How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture and Cushions

To clean outdoor patio furniture, match the method to the material: hose off loose dirt, then scrub plastic and resin with a vinegar-and-water or mild dish-soap solution, wicker with soapy water and a soft brush, and wrought iron with soapy water (gently, to protect the paint), rinsing and air-drying everything. For cushions, check the fabric and either machine-wash removable covers or wipe with a water-and-vinegar mix. Avoid bleach except on bleach-safe synthetics, and never mix cleaning chemicals. Here’s the full guide by material.

Why clean patio furniture?

Clean furniture isn’t just about looks — it’s about hygiene:

• Mold and mildew can grow on patio furniture left damp, and both can affect people and pets.
• Roughly 3-5% of people are allergic to mold.
• Cold and flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Keeping furniture and cushions clean keeps your family healthier and your patio inviting.

Types of patio furniture

Patio furniture comes in many materials, each with its own best cleaning approach:

• Wrought iron
• Aluminum and other metals
• Plastic and resin
• Wicker and rattan
• Wood

White vinegar is one of our favorite all-around cleaners for the job. Here’s how to handle each material.

Cleaning products and supplies

Safety note: never mix these cleaners together — in particular, never combine bleach with ammonia or vinegar, which produces toxic gas. Use one cleaner at a time and rinse between methods.

How to clean plastic and resin patio furniture

Step 1: For heavy dirt, hose it down (or power wash) and loosen debris with a soft brush.
Step 2: Rub stubborn stains like sap or spilled juice with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol, then rinse.
Step 3: For molded plastic, scrub stains with a bucket of warm water and white vinegar. Don’t use bleach on colored plastic, which can fade it.
Step 4: For resin wicker, clean crevices with mild dish soap and warm water, using a toothbrush.
Step 5: For mold or mildew, spray equal parts vinegar and water, let sit 30 minutes, then rinse.
Step 6: Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

How to clean wicker patio furniture

“Wicker” is a weave, not a material — it can be rattan, bamboo, resin, or thin wood.

Step 1: Brush or vacuum debris from the crevices; compressed air also works to blow out tight spots.
Step 2: Mix warm soapy water with two tablespoons of ammonia and clean one section at a time with a soft brush. (Work in a ventilated outdoor space, and never add bleach to an ammonia solution.)
Step 3: Tackle stubborn or mildew stains with Murphy’s Oil Soap on a toothbrush.
Step 4: Rinse and air dry.
Step 5: Restore unfinished wicker by rubbing linseed oil into the dry weave with a microfiber cloth.

For resin wicker, use the plastic-and-resin method instead.

How to clean wrought iron patio furniture

Wrought iron is usually painted, so the goal is cleaning without stripping the finish.

Step 1: Remove cushions and hose down the iron to clear dirt.
Step 2: Scrub dirty spots with a brush dipped in soapy water with a little vinegar — not too hard, to protect the paint.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water; repeat on stubborn areas, using a toothbrush on ornate scrollwork.
Step 4: Check for rust. Remove light rust with a vinegar-and-water solution or fine sandpaper, then touch up the paint.
Step 5: Cover the furniture when not in use to prevent new rust.

For aluminum and other metals, a paste of baking soda and lemon juice lifts rust.

How to clean patio cushions

The video below shows how to clean patio cushions.

FAQs

What’s the best homemade cleaner for outdoor furniture?
Warm water with mild dish soap and a little white vinegar works for most jobs. Use a single approach at a time — don’t combine multiple cleaning chemicals.

Oil or varnish for wooden furniture?
Both protect wood. Oil is cheaper and faster to apply; varnish lasts longer and protects better. Paint is also an option.

Can I pressure wash cushions?
Yes — it’s effective for very dirty or stained cushions, on a moderate setting and from enough distance not to damage the fabric.

When should I just paint furniture?
Paint pieces that are structurally sound but looking tired. Heavy rust or rot means it’s time to replace.

How do I keep furniture in good shape?
Two things: use furniture covers between uses, and clean and store everything properly at the end of the season.

Conclusion

Cleaning patio furniture isn’t hard, but because it comes in so many materials, the key is matching the right product and method to each — so you get it looking great without damaging the finish, and without ever mixing cleaners that shouldn’t be combined.