How to Clean Outdoor Furniture for Summer Entertaining

Outdoor furniture collects pollen, bird droppings, mildew, tree sap, and general grime over the spring and summer. Getting it clean before a party — and keeping it clean throughout the season — makes your outdoor space significantly more inviting. Here’s the definitive material-by-material guide.

Resin/Plastic Furniture

The most common and most forgiving outdoor furniture material.

• General cleaning: warm soapy water + soft brush; rinse with hose
• For yellowing: mix 3/4 cup bleach + 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 gallon water; apply with sponge, let sit 15 min in sun, rinse
• For mildew: white vinegar undiluted on affected areas, let sit 10 min, scrub, rinse
• Magic eraser: removes stains and scuffs from white resin very effectively

Aluminum Furniture

• Wash with warm soapy water and soft cloth
• Avoid abrasive cleaners — they scratch the protective anodized coating
• White oxidation (chalky residue): apply car wax, let dry, buff off — restores shine and protects from future oxidation
• Rinse well after cleaning — soap residue on aluminum leaves water spots

Teak Furniture

• Brush off loose debris with a soft brush
• Wash with mild dish soap + warm water; scrub with the grain
• Rinse completely and allow to fully dry (48 hours) before applying teak oil
• Teak oil (or tung oil) preserves the rich brown color and prevents graying
• Silver-gray teak (weathered) can be restored with a teak brightener before oiling

Wicker/Rattan

• Vacuum first with brush attachment to remove debris from the weave
• Wash with mild soapy water and a soft brush — get into the weave pattern
• Rinse with a gentle hose — not pressure washer
• Dry in the sun with good airflow — trapped moisture inside the weave causes mold

Fabric Cushions

• Remove cushion covers if they have zippers and launder per care tag instructions
• For fixed covers: scrub with dish soap + warm water, rinse, stand on edge to dry
• Mildew on cushions: 1 cup white vinegar + 1 gallon water spray; let sit 15 min, scrub, rinse, dry in full sun
• Store cushions inside or in a deck box when not in use — UV and rain exposure reduces lifespan dramatically