How to Remove Sun Stains From Patio Furniture

Over time, heat and radiation from the sun can cause stains, known as "sun stains," on patio furniture framework and/or upholstery. Typically, sun stains occur in two forms---marks that look like stains, but are actually areas that sunlight has faded; and discoloration marks caused by sunlight heating dirt or oils trapped in fabrics or on surfaces or burning materials such as plastic. Although removal of sun stains from patio furniture depends entirely on the type of stain and the patio furniture material, usually common do-it-yourself cleaning and painting supplies can restore sun-stained patio furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Mild detergent
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponge (optional)
• Sandpaper
• Drop cloth
• Paint
• Stain
• Wood oil
• Paint supplies
• UV protection sealant or lacquer
• Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
• Soft-bristled nylon brush
• Toothpaste
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Melamine resin foam eraser
• Mild solvent

Instructions

Finished/Unfinished Wood Furniture

1. Rub fine grade sandpaper across the faded sun stain---if rough or cracked---until it is smooth with surrounding surfaces. If the faded spot is already smooth, skip this step.

2. Clean the furniture thoroughly with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse completely to remove debris and detergent residues. Wipe away any excess water and air dry.

3. Lay a drop cloth on a flat, level surface.

4. Take the cushions off your furniture if applicable and set aside. Place your first sun-stained piece of furniture on the drop cloth.

5. Paint or stain the furniture framework so that all surfaces match in color. If dealing with golden teak or other unfinished wood that the sun hasn't completely faded, apply wood oil to the sun stained area to restore the wood to its original hue. When finished, set the first piece of furniture aside and then repeat with any other pieces.

6. Dry the furniture six to 12 hours or longer, depending on the paint or stain manufacturer's recommended drying time.

7. Spray or brush a coat of UV protection sealant or lacquer on each furniture piece, wait for the pieces to dry and return any cushions to the furniture.

Plastic, Stone or Cement Furniture

1. Remove any cushions or fabrics from the furniture and wash the surfaces with warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth or sponge.

2. Scrub stained areas lightly in a circular motion with a nonabrasive scrubbing pad or soft-bristled nylon brush. If stains remain, apply toothpaste, baking soda paste, or a mixture of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part vinegar to the surface, wait 10 minutes and scrub again. If dealing with a persistent stain such as sun-heated oil or grease, rub a damp melamine resin foam eraser across the stain to wear it away or blot away the staining material with a mild solvent such as rubbing alcohol on a cloth.

3. Rinse the surface thoroughly, air dry and then return any cushions if applicable.

Tips & Warnings

• If dealing with leather patio furniture, upholstered cushions or other fabrics, hire a professional leather or fabric upholster to re-dye, repair or replace the leather or fabric. After renewal or repair, keep the furniture out of direct sunlight.

• To reduce future repair, move your patio furniture to shaded areas when not in use.

• Never use harsh solvents, cleansers or bleach, as doing so may cause additional damage such as yellowing plastic or fabrics or dissolving surface finishes.

• Always test any stain removal or cleaning method on an inconspicuous area of your patio furniture.

• Not using a sealant or lacquer can result in new sun stains.

References

• 1001 Uses for Distilled White Vinegar: Cleaning
• Boat US: The Don Casey Library: Teak Care