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DIY Cleaning Methods for Outdoor furniture

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for outdoor furniture. Keep your patio sets fresh and spotless with simple, effective tips for every material.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Outdoor furniture

Vinegar and Water Solution

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.

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How to Clean Outdoor Furniture with a Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix your solution: Combine equal parts plain white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bucket. For example, use 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. This ratio is easy to remember and works for most outdoor furniture surfaces.

Test a small area first: Before you go all in, spray or dab a little of the solution on a hidden spot. Wait a few minutes to make sure it doesn’t affect the color or finish. Some materials, like certain metals or stone, can react to vinegar.

Apply the solution: Spray the mixture directly onto the furniture, or dip a clean cloth into the solution and wipe down the surfaces. Pay extra attention to armrests, seat slats, and any crevices where grime likes to hide.

Let it sit briefly: Give the solution a few minutes to work on stuck-on dirt or residue. Don’t let it dry completely, especially on metal or painted surfaces, as this can sometimes leave streaks or marks.

Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to loosen dirt. For textured surfaces or stubborn spots, a little extra elbow grease goes a long way. Avoid anything too rough, which can scratch finishes.

Rinse thoroughly: Use a garden hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse away the vinegar solution. This step is important—leftover vinegar can leave a smell or residue if not rinsed off.

Dry completely: Wipe down with a dry towel or let the furniture air dry in the sun. This helps prevent water spots and keeps your furniture looking its best.

Extra tip: For glass tabletops, the vinegar and water mix can help wipe away fingerprints and smudges. Just be sure to buff dry with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish.

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.

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How to Clean Outdoor Furniture with Baking Soda Paste and a Soft Brush

Mix up your paste: In a small bowl, combine about 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Stir until you get a thick, spreadable paste—think toothpaste, not soup. This paste is mildly abrasive, which means it can help lift grime without scratching most surfaces.

Spot test first: Before you go all in, dab a bit of the paste on a hidden area of your furniture. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away. If you don’t see any weird discoloration or damage, you’re good to go.

Apply the paste: Use your fingers or a soft cloth to spread the paste over dirty or stained spots. Don’t cake it on—just a thin layer is enough. Focus on areas with visible buildup, like armrests, tabletops, or seat slats.

Grab your soft brush: A soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush or a gentle scrub brush) is your best friend here. Gently scrub the paste into the surface using small, circular motions. This helps work the baking soda into textured areas and crevices where dirt likes to hide.

Let it sit (but not too long): Give the paste a few minutes to do its thing—about 5 to 10 minutes is plenty. This gives the baking soda time to loosen up grime, but not enough time to dry out and get crusty.

Rinse thoroughly: Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse away all the paste. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, since leftover baking soda can leave a powdery residue if not fully washed off.

Dry completely: Wipe down the furniture with a clean towel or let it air dry in the sun. This helps prevent water spots and keeps your furniture looking fresh.

Know your materials: This method works best on plastic, resin, and metal furniture. If you’re cleaning wood or painted surfaces, be extra gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard, since even mild abrasives can dull finishes over time.

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.

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Gather your gear: You’ll need a pressure washer (electric is usually plenty for outdoor furniture), a mild detergent labeled for outdoor use, a soft brush, and a garden hose for rinsing. Always check your furniture’s care tag or manufacturer’s website for any warnings about pressure washing or specific cleaners.

Prep the area: Move your furniture to a spot where runoff won’t pool around plants or walkways. Remove cushions, pillows, and anything that isn’t meant to get wet. Give everything a quick dry brush to knock off loose dirt and leaves.

Mix your detergent: Use a mild detergent that’s designed for outdoor furniture or general outdoor cleaning. Avoid anything with bleach or harsh chemicals, especially on painted, stained, or plastic surfaces. Follow the label’s dilution instructions—more soap doesn’t mean more clean, it just means more rinsing later.

Set up your pressure washer: Attach the detergent tank or use a soap nozzle if your machine has one. Choose a low-pressure setting and a wide spray tip (like 40 degrees) to avoid damaging the surface. Test on a hidden spot first—some finishes can be more delicate than they look.

Apply detergent: Spray the furniture evenly, working from the bottom up to avoid streaks. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes (usually 3–5), but don’t let it dry out. If you see stubborn spots, use a soft brush to gently agitate the area.

Rinse thoroughly: Switch to a clean water setting or remove the soap nozzle. Rinse from the top down, keeping the nozzle at least a foot away from the surface. Move slowly to make sure you’re not leaving any soap behind—leftover detergent can leave a residue or attract more dirt.

Dry and inspect: Let the furniture air dry in the sun if possible. Check for any missed spots or areas that need a touch-up. If you see water spots, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can help.

Final tips: Always wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection when using a pressure washer. Never aim the spray at people, pets, or fragile surfaces. Store your pressure washer and detergent safely out of reach of children and pets when you’re done.

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.

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Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Polish for Outdoor Furniture

Mixing up your polish: Combine about 2 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice in a small bowl or jar. Give it a good stir or shake. The lemon juice helps wipe away grime, while the olive oil adds a bit of shine and moisture to the surface.

Test before you go all in: Dab a little of your mixture on a hidden spot of your furniture. Wait a few minutes to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or weird reactions, especially if your furniture is painted, stained, or made from a softer wood.

Application method: Dip a soft, clean cloth into your mixture. Wring it out so it’s damp, not dripping. Wipe down the furniture, working with the grain if you’re dealing with wood. For metal or plastic, just use gentle, circular motions.

Buff for a subtle finish: After applying, grab a dry, clean cloth and buff the surface. This helps remove any extra oil and brings out a bit of a sheen. Don’t skip this step—leftover oil can attract dust or feel sticky.

Watch the weather: Only use this method when your furniture is dry and the weather is clear. Rain or humidity can make the oil sit on the surface instead of soaking in, which isn’t what you want.

Know your materials: This polish is best for unfinished or oiled wood, and can be used on some metal or plastic surfaces. Avoid using it on fabric, wicker, or anything with a delicate finish.

Storage tip: If you have leftover polish, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within a week. The lemon juice can spoil if left out too long.

Final wipe-down: If your furniture feels greasy after polishing, go over it again with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess oil. This helps keep the surface from feeling slick or attracting more dirt.

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.

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