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How Often You Should Clean Your Outdoor furniture
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
Updated: September 10, 2025
Discover the ideal frequency to clean your outdoor furniture for lasting beauty and durability. Keep it fresh year-round!
How Often You Should Clean Your Outdoor furniture
Cleaning Frequency for Outdoor Furniture
General Recommendation: For most households, a light cleaning every two to four weeks is ideal. This routine helps prevent the buildup of dirt, pollen, and other residue that can act like a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Factors Influencing Frequency:
Exposure to the Elements: If your furniture is exposed to heavy rain, strong sunlight, or windblown dust, you'll need to clean it more frequently to remove contaminants that can corrode metal or degrade fabrics.
Material Type: Upholstered outdoor seating might demand more attention since fabrics can trap moisture and stains, while metals and hard plastics may hold up better. For fabric pieces, consider a quick wipe-down weekly if they're used often or if they’re in a humid climate.
Usage Level: High-traffic areas, such as patio dining sets or lounge chairs near a grill, might pick up grease and food spills more often, meaning a biweekly cleaning schedule may be essential.
Seasonal Adjustments:
Spring & Summer: Cleaning should be more frequent during these months due to increased outdoor activities, pollen, and occasional rain showers.
Fall & Winter: If your furniture is left outdoors, make sure to give it a thorough cleaning before storing it or covering it up to ward off winter grime. This deep-cleaning session, typically done once a season, can extend its life.
Preventive Maintenance: Apart from scheduled cleanings, regular quick wipes can help fend off buildup that might require more intensive cleaning later. This approach not only saves time but also preserves your furniture’s finish over the long haul.
Consequences of Skipping Outdoor furniture Cleaning
Outdoor furniture left uncleaned becomes a magnet for grime, pollen, and bird droppings. Over time, these layers don’t just look bad—they can actually wear down surfaces, making your furniture look older than it really is.
Mold and mildew love a dirty chair. When moisture and organic debris (think: leaves, food crumbs, or even just dust) settle in, you’re basically rolling out the welcome mat for these unwelcome guests. Not only do they leave stains, but they can also create a musty smell that’s tough to get rid of.
Metal furniture is especially vulnerable to rust and corrosion when dirt and moisture are left unchecked. Even powder-coated or treated pieces can start to show signs of wear if grime is allowed to sit for too long. Rust isn’t just ugly—it can weaken the structure of your furniture over time.
Wood furniture can warp, crack, or splinter if it’s not cleaned regularly. Dirt and moisture can seep into the grain, causing swelling or even rot. Once wood starts to break down, it’s tough (and expensive) to reverse the damage.
Fabric cushions and covers can become stained and faded. Pollen, bird droppings, and even sunscreen residue can leave marks that are hard to remove if they’re not tackled early. Plus, unwashed fabrics can start to smell less than fresh after a few rainy days.
Skipping cleaning can attract pests. Spilled food or sticky drinks can bring ants, wasps, or even rodents to your outdoor space. Once they’ve found a snack, they’re likely to come back for more.
Neglecting regular cleaning means you’ll have to work harder later. The longer you wait, the more elbow grease you’ll need to get things looking good again. Regular, simple wipe-downs are much easier than a full-on restoration project.
Unclean furniture can make your whole outdoor space feel less inviting. If you’re not excited to sit outside, you’re less likely to use your patio or deck—meaning you’re missing out on the best part of having outdoor furniture in the first place.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto outdoor furniture and wipe with a clean cloth or sponge. This natural cleaner removes dirt, mildew, and grime, leaving surfaces fresh and residue-free.
Limited Deep Cleaning
The vinegar and water solution may not penetrate deeply enough to remove stubborn dirt, mold, or mildew from outdoor furniture, resulting in only surface-level cleaning and leaving deeper grime untouched.
Baking Soda Paste and Soft Brush
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to outdoor furniture using a soft brush, gently scrubbing to lift dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly with water for a clean, refreshed surface.
Stubborn Stain Residue
Some stains are deeply set or chemically bonded to surfaces, making them resistant to mild abrasives like baking soda paste and gentle scrubbing. This method may not provide enough cleaning power to fully remove stubborn stain residue.
Pressure Washer with Mild Detergent
Fill the pressure washer’s detergent tank with a mild detergent diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray the outdoor furniture evenly, let the solution sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water using the pressure washer. This method removes dirt, mildew, and grime without damaging surfaces.
Hidden Mold Growth
Hidden mold can remain in crevices or porous areas even after pressure washing, as the method may not reach deep enough to remove all spores, leading to regrowth and persistent odors or stains on outdoor furniture.
Mix equal parts lemon juice and olive oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray onto outdoor furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth to clean and polish surfaces, leaving them shiny and refreshed with a natural scent.
Weather Resistance Issues
Lemon juice and olive oil polish lacks weather resistance, making outdoor furniture vulnerable to rain, sun, and humidity. This can lead to sticky residue, rapid wear, and potential damage instead of providing lasting protection.
Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.
