It’s hard enough keeping the inside of your home clean, so forget bringing the sponge and spray outside. Living in Florida’s humidity, it isn’t uncommon for mildew and pollen to grow on outdoor surfaces. But just because your outdoor furniture lives on the porch, doesn’t mean it has to be dirty. These tricks will help you clean outdoor furniture easily. And best of all, you will most likely find everything you need already under your sink!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a very effective alternative to a more abrasive cleaner, and will be kinder to your resin lawn furniture. Simply dip a wet sponge in baking soda, scrub in circular motions, and rinse well. Clean outdoor furniture so that it will shine in the spring sun!
Bleach
For plastic-mesh furniture, a mixture of mild detergent, half a cup of bleach and one gallon of water will restore the brightness it once had. Simply spray this solution onto plastic furniture, wipe and rinse thoroughly.
Vinegar
If you’d rather avoid bleach, or if it will damage the surface you’re working with, reach for the white vinegar. Keep some in a spray bottle and hit mildew spots when you notice them. The vinegar should cause the mildew to wipe away easily, and will keep it from coming back for a while. For tougher crevices in decks and furniture, mix one cup of ammonia, half a cup of white vinegar, and a quarter cup of baking soda with one gallon of water. Scrub this solution into the affected area with an old toothbrush and watch as your mildew problem disappears. For plastic-mesh furniture, mix two cups of white vinegar with two tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a bucket of hot water. Use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to work the mixture into crevices of plastic furniture, and rinse with cold water. This will work on seat pads and umbrellas as well.
WD-40
If your plastic outdoor furniture is looking faded and you’re thinking of leaving it at the curb, think again! WD-40, sprayed directly onto furniture and wiped with a clean, dry towel will bring it’s shine and color back!
It is all too common for outdoor living spaces to get dingy and dirty in the wet climate of Florida, but now you have the tools to break the mold. Bring your dinner party outside, have a night by the fire, or simply lounge in the sun on your own patio. The opportunities are endless when you have sparkling, clean outdoor furniture.
Do you have your own tips for getting pesky mildew and dirt off your patio? Let us know how you clean outdoor furniture, or if our tips worked for you, Mini Maid’s Facebook page!
