Cleaning (main) : Cleaning articles : Cleaning outdoor furniture
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
To regularly clean and maintain your outdoor furniture, you need to know first what it’s made of, so as to use the right cleaning product.
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Outdoor furniture is generally made from aluminium and glass, plastic, polycarbonate, cane, bamboo or wicker, or timber – sealed or unsealed.
Before cleaning any furniture, remove cushions, and wash or clean them.
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Plastic and Polycarbonate Furniture
Plastic and polycarbonate chairs and tables can be easily cleaned with detergent in warm water and a soft sponge. Don’t use a brush or steel wool, as these will leave scratches.
Polycarbonate furniture should never be left in the sun as the infrared rays weaken the molecular structure, and the chair might collapse. Always store in the shade between use.
Aluminium and Glass Furniture
To clean the aluminium parts of aluminium and glass settings, use the bicarb and vinegar combination and sponge gently. Rinse off with a damp sponge.
Clean the glass top by spraying with methylated spirits and wiping with paper towel until it comes clear.
Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Furniture
There is little you need to do for cast iron. Simply wipe down with a damp sponge or cloth.
For wrought iron furniture, add three squirts of all purpose hard surface cleaner or dishwashing liquid to a bucket of lukewarm water.
Sponge it clean, rinse off with cold water and leave to dry.
If you see rust, deal with it quickly. Scrub any loose flakes off, using a wire brush and vinegar, then apply rust converter.
Cane, Bamboo and Wicker Furniture
Brush furniture gently with a dry stiff brush to remove surface dust.
Then sponge down with a solution of two teaspoons of bicarb in a litre of lukewarm water. Rinse with cold water, leave to dry.
If the furniture is very dirty, scrub it gently with detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse with cold water and leave to dry.
If you seal your freshly cleaned and dry furniture with shellac, it will last linger.
Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Sealed wooden furniture can be cleaned the same way as wrought iron items.
Clean unsealed timber with a vinegar solution: 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket of lukewarm water. Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil and sponge the mixture gently over the wood.
Or save time and get the job done properly by comparing quotes from professional outdoor furniture cleaners today.
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