Regularly cleaning your outdoor furniture will keep it looking nice and extend its life, especially following a long, harsh winter. Nasty winter weather can leave your patio furniture looking dingy, tired and unwelcoming. As the spring temperatures approach, you’ll want to take full advantage of the sun finally arriving, so that means it’s time to spruce up your outdoor living space. Don’t let the thought of how to clean patio furniture push you into simply buying a new set. The best way to clean patio furniture is to choose a non-toxic cleaner and a warm weekend morning.
The Safest Cleaner for My Patio

Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure your rid the chairs, patio and even the grill of any debris from passing winter storms, like leaves and sticks. You likely have a number of items on your patio – all made from different materials – so here’s a breakdown of the most popular patio furniture items and how to clean them.

• Plastic: Patio furniture made from plastic is durable and often easy to clean. There’s no need for harsh abrasives. Spray the furniture down with a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner and use a cloth to wipe away the dirt and grime.
• Metal: Wrought iron and stainless steel are popular choices for outdoor furniture because they are durable, and when maintained properly, can last for years. Avoid harsh cleaners that strip the metal of any protectant layer, which can make the furniture more susceptible to rust. If age or environmental elements have cause your patio furniture or grill to rust, pair a bio-degradable cleanser with a wood-handled wire brush and remove the rust. You may want to repaint the furniture or use a metal polish to prolong the life of your items.
• Wicker or wood: While grabbing the pressure washer and hosing off wicker or wood patio furniture may seem like a good idea, the high pressure can easily scratch wood or weaken the wicker binding. Instead, use a safe outdoor cleaner that uses orange oil to protect your wood and give it a like-new shine.
• Fabric: The cushions and pillows that make your outdoor area comfortable can easily turn to spaces for mold and mildew. A strong, outdoor cleaner doesn’t have to contain harsh chemicals to keep your family safe. Use a non-toxic cleanser to remove stains and mold from the fabric.
• Grill: Last summer’s caked on bar-b-que and a few rust spots are no reason to dish out hundreds of dollars on a new grill. A powerful degreaser will help strip the grill of residue while a bio-degradable cleanser and a wool brush can remove the rust stains.

Once your patio furniture and grill are clean, don’t forget to spruce up the patio area itself. Whether you have a concrete space or a deluxe outdoor kitchen with sealed granite flooring, the space needs to be cleaned with an effective, safe outdoor cleaner. You may battle rust stains, wine spills or natural messes, like sap from a nearby tree. Finding a cleaner that can handle all of the messes in one should be your goal – a safe way to simplify the task.

Use the cleaner with a soft to medium bristle brush to remove each stain or to simply clean the entire surface. Prepping your patio for summer doesn’t have to involve multiple cleaners and harsh chemicals. Your space can be cleaned with non-toxic products so your family can begin enjoying the patio right away!