Spring Cleaning & Patio Maintenance
Posted by Fortunoff Backyard Store
Make your patio furniture sparkle.
Spring is the perfect time of year to give your outdoor space a good spruce, and we don’t mean just swapping out cushion colors. We’re talking about spring cleaning. Grab a bucket and a sponge because we’ve got a few tips (and hacks) to help you keep your backyard and patio furniture looking its best, starting with furniture maintenance.
Proper outdoor furniture maintenance can do wonders for the longevity and look of your backyard set. Even dusting off the frame every day can make a significant difference. So, when you first bring home your patio set, establish great care habits early. It will make it easier to maintain them throughout the year, not just during those warm seasons.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture
Cleaning your patio furniture isn’t at the top of most people’s to-do list, but it’s important if you want to extend the life of your patio set. Here’s what you need to get started:
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- Water–wheter it's a running hose or a bucket of water, expect to get a little pruny.
- Soap – we recommend dish soap, but any mild cleaner or detergent will work.
- Soft-Bristle Brush – find something in between a broom and a sponge. If it’s uncomfortable dragging the bristles across your skin, they’re too scratchy.
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Once you have the necessary items, tailor your cleaning to your patio furniture’s needs. The material that makes up your outdoor furniture determines your next steps, so find your material below:
For Aluminum, Cast Aluminum, & Polymer Patio Furniture:
Start by removing any cushions or throw pillows you may have on your outdoor furniture set. After these are removed, rinse the frame completely with water. Place some soap on your soft bristle brush and gently scrub the frame until it’s sudsy. Rinse your outdoor furniture with water until the water runs clear. Allow your patio furniture to air dry before adding back any removed cushions or throw pillows and relaxing.
CAST
POLYMER
ALUMINUM
For Sling & Wicker Patio Furniture:
Start by removing any cushions or throw pillows you may have on your patio set. After removal, dust your furniture with a soft-bristle brush or a soft cloth before rinsing it with water. Rinse your outdoor furniture with water until the water runs clear. Allow your patio furniture to air dry before adding back any removed cushions or throw pillows and relaxing.
SLING
WICKER
For Teak Patio Furniture:
Start by removing any cushions or throw pillows you may have on your teak outdoor furniture set. After these are removed, rinse the frame completely with water. Place some soap on your soft bristle brush and gently scrub the frame until it’s sudsy. Rinse your teak furniture with water until the water runs clear. For stubborn stains or wood discoloration, follow this rinse by adding some Fortunoff Backyard Store Teak Cleaner to your soft bristle brush. Again, gently scrub the frame with the teak cleaner before rinsing until the water runs clear. Allow your patio furniture to air dry before adding back any removed cushions or throw pillows and relaxing.
Note: Teak’s warm honey glow fades to a sleek silver when left unsealed. To preserve the honey color of your teak outdoor furniture, seal it with Fortunoff Backyard Store Teak Sealer after your set dries.
For Outdoor Cushions & Fabrics
Start by brushing any dirt or debris off your outdoor cushion with your soft bristle brush. After dusting your cushion, rinse it under warm water. Place some soap on your soft bristle brush and gently scrub the cushion until it’s sudsy. Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear. For stubborn stains, follow the stain guide. Allow your patio cushion to air dry before putting it back into use.
Tidying Your Space
Dirt and clutter inherently make everything look messier. To combat it, we recommend tending to your flower beds, lawn, deck, or other outdoor surfaces.
Garden Cleanup:
Pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, and laying down new mulch will make your backyard look and feel fresh and inviting. Add some budding spouts or new blooms to breathe life into your space and remove any plants that never recovered from winter.
Scrub the Deck:
It’s not just for pirates! Simply remove all fallen leaves or twigs and watch as your outdoor space becomes a verdant escape. This work also sets you up for a successful powerwash session. Blast through dirt and grime to give your deck the facelift you never knew it needed.
DID YOU KNOW:
"Spring Cleaning" dates back to biblical times and is widely practiced all over the world.
Spring Cleaning Hacks
Cleaning is hard work, so make it easier on yourself. Your deck is going to get dirty. Weeds will inevitably pop up in your garden, and someone will “accidentally” spill ketchup on your outdoor cushions. You already know how to deal with these little inconveniences, but here are a few ways to work smarter – not harder:
Outdoor Storage
Cushions stored properly do not have to be cleaned as regularly as cushions left exposed to the elements 24/7. We recommend always putting your outdoor cushions away when they’re not in use. Check out our air-tight outdoor storage containers if you need some extra storage room. They’re specifically designed to keep outdoor throw pillows and patio cushions safe and dry until you need them.
Furniture Covers
Dirt is relentless, and if you can’t beat it, block it with furniture covers. We recommend furniture covers with every patio set purchase. They’re highly durable and shield your outdoor furniture from wind, water, and harsh sunlight. Our furniture covers are exclusive to us and designed to fit perfectly. Whether you’re protecting an outdoor umbrella, patio seating set, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Protection Plan
Why spend hours cleaning your outdoor furniture when you can dial a number and get your patio furniture maintenance needs taken care of? That’s the reality with a Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Protection Plan.
Your outdoor furniture is covered for a range of accidents and product failures, including stains, fabric rips, broken frames, and so much more. It’s the ultimate spring cleaning hack because you don’t have to lift a finger. Get access to over 4,000 professional furniture repair and cleaning experts. Invest in a Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Protection Plan. Click here to learn more.
Let us know how these hacks worked in your space by tagging us on social media. Use hashtag #fortunoffbys for a chance to be featured. Looking for more patio tips? Click here or subscribe to our newsletter.
