Cleaning garden furniture
Nobody wants to eat off from a dirty outdoor table or sit on a grimy chair - so when it boils down to keeping furniture pieces in pristine condition, regular cleanings are necessary.
16/01/2019
Nobody wants to eat off from a dirty outdoor table or sit on a grimy chair. So when it boils down to keeping furniture pieces in pristine condition, regular cleanings are necessary. For better results, you need to clean patio furniture every once in a while. However, the method of cleaning depends on the material from which the item is made. Generally, outdoor furniture items are made from wood, glass, metal and plastic, and the method involved in cleaning these materials vary.
Cleaning wicker and wood patio
To get rid of dirt, use a mild soap (oil-based). Mix it in some warm water, and wipe out the dirt and grime gently. Another option involves mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar (white), ΒΌ cup of ammonia and one quart of warm water. You can also go for commercial wood cleaners that are a bit costly. However, be sure you read the cleaning directions carefully. In most cases, wood and wicker may require you to dilute the solution.
For hardwoods, an application of fresh protective coating will work fine. However, you have to sand the furniture pieces before applying the coat. Polyurethane or oil coatings are supposed to be the best for such furniture pieces. If most of your patio furniture items are wicker based, hose them down once in every few weeks to avoid accumulation of dirt in crevices. The best solution for wood/wicker is regular wiping to remove debris, dirt and excess water.
How to clean metal, aluminum and iron furniture
If you have furniture made from aluminum, they might be subject to oxidation problems. Use a metal polishing paste to get rid of oxidation issues. To maintain its luster, wash aluminum regularly. In addition to reducing oxidation issues, regular washing will also help to get rid of scuff marks.
An experienced home cleaning says, for combating rust, sand your metal pieces. Wipe off any metal residue with a damp cloth (a cloth dampened with naphtha or mineral spirits). Apply a rust resistant primer and paint the pieces with a rust resistant paint. Finally, add a powered coating to metal furniture to ensure added protection.
Glass outdoor furniture
Since glass is pretty fragile, you should take extra care when cleaning glass furniture. Use a non-abrasive, glass-safe material to remove stuck-on debris from the items. Home cleaning solutions or dish detergents work best for cleaning glass. Apply your initial cleaning to the glass surface. Spray on glass cleaner or white vinegar; then wipe out using a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
If you have a glass table, make sure it is covered when not in use. In case you find any chips and cracks on the glass, use a glass repair kit to fix the problem. Above all, make sure you clean the underside of the glass furniture at least once every month to avoid irreversible dirt and grime.
Cleaning plastic patio furniture
As opposed to glass, it is very easy to
clean
patio furniture made from plastic. You can make
your own mild cleaner by mixing a half cup of
washing soda in one gallon of water. A mixture
of dishwasher detergent and warm water also
works for plastic.
If you have white plastic,
be sure you avoid bleach and chlorine because
they just eat away the plastic material.
Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge to
make a mild abrasive that will get rid of
stains. After washing, protect your plastic
furniture by applying a coat of automotive paste
wax.