How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture and Cushions
Outdoor patio furniture gets a ton of use in the warm spring and summer months. Whether you’re having family and friends over for a summer cookout or just chilling out on the patio after a long day of work, you want your favorite patio furniture to be clean.
To help you out, here’s our guide to how to clean outdoor patio furniture and cushions to make sure they look their best and don’t harbor germs or bacteria that could impact you and your family. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or renter, or a professional cleaner yourself, we’ve got the answers you need.
Why Is It Important to Clean Patio Furniture?
Nice-looking patio furniture is desirable, whether it’s made of wicker, wrought iron, or plastic. What’s equally as important is the cleanliness and sanitation of your patio furniture. Consider these facts and statistics.
- Mold and mildew may grow on outdoor patio furniture if it’s not kept clean and dry. Both can be dangerous to humans and pets.
- Between 3% and 5% of all people are allergic to mold.
- Viruses, including cold and flu germs, can live on hard surfaces, including furniture, for up to 48 hours.
Keeping your patio furniture and cushions clean keeps your family healthy and will also ensure that you have an attractive area to spend time with your loved ones.
What Are the Different Types of Patio Furniture?
Patio furniture can be made from many different materials, including:
- Wrought iron
- Aluminum and other metals
- Plastic
- Wicker
- Rattan
- Resin
- Wood
Keep reading to learn about cleaning methods for different types of furniture, including how to clean outdoor patio furniture with vinegar, one of our favorite cleaning products. Whether you’ve got neon polyester cushions on your furniture or classic Adirondack chairs, we’ll walk you through how to take care of it.
Cleaning Products and Supplies for Patio Furniture & Cushions
Here are the cleaning products and other supplies you’ll need to keep your favorite patio furniture looking terrific.
Cleaning Products | Cleaning Supplies |
Baking soda | Bucket |
Sponges | |
Rubbing alcohol | Spray bottle |
Dish detergent | Microfiber cloths |
Murphy’s Oil Soap | Hose |
Ammonia | Cleaning brush |
Mineral spirits |
How to Clean Plastic Patio Furniture (or Resin)
Plastic patio furniture can be made with molded plastic or resin and comes in an impressive range of colors. Follow these steps to keep your plastic or resin tables and chairs looking new.
Step 1: If there’s heavy dirt on your plastic or resin furniture, including resin wicker, spray it first with your garden hose (or power wash it) and use a soft brush to remove heavy debris and dirt.
Step 2: Using a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol, rub gently to remove any stubborn stains, including things like sap or the juice your kids spilled. Rinse again to make sure your furniture doesn’t fade.
Step 3: For molded plastic, fill a bucket with warm water and white vinegar, and use it to scrub at any stains on the plastic. Do not use bleach.,
Step 4: For resin wicker furniture, use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to clean inside crevices. You may want to use a toothbrush.
Step 5: If your furniture has mold or mildew stains, spray with equal parts vinegar and water, then let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Step 6: Rinse furniture thoroughly, then let it air dry.
How to Clean Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker furniture has a fresh and summery appearance that makes it enduringly popular. The word “wicker” refers to a weaving technique. That means wicker can be made from several materials, including things like rattan, bamboo, resin, or even thin strips of wood. Here’s how to clean outdoor furniture made of wicker.
Step 1: Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove debris from the crevices of your wicker furniture. You can also use compressed air (the same stuff you use to clean your computer keyboard) to blow dirt out of those areas.
Step 2: Mix up a bucket of warm, soapy water with two tablespoons of ammonia. With a soft brush or toothbrush dipped in that mixture, clean the wicker one section at a time.
Step 3: For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush with Murphy’s Oil Soap to remove them. (This method can also work with mold and mildew stains.)
Step 4: Rinse and allow the wicker to air dry.
Step 5: If you have unfinished wicker furniture, you can restore its appearance by applying linseed oil to dry wicker with a clean microfiber cloth.
If you have resin wicker, use the method for plastic and resin furniture.
How to Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Wrought iron patio furniture is typically painted, with black and white being the most popular colors. Here’s the method to clean it properly.
Step 1: Remove any cushions or covers, then hose down the wrought iron with your hose or a pressure washer to remove dirt.
