How to Clean Outdoor Furniture (For Any Materials)

Your outdoor furniture—whether it’s on a deck, balcony, garden, or by the pool—battles weather, dirt, and wear. 

Generic “soap and water” tips fall flat when materials like teak, aluminum, or polyester each demand a different approach, and your setting changes the gam too. 

In this guide, we share quick DIY fixes for every material that actually work, plus when to call pros. Let’s get it clean, fast.

How to Clean Any Type of Outdoor Furniture Efficiently 

1. Cleaning Your Outdoor Wood Furniture (Teak, Cedar, Acacia, etc.)

a. Tools You Need

• Soft-bristle brush ($5)

• Handheld steamer (e.g., Bissell Steam Shot, ~$40)

• 80-grit sandpaper ($3/pack)

• Bucket

• Teak oil ($15, optional)

  
  

b. Step-by-Step Cleaning

• Dry-brush loose dirt before hosing—wetting first turns debris into stubborn grime.

• Mix a cleaning solution:

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar (natural mold killer)

  • 1 tbsp dish soap (cuts grease)

  • 1 gallon of warm water (loosens dirt)

  • Scrub along the wood grain with a soft brush.

• Rinse gently with a hose (<1000 PSI) or bucket—high pressure can splinter wood.

• Air-dry in sunlight to prevent mold regrowth. For deep mold, steam crevices (212°F) for 30 seconds per spot.

  
  

c. Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
Tree sap stains	Dab with rubbing alcohol or olive oil.
Mold growth	Steam clean deep crevices or scrub with a vinegar-water mix.
Water rings	Lightly sand the surface and apply a protective sealant.

d. Prevention Tips

• Keep furniture covered when not in use to prevent moisture buildup.

• Sand lightly before applying oil or sealant to maintain a smooth finish.

• Store indoors during winter to prevent excessive cracking.

  
  

2. Cleaning Your Outdoor Metal Furniture (Aluminum, Wrought Iron, Stainless Steel)

a. Tools You Need

• Wire brush ($6)

• Microfiber cloths ($10/pack)

• Drill brush attachment ($10)

• Rust-Oleum rust converter ($10)

• Carnauba wax ($8)

  
  

b. Step-by-Step Cleaning

• Wipe dust first with a dry microfiber cloth—wet dust turns into abrasive grit.

• For rust on iron:

  • Scrape with a wire brush or drill brush (low speed).

  • Coat with rust converter spray to prevent further oxidation.

  • Seal with carnauba wax for long-term protection.

• For aluminum oxidation (chalky finish):

  • Mix a 1:1 vinegar-water solution, and apply with a cloth.

  • Let it sit 5 minutes, then rinse off—this dissolves oxidation.

    
    

c. Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
Rust spots	Use a wire brush, then apply rust converter spray.
Bird droppings	Scrape with a plastic tool, then clean with hydrogen peroxide.
Chalky aluminum finish	Buff with a mixture of cream of tartar and water.

d. Prevention Tips

• Apply car wax or rust-inhibitor spray every few months to prevent oxidation.

• Rinse regularly if exposed to salt air (coastal areas).

• Cover or store indoors during wet seasons to minimize rust.

Suppose your outdoor setup includes metal or aluminum features. In that case, you might also want to learn how to keep your aluminum window frames looking spotless—here’s how to clean aluminum window frames and keep them gleaming.

3. Cleaning Your Outdoor Plastic Furniture (Polypropylene, HDPE, Resin, PVC)

a. Tools You Need

• Nylon scrubber ($3

• Microfiber cloths

• Heat gun ($25)

• 303 Aerospace UV protectant ($15)

• Pressure washer (<1500 PSI, $100+, optional)

  
  

b. Step-by-Step Cleaning

• Spray 1:1 vinegar-water on mildew, let sit 10 minutes, scrub with a nylon brush.

  • Why? Vinegar's acidity kills mold spores without fading plastic.

• Grease stains? Make a baking soda paste (2 tbsp baking soda + 1/2 cup water), scrub, then rinse.

• Faded plastic? Run a heat gun (low, 6 inches away, 10 seconds), then apply 303 Aerospace UV Protectant to restore color.

  
  

c. Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
Yellowing plastic	Wipe with a hydrogen peroxide solution and let it sit in the sun.
Deep stains	Apply a baking soda paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Faded areas	Run a heat gun on low over the area before applying a UV spray.

d. Prevention Tips

• Store in shaded areas to prevent discoloration from UV exposure.

• Use furniture covers or keep them out of direct sunlight to slow material degradation.

• Avoid stacking plastic furniture in high heat to prevent warping.4. 

  
  

4. Cleaning Fabric Cushions (Sunbrella, Polyester, Olefin, Acrylic)

a. Tools You Need

• Soft sponge ($2)

• handheld steamer

• vacuum with a brush

• Rit DyeMore ($6)

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%, $1)

  
  

b. Step-by-Step Cleaning

1. Shake off loose debris and vacuum seams with a brush attachment.

2. Spot-clean with a 1:4 dish soap-water mix using a soft sponge.

3. For mildew, spray 3% hydrogen peroxide, wait 10 minutes, then rinse.

4. Air-dry fully in a sunny spot; avoid storing damp cushions.

   
   

c. Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
Mold & mildew	Steam clean and apply hydrogen peroxide; avoid bleach.
Oil stains	Dab with cornstarch, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
Faded fabric	Redye with fabric-safe dyes or spray with a UV fabric protector.

d. Prevention Tips

• Store cushions in a dry place when not in use to prevent mold buildup.

• Use fabric protectant sprays to repel stains and water.

• Rotate cushions periodically to ensure even wear.

  
  

Setting-Specific Adjustments

Cleaning isn’t just about the material—it’s also about where your furniture lives. Sun, rain, and even salty air can make upkeep harder. Here’s how to tweak your routine based on location:

• Patio & Backyard: Sun exposure fades colors fast. Apply UV sprays to plastic, wax metal surfaces, and wipe down cushions weekly to prevent dust buildup.

• Deck: Tree sap and leaves stain quickly. Keep a soft brush handy, clean spills immediately, and use rubbing alcohol for stubborn sap stains.

• Balcony & Apartment Terraces: Limited water access means rinsing isn’t always an option. Use a bucket instead of a hose, dry wood furniture indoors after rain, and rotate cushions frequently to avoid uneven fading.

• Garden & Grass Areas: Moisture, mud, and bugs wreak havoc. Hose down furniture more often, steam clean crevices to keep insects away, and elevate furniture on rubber feet to prevent rot.

• Poolside & Coastal Areas: Chlorine and salt eat away at finishes. Rinse furniture weekly with fresh water, apply a vinegar solution monthly to combat oxidation, and use marine-grade wax on metal to prevent corrosion.

  
  

When to Call a Professional

Sign You Need a Pro	Why?	Estimated Cost
Deep mold in wood grain	DIY cleaning won’t remove embedded spores.	$50-$150
Heavy rust on metal	Sandblasting and repainting are required.	$100-$200
Cushions soaked in oil or wine	Upholstery extractors work better than scrubbing.	$50-$120
Structural damage (cracks, loose joints)	Professional refinishing extends the lifespan.	Varies by material

Final Tips: Clean Smart, Know Your Limits

Your outdoor furniture deserves to shine, regardless of the material or place. With these targeted cleaning tips, you can tackle dirt, mold, rust, and stains without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

Regular maintenance and smart prevention will keep your patio, deck, or poolside setup looking fresh for years.

So, grab your tools, test your solutions, and transform your outdoor space into a spot you’re proud to share. Happy cleaning!