Cleaning Mildew From Outdoor Furniture

How to Clean Mildew From Outdoor Furniture

While keeping your furniture clean may seem like a no-brainer, figuring out how to clean furniture is easier said than done. Mildew can quickly take over and ruin your pieces if you don’t make a habit of cleaning them, and you’re going to need to make up specific cleaning solutions depending on the type of furniture. Read on to find out how to keep your outdoor furniture clean and keep mildew at bay.

Bleach is often used to fight mildew and can be used on a variety of fabrics. It’s important to note, though, that bleaching fabric can cause it to discolor or deteriorate. A solution based mostly of water with a relatively small amount of bleach (a gallon of bleach with ½ cup of water, for example) will do the trick without hurting your fabrics. It’s a good idea to test out your solution on a small section of fabric with a spray bottle to make sure it’s not too strong. A good scrub with the solution will take care of most mildew and mold issues. Repeat the process whenever necessary. Acrylic cushions require a slightly different solution, consisting of one cup bleach, two cups detergent, and a gallon of water. Allow the solution to set in for about half an hour, clean with a cloth, rinse, and let dry.

Cleaning wicker furniture can be a bit tricky because mildew has the potential to grow within the creases of the wood. Pressure washing or using a hose is your best bet, all which should be down after applying a liberal amount of soap and water via sponge. You can wax the furniture once you’re finished and furniture is dry, although it’s completely up to you. Wooden furniture is very susceptible to mold, so your wooden pieces will need to take priority in regards to mildew cleaning. A vinegar solution can do the trick, meanwhile preventing the signature odor that bleach can leave behind. White vinegar in a spray bottle will prevent your wooden outdoor furniture from becoming mildew outdoor furniture.

Plastic and metal furniture aren’t excluded from the mildew clean-up process, and use slightly different solutions. Plastic mesh can be cleaned with two cups white vinegar, two tablespoons of dish soap, and a gallon of hot water. Brush and scrub accordingly. Metal furniture requires nothing more than soap and water.