Published: June 16, 2025 · Last updated: June 16, 2025

Best Ways to Clean Outdoor Furniture Before Summer

After a long winter stored in the garage or left out on the patio, your outdoor furniture probably looks like it has seen better days. Dirt, mildew, pollen, and salt residue from the Jersey Shore air have taken their toll, and dragging everything out and hoping for the best is not going to cut it. The good news is that with the right approach for each material type, you can get your outdoor furniture looking great again before the first cookout of the season.

Different furniture materials require different cleaning methods. Using the wrong technique can cause more damage than the grime you are trying to remove. Here is a material-by-material guide to getting everything clean and ready for summer in Point Pleasant and beyond.

Why Spring Cleaning Your Furniture Matters

It is tempting to skip the deep clean and just wipe things down, but there are good reasons to do it properly. Mildew that has developed over the winter does not just look bad. It can cause allergic reactions and will continue to spread if not fully removed. Salt air residue that has built up on metal frames can accelerate corrosion if left in place. Pollen embedded in cushion fabric can trigger allergies all summer long.

A thorough spring cleaning also gives you a chance to inspect each piece for damage. Loose joints, cracked frames, torn fabric, and rust spots are all easier to address now than in the middle of a Fourth of July gathering. Think of it as preventive maintenance that pays off all season.

Cleaning Metal Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture, whether wrought iron, aluminum, or steel, is generally the most durable and easiest to clean. Start by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt and debris. For built-up grime, use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap applied with a soft brush or sponge.

For rust spots on wrought iron or steel furniture, use fine steel wool or a wire brush to remove the rust, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer and touch-up paint to prevent it from spreading. Aluminum furniture does not rust but can develop a chalky oxidation layer. A paste of baking soda and water rubbed onto the surface with a soft cloth restores the finish.

Metal furniture is one of the few types that can handle a careful pressure wash. Use a wide fan tip and keep the pressure moderate to blast away stubborn grime without damaging paint or finish. After cleaning, consider applying a coat of car wax or metal protectant to guard against salt air exposure throughout the summer.

Cleaning Plastic and Resin Furniture

Plastic and resin furniture is popular on the Jersey Shore because it resists moisture well and does not corrode. However, it does develop a dingy film over the winter and can grow mildew in textured areas. A solution of warm water, dish soap, and a splash of white vinegar works well for general cleaning. For stubborn stains or heavy mildew, use oxygen bleach mixed with water and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes before scrubbing.

White plastic furniture that has yellowed over time can be brightened with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste, let it sit in direct sunlight for an hour, then scrub and rinse. Pressure washing is safe for most hard plastic furniture at moderate settings, but avoid getting too close or using a narrow nozzle tip, which can leave marks on softer resin surfaces.

Cleaning Wicker and Rattan

Wicker furniture requires a gentler touch. Whether it is natural wicker or synthetic resin wicker, do not use a pressure washer on it. The high-pressure stream can break apart natural wicker fibers and force water into the weave where it promotes rot. Synthetic wicker is more forgiving but can still be damaged by excessive pressure.

Instead, vacuum the furniture first to remove loose dirt from the weave, then clean with a soft brush dipped in warm soapy water. For mildew in hard-to-reach crevices, use an old toothbrush dipped in a mild bleach solution. Rinse with a garden hose on a gentle setting and allow the furniture to dry completely in the sun before using it.

Cleaning Wood Furniture

Wood outdoor furniture, including teak, cedar, and pine, needs careful attention. Over the winter, wood absorbs moisture and can develop a gray weathered appearance along with mold and mildew growth. For teak furniture, this gray patina is natural and some homeowners prefer it. If you want to restore the original golden color, use a teak cleaner or brightener according to the product instructions.

For cedar and painted wood furniture, wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid soaking wood furniture or leaving it standing in puddles, as excessive water absorption can cause warping and cracking. Light pressure washing is acceptable for hardwoods like teak at a distance of at least eighteen inches, but softer woods like pine should be hand washed only.

After cleaning, apply a wood sealer or outdoor furniture oil appropriate for the wood type. This protects against the harsh Jersey Shore elements and helps the furniture last through the summer and beyond.

Cleaning Cushions and Fabric

Outdoor cushions take the worst beating of any furniture component. They absorb moisture, harbor mold spores, collect pollen, and stain from sunscreen and food spills. If your cushion covers are removable and machine washable, take advantage of that. Wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and let them air dry completely.

For non-removable cushions, mix one cup of oxygen bleach per gallon of warm water and apply generously with a spray bottle or sponge. Let the solution soak in for fifteen to twenty minutes, then scrub with a soft brush, paying extra attention to seams and crevices where mildew loves to hide. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and stand the cushions on their side in direct sunlight to dry. Never pressure wash cushions, as it can damage the fabric and force water deep into the foam core where it encourages mold growth.

When Pressure Washing Helps vs Hurts

Pressure washing is a powerful tool, but it is not appropriate for every type of outdoor furniture. It works well on metal furniture, hard plastic chairs and tables, and durable hardwood pieces when used with the right settings and at an appropriate distance. It should be avoided on wicker, cushions, soft woods, and any furniture with delicate finishes or loose joints.

When you schedule a professional pressure washing for your patio or deck, ask about having your durable outdoor furniture cleaned at the same time. It is an efficient way to get everything done at once, and a professional will know exactly which settings and techniques to use for each material type.

Storage and Protection Tips

Once your furniture is clean, a few protective measures will help it stay that way all summer. Use furniture covers during extended rain periods or when you will be away from your Point Pleasant home for more than a few days. Store cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box when not in use, especially overnight when dew settles.

Rinse metal and plastic furniture with fresh water every couple of weeks to remove salt air buildup. This simple habit takes just a few minutes but significantly reduces the cleaning effort at the end of the season. Position furniture out of direct sprinkler paths and away from areas where standing water collects after rain.