Step 2: Follow up by scrubbing dirty areas with a wire bristle brush dipped in soapy water with vinegar added. You don’t want to scrub too hard, since this may damage the paint.
Step 3: Use a bucket of clean water or the hose to rinse away the soap. If any areas are still dirty, repeat the scrubbing process. With ornate wrought iron, you may want to employ a toothbrush. Rinse again as needed.
Step 4: Inspect your wrought iron furniture for rust. If you find any, either apply a mixture of vinegar and water to remove it or use fine sanding paper to remove it. Then, repaint the wrought iron to make it look like new.
Step 5: Prevent additional rust from appearing by covering your wrought iron furniture when it’s not in use.
For other types of metal, including aluminum, you can make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice to remove rust.
How to Clean Patio Furniture Cushions
Cushion Material/Issue | Cleaning Products | Method | Tip |
Natural fabric | Laundry detergent | Remove covers, treat stains with a stain remover, and launder per the label instructions. | Bring natural fabric pillows and cushions inside before it rains or when not in use. |
Polypropylene | Water/vinegar | Use a clean cloth to apply the water and vinegar mixture. Rinse and leave the cushions to dry. | Propylene resists fading, so it’s safe to use bleach. |
Acrylics | Laundry detergent | Most acrylic fabrics are designed to be machine washable, so just follow the label instructions. | Many acrylic fabrics are stain resistant, so you won’t need to worry about stain remover. |
Solution-dyed fabrics | Laundry detergent or water/vinegar | Follow the instructions on the label. | Solution-dyed fabrics are dyed all the way through, so they won’t lose their color. |
Watch the video below to see how to clean patio furniture cushions.
FAQs About Cleaning Patio Furniture
- What is the best homemade cleaning solution for outdoor furniture?
We like a combination of warm water, mild dish soap, and vinegar. Alternatively, you can mix warm water, vinegar, and ammonia for an extra-strong solution.1
- Is it better to oil or varnish outdoor furniture?
Both oil and varnish can be helpful when it comes to protecting wooden outdoor furniture. Oil is less expensive and quicker to apply, but varnish lasts a lot longer and provides protection that oil can’t. Paint is also a good option.2
- Should I pressure wash outdoor furniture cushions?
Pressure washing is a safe method and particularly effective for cushions that haven’t been cleaned in a while and are very dirty or stained.3
- How do I know when I need to just paint outdoor furniture?
The rule of thumb is to paint furniture that’s still in good condition but in need of a face lift. Excessive rusting or rot is a sign that it’s time to get new furniture.4
- What’s the best way to keep patio furniture clean and in good condition?
There are two big things you can do to keep your patio furniture looking its best. The first is to invest in some furniture covers and cover your outdoor furniture between uses. The second is to clean and store furniture at the end of the summer season, and keep it properly stored.5
Conclusion
Cleaning patio furniture isn’t difficult, but because it can be made from so many different materials, it’s necessary to know exactly what cleaning products and supplies to use to ensure you don’t damage the furniture and that it always looks its best.
Citations
1 Bennett, J. (2025, March 13). How to Clean Outdoor Furniture for a Total Seasonal Refresh. Bhg.com. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/outdoor-rooms/how-to-clean-outdoor-furniture/
2 QuickCrop (2023, November 4). What is the Best Finish for Garden Furniture? Https://Quickcrop.co.uk. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.quickcrop.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-best-finish-for-garden-furniture/?srsltid=AfmBOopNkB7y44DCTXrVzNXR8S18lhslH476Em2f6CNBUva1geFbSjL3
3 Sprouse, T. (2023, June 25). How to Pressure Wash Patio Cushions. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-pressure-wash-patio-cushions-37269119
4 Nichols, L. M. (2024, November 20). 17 Tips for Painting Outdoor Furniture. Www.Familyhandyman.com. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/15-tips-for-painting-outdoor-furniture/?srsltid=AfmBOorYM75vs4ryQPxzgGgb2nu_hqT4QDn91CF8nTwecp-QsBourF18
5 Sharma, N. (2025, June 4). 6 Summer Cleaning Tricks That Will Save Your Outdoor Furniture From Mold and Mildew. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-keep-patio-furniture-clean-1174157