How to clean outdoor furniture
ServiceMaster Clean experts share their top tips on cleaning your outdoor furniture.
Your outdoor furniture goes through a lot. Battered by the elements, faded from sunlight, and that’s before we even get to the same spillages, wear and tear that your indoor furniture also goes through.
It’s no wonder that cleaning it can be a daunting task. That’s why the experts at ServiceMaster Clean Leicester have put together their top tips so you can learn how to clean outdoor furniture safely and effectively yourself.
How to clean outdoor furniture yourself
Whatever the type of outdoor furniture, whether it’s seating, an umbrella, or a table, some general tips work universally well.
- Clean your outdoor cushions/umbrella every six months
- Using baking soda to remove grease stains on outdoor cushions
- Test solutions and products in an inconspicuous area first
- Call in the professionals if unsure to benefit from specialist products and expertise
- Use an old toothbrush in smaller or harder-to-reach areas.
- Store completely dry cushions over winter – do not put them away damp, as mould/mildew will grow.
- Treat stains as soon as possible using DIY solutions or specialist products.
- Consider stain protecting the cushions from spillages
- If you decide to power wash your cushions/umbrella (be careful not to damage the fabric)
- You can purchase products for this type of cleaning over the counter, but always read the label carefully, use correct PPE and test in an inconspicuous area first.
Cleaning Outdoor Sofa Cushions
When cleaning cushions, try making up a spray bottle of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) and spray the solution onto the cushion and wipe off with a cloth (it’s best to wear gloves whilst doing this).
As always, test in an inconspicuous area first.
If they are machine washable (check the care label), you can put them through the machine and air dry on a washing line.
Removing Mould from Sofa Cushions
If your sofa cushions (and other outdoor furniture) have become mouldy from rainwater or dew, they may become mouldy. There are ways to remove this yourself, but it will most likely leave a black, greyish stain afterwards as the mould will have seeped into the fabric and fibres.
When cleaning mould, always use PPE (such as gloves and goggles when using bleach), and clean outside or in a well-ventilated area with open doors and windows.
First, prepare your solution using 60 millilitres of washing-up liquid, 237 millilitres of bleach and 3.8 litres of water. Then, remove any loose debris with a soft-bristled brush.
Spray your solution onto the affected area and, if possible, leave for about fifteen minutes in sunlight. Then, using a soft-bristled brush, go over the area until it is clear of mould. Then rinse with water and allow it to dry in the sun.
Or call in the mould removal experts like your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business.
Need an expert furniture cleaner?
If you want to refresh and protect your outdoor furniture, your flooring, upholstery, carpets, hardwood and furnishings, book a no-obligation quotation by calling the ServiceMaster Clean Leicester team on 0800 021 3112 or emailing branches@servicemaster.co.uk.
Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business or book online today.
