The Best Outdoor Furniture Materials & How to Clean Them

A quick online search can get you multiple results on outdoor furniture. From reclining lounge chairs perfect for the summertime to picnic dining benches ideal for a family Sunday brunch, there’s a wide selection of patio furniture to choose from that vary in materials as well.

Apart from the overall aesthetic, the particulars of a piece define its unique beauty and charm, which is why knowing how to maintain your outdoor movables and fixtures is key to keeping them in their tip-top shape for the long run.

Various furniture materials require different cleaning methods to retain and even improve their quality. Below are tips and tricks on caring for the best outdoor furniture materials available in the market today.

1. Wicker, Teak, and Other Wood

Wood is one of the most widely used raw materials in making furniture—and for good reasons. Unlike other mediums utilized in the industry, they are a renewable resource that’s generally easy to work with and lasts a long time. Its hard and fibrous quality makes the perfect framework for sturdy and stylish yard furniture.

How to Clean Wood, Wicker, and Teak Outdoor Furniture:

• Wipe down any debris and spillage immediately.
• Make it a habit to clean the furniture regularly to avoid dirt build-up.
• Use a mild oil-based soap, soft brush or sponge, and warm water to remove grit or grime.
• For patterned items like wicker, use a toothbrush to get through the weaves.
• For hardwoods, such as teaks, commercial wood cleaners work best, but a gentle laundry detergent solution is a great alternative.
• Be sure to work in small portions first and dry them thoroughly once done.

2. Resin and Plastic

Another popular material taking the furniture industry by storm is resin and plastic. With today’s advanced manufacturing process, both can be made to resemble wood, wicker rattan, and more by using recycled elements.

Despite their lightweight and low maintenance feature, resin and plastic make high-quality pieces that can come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures without breaking the bank.

How to Clean Resin and Plastic Outdoor Furniture:

• Use a furniture cleaner or create your own by mixing a gallon of water with 1/2 cup baking soda or 3 tbsp of dishwashing detergent.
• For colored items, combine a quart of warm water with 1/2 cup vinegar.
• Refrain from using cleaning solutions with chlorine and bleach on white plastic furniture as they tend to eat away at the material.
• Avoid using abrasives when dealing with stubborn stains. They will only scratch the surface of your furniture, not clean it. Instead, use a rag or sponge with vinegar and baking soda to peel away built-up grime.

3. Metal, Iron, and Aluminum

Metal is another known material for outdoor furniture, particularly highlighted for its heavy-duty attributes. Products made out of steel can be modified into more complex designs, as it allows for better flexibility in terms of size and shape without compromising the quality.

Metal is often combined with wood, synthetics, or glass when producing patio furniture for improved aesthetic and functionality.

How to Clean Metal, Iron, and Aluminum Outdoor Furniture:

• Wipe the furniture’s surface using a soft cloth or sponge and warm water mixed with mild dish soap or vinegar.
• Keep an eye out for rusts. Sand them off, along with any damaged paint, using sandpaper or steel wool.
• Avoid alkaline cleaners or chemicals like ammonia and trisodium phosphate (TSP) that can cause oxidation.
• Consider repainting, powder-coating, or sandblasting your metal furniture to prevent issues. When painting them on your own, don’t forget to apply rust-resistant primer first.

4. Glass

Unlike metal which warms up easily when displayed under the sun, glass is resistant to temperature changes, making it a staple for outdoor furniture. It creates a cleaner and more elegant finish to a product, which can elevate the entire look and feel of your yard. However, note that furniture made out of glass requires utmost care to last long.

How to Clean Glass Outdoor Furniture:

• Be quick to get rid of any stuck debris and grime using a glass-safe and nonabrasive scrub brush.
• Wipe the glass furniture using a commercial dish detergent or home cleaning solution.
• Polish the surface with white vinegar or glass cleaner and remove any residue with a microfiber or paper towel.
• Don’t miss the underside spots when cleaning your glass tables.
• Wipe down the frames of your glass furniture accordingly and regularly.
• Cover your glass fixtures with a clean cloth when not in use to prevent dirt build-up.

Get Your Outdoor Furniture Looking Good as New

Every home needs a set of furniture, not just to decorate the place but also to provide comfort to the people living in it. When shopping for items for your patio, learning the materials that make the product is a must. Doing so helps you prepare for the maintenance that comes with buying a piece.

Now that you know the various ways of how to clean outdoor furniture, the next step is to scroll through an online furniture marketplace to pick ones you can add to your home. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out Direct Marketplaces and its wide selection of quality outdoor furniture, as well as other home and office finds.

Go ahead and load items to your cart today and start shopping!