How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture

When the outdoor season rolls around, your furniture needs more than just a quick dust-off. Whether you’ve kept it in a self-storage unit, the garage or under a tarp in the yard, it’s likely picked up a film of grime (or worse, a few moldy spots or rust rings).

Start by inspecting each furniture piece. Look for signs of mildew on fabric, rust on metal joints, cracked wood, loose screws and warped plastic. Take cushions out of bags and bins and check for musty smells (if anything smells off, don’t ignore it — it needs a deep clean or may not be worth salvaging). If something’s waterlogged, let it dry thoroughly in the sun before cleaning to avoid setting in odors or stains.

Next, you’ll want to give everything a dry wipe-down with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. This removes loose debris, making the actual cleaning more effective. Don’t skip this step — washing a gritty surface can scratch finishes, especially on wood or powder-coated metal.

And one last tip before you break out the hose: clean one material at a time. It’s tempting to spray everything down in one go, but wood, metal and fabric each require different care. Group similar pieces together so you don't mix up methods and products. You’ll clean faster and better when you treat like with like.

Not all outdoor furniture is created equal, and neither is the way you clean it. Using the wrong method can do more harm than good, especially if you’re dealing with specialty finishes or natural materials. Here’s how to clean each type without compromising its structure or look.

Wood (Teak, Cedar, Eucalyptus, Acacia)

Wood needs a gentle but thorough approach. Start with a soft-bristle brush and a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Scrub with the grain to lift dirt and mildew, then rinse with a garden hose (never a pressure washer as it can gouge the surface). If the wood looks dry or faded, let it fully dry and apply a wood oil or protective sealant designed for outdoor use. Teak and eucalyptus benefit from this once or twice a season to prevent cracking and maintain their rich color.

Metal (Aluminum, Iron, Steel)

For metal furniture, especially those with a powder-coated finish, use a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Rust spots? Use fine steel wool or a wire brush to gently remove them, then touch up the area with rust-inhibiting paint or a clear sealant. For uncoated steel or iron, monitor any joints or welds, as these areas tend to rust the fastest after cleaning. Always dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or oxidation.

Plastic or Resin

These are the easiest to clean but can discolor if ignored for too long. Mix baking soda and water into a paste to spot stains or use diluted vinegar for general cleaning. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, which scratch the surface and make it easier for dirt to cling. Rinse well and let dry in the sun.

Wicker (Natural or Synthetic)

Start by vacuuming out debris from the weave using a brush attachment, then gently scrub with warm, soapy water. Avoid soaking wicker — especially natural types like rattan or bamboo — as they’re prone to warping. For synthetic (resin) wicker, you can hose it down but still avoid high-pressure settings. Dry everything thoroughly to prevent mildew from sneaking into the crevices.

Outdoor Fabric and Cushions

These absorb everything — dust, sunscreen, pollen — so give them attention early and often. If your furniture pieces have removable covers, machine wash them per label instructions, ideally on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. No zipper? Mix warm water and dish soap, then use a soft brush to scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry in full sun. For mold or mildew, a solution of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) usually does the trick.

Once everything’s clean and back in place, staying ahead of buildup is way easier than starting from scratch each time. Set a routine — every week or two, depending on how exposed your furniture is — to do a quick maintenance check.

Start with a simple wipe-down using a microfiber cloth or soft brush to remove pollen, dust, bird droppings or leaves. Even small debris can stain cushions or wear down wood finishes if left to sit for too long. After storms or high winds, check for moisture trapped beneath cushions or in crevices (that’s where mildew loves to hide).

Hardware matters, too. Every few weeks, tighten screws and bolts, especially on moving parts like folding chairs or loungers. Loose joints aren’t just annoying; they’re an early sign of wear that can turn into structural damage if ignored.

If you notice fading or dryness in wood furniture, plan to reapply protective oil or sealant by midsummer. If your pieces are looking dull, another coat of car wax can help shield them through heat waves and sudden downpours. Think of these touch-ups as sunscreen for your furniture — small steps now prevent bigger problems later.

Even if your furniture is weather-resistant, “weather-resistant” doesn’t mean invincible. Protecting your pieces from the sun and rain is one of the best ways to keep them looking and feeling like new.

Invest in fitted covers for each item — or at least for the most vulnerable pieces, like fabric cushions and wood tables. Look for breathable covers with built-in vents to prevent moisture buildup and mold. Skip the plastic tarps unless you’re in a pinch, as they can trap humidity and do more harm than good.

During stretches of strong sun, use umbrellas or shade sails to block direct UV exposure. Not only will this keep seating surfaces cooler (no one likes a scorching hot chair), but it’ll also slow fading and cracking, especially on fabrics and plastics.

If cushions aren’t in use daily, store them in a deck box, storage bench or even inside. The less exposure they get, the longer they’ll last, and you won’t have to scramble to bring them in every time clouds roll in.

And when in doubt: lift, don’t drag. Moving furniture across rough patios or decks can scratch legs and compromise the protective coating. A little care in how you handle things goes a long way toward extending their life.

When summer winds down and patio season wraps up, it’s tempting to just cover everything and call it a day. But taking the time to clean and prep your furniture before storage is one of the most important steps in keeping it in great shape long-term.

• Start by giving each piece a thorough cleaning, just like you did in spring. Remove any dirt, grime or sunscreen residue — if it sits through the winter, it can stain, fade or even break down materials. Pay special attention to crevices where debris collects and moisture lingers. For cushions, vacuum and spot-clean, then make absolutely sure they’re bone dry before storing. Even a little dampness can lead to mildew or unpleasant odors when you unpack them next year.
• Disassemble what you can. Fold, stack and bundle to save space and reduce pressure on joints or frames during storage. If anything’s damaged (like torn fabric or rust patches), mark it for repair now. It’s a lot easier to fix something over the off-season than to remember and scramble come spring.
• Don’t skip the drying step. After cleaning and rinsing, let your furniture sit in the sun for a few hours before covering or storing it. Trapping moisture is the fastest way to undo all your maintenance work.

Where and how you store your outdoor furniture can make or break its longevity. If you’re keeping it at home, choose a dry, well-ventilated space like a garage, shed or enclosed patio. Avoid placing items directly on concrete — use furniture sliders, pallets or even folded towels to keep legs elevated and airflow circulