Cleaning your outdoor furniture is important. It helps improve their ability to complement the natural beauty of your garden or backyard. There are many cleaning products on the market. Many of these contain very harsh chemicals that can damage your outdoor furniture.
A better solution is to make your own kind of cleaning agent to remove dirt, grime, dust, and other contaminants from your furnishings. Keep in mind that different furniture materials require different cleaning solutions. We will go through them one by one.
Rattan Furniture
Many Australian homes love outdoor furniture made of rattan. They have a more eco-friendly vibe to them that complements the natural landscape. Cleaning rattan furniture can be tricky, especially if it’s already been exposed to a lot of sunshine. A good cleaning solution is to mix a cup of a mild dishwashing soap to a gallon of warm water.
Moisten a clean microfibre cloth with the cleaning solution. Wring any excess solution off so you do not soak the furniture in the solution. Wipe the surfaces of the rattan. Pay attention to the nooks and crannies. Use an old toothbrush to reach and clean these areas. Dry the areas with another microfibre cloth.
Wicker Furniture
The cleaning solution for this type of outdoor furniture depends on the material that it is made of. If it’s made of rattan, then you can clean it using the same solution we shared above. If it is synthetic, then you will need a cup of warm water. Add about a third of a cup of ammonia and 2 to 3 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar. This cleaning solution is enough to remove the grime and other particles on wicker furniture.
Before you clean this type of outdoor furniture, it is best to brush it with a feather duster. This will help remove large debris. You can also vacuum the different surfaces of the furniture. This can help remove particles that may be trapped in the crevices in between weaves.
Soak a microfibre cloth in the cleaning solution and rub against stubborn stains and soiled areas. You can also use a sponge. Make sure to rinse it well before drying. It would be better to wipe dry the furniture before allowing it to air dry.
Teak Furniture
Australians who have teak outdoor furniture love the elegance that this furnishing brings to their patios and gardens. Teak is also more durable than rattan. It also requires less maintenance. A simple wipe with a clean piece of microfibre cloth is all it takes to keep the furniture looking new.
However, like all wood products, teak requires the application of oil every now and then. Oil nourishes the grains of the wood. It also helps fill in microscopic cracks that may be present because of exposure to the elements. It would be wise to invest in a high-quality teak oil.
If there is stubborn dirt or mould on the furniture, you can mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of warm water. Add several drops of mild dishwashing soap and mix well. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and use it to clean your teak furniture. Do not use a metal brush or a brush with very stiff bristles. These can scratch the surface of the furniture.
Plastic Furniture
For those on a budget, plastic outdoor furnishings offer a more practical approach to improving the aesthetics of your garden. They are very easy to clean and will never rot or rust. However, they will still need a more thorough cleaning from time to time.
A good cleaning solution for plastic outdoor furniture is a mixture of half a cup each of dishwashing soap and baking soda. Add this to a gallon of water and you can start cleaning your plastic furniture. This solution is perfect for removing stains that may be present on plastic surfaces.
Cast Iron Furniture
Cast iron outdoor furnishings are very durable. They are also very elegant to look at. The downside to such a furniture is that it is quite prone to corrosion and stains. Cleaning this kind of furniture is easy. Mix a quarter of a cup of mild detergent to a gallon of lukewarm water.
Moisten a microfibre cloth or a sponge and use this to clean the surfaces of the furnishing. Make sure to dry it well. Otherwise, you will only facilitate the formation of rust on the furniture.
Cleaning your outdoor furniture is important to retain the natural beauty of your landscape. If you do not have time to make these cleaning solutions or to clean your outdoor furnishing, a home cleaning company can also do it for you.
If you need help with outdoor cleaning services, contact us at 1300 867 872