin weave | Designed for the finish or fabric, often safer for warranties and protective coatings | Costs more and requires you to match the right product to the material |
| Pressure washer | Only where the manufacturer explicitly allows it | Fast on robust surfaces and awkward textures | Easy to damage paint, wicker-style weave, wood fibres, seals and fabrics if used incorrectly |
Alternatives
- Use removable, washable cushion covers if your furniture design allows it and the care label permits machine washing
- Arrange periodic professional deep cleaning or refinishing for valuable teak, powder-coated sets or commercial outdoor seating
Pro tips
- Clean bird droppings, tree sap and sunscreen spills promptly because they can stain if left in place
- Rinse coastal furniture more often if salt spray is an issue, especially metal frames and fixings
- Lift furniture rather than dragging it when moving it for cleaning to avoid joint and leg damage
- Store cushions somewhere dry and ventilated when not in use for longer periods
- Keep furniture slightly raised off persistently wet ground if possible to reduce moisture exposure
Safety notes
- Wear gloves if using cleaning products and follow the label instructions
- Do not mix cleaning chemicals unless the product label explicitly says it is safe
- Use ladders or step stools carefully if cleaning tall stacked furniture or covers
- Keep children and pets away until surfaces are rinsed and dry
- Take care with wet patios and decking as overspray can make them slippery
What this guide does not cover: This guide covers general household outdoor furniture care only. It does not give material-specific chemical formulas, stain-removal prescriptions, upholstery restoration methods or restoration advice for antique, commercial or high-value bespoke furniture.
Cost considerations
Routine cleaning with mild products is usually far cheaper than replacing sun-damaged cushions, rusted frames or neglected timber. Using the wrong cleaner can also void some manufacturer care guidance or shorten the life of a finish, leading to avoidable repair or refinishing costs.
Prefer to hire a professional?
If this job is beyond a confident DIY — or the work needs to be done by a licensed professional — you can find a verified landscaper or builder through Trade Directory (tradedirectory.co.nz), New Zealand's directory of real, verified trade businesses. Compare local tradespeople, read their details and request quotes before you commit.
Find a landscaper or builder on Trade DirectoryFrequently asked questions
How often should I clean outdoor furniture?+
Light brushing or wiping is sensible during regular use, especially in pollen season or under trees. Wash more thoroughly whenever dirt becomes visible, and always clean before storage or before fitting covers for a long period.
Can I use washing-up liquid?+
Usually for routine cleaning, yes, if used mildly and rinsed well. But always check the care instructions first because some finishes, woods and fabrics need a specific cleaner.
Is a pressure washer safe?+
Only if the manufacturer says it is suitable for that furniture and finish. Pressure washing can strip paint, fur up wood, force water into joints and damage woven or fabric parts.
What are the main warning signs that cleaning is not enough?+
Spreading rust, flaking coatings, cracked welds, loose legs or arms, persistent mildew odour, torn seams, rotten timber and sagging structural sections all suggest repair, refinishing or replacement may be needed.
Should I cover furniture after cleaning?+
Yes, if covers are breathable and the furniture is completely dry first. Trapping moisture under a cover can encourage mildew and corrosion.
Sources & references
Guidance on this page is traced to documented sources. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- IKEA - How to clean and care for outdoor furniture · manufacturer
Supports checking material-specific care, regular cleaning, drying thoroughly, and following manufacturer guidance for maintenance.
Basic cleaning principles change slowly, but exact care methods can vary by material, finish and manufacturer instructions.