How to Clean Patio Furniture

Since patio furniture can be a hefty investment, you don't want to replace it every spring. Keeping your patio furniture in good shape only takes a bit of time and effort. Choose the appropriate cleaning method based on your type of patio furniture in order to keep it looking new.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Dish detergent
• Car wax
• Bucket
• 1 gallon warm water
• 3 Tbsp. dishwasher detergent
• Sponge

Instructions

Aluminum Furniture

1. Dissolve some mild dish detergent in water and soak a clean cloth in the solution.

2. Wipe the aluminum furniture with the cloth to remove any dirt or marks. Rinse the cleaner off thoroughly.

3. Dry the patio furniture with a soft cloth.

4. Rub car wax onto the surface of the aluminum with another soft cloth. Buff off the wax when it's dry.

White Plastic Furniture

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon warm water and 3 Tbsp. dishwasher detergent. Mix it together and soak a sponge in the solution.

2. Wipe the plastic patio furniture with the soaked sponge, focusing especially on dirty areas.

3. Leave the solution on the furniture for 15 minutes, then rinse it off. The bleach in the detergent whitens the furniture as it sits.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply baby oil to your aluminum patio furniture once a month to keep it shiny.

• Abrasive brushes and cleaners can scratch the surface of aluminum furniture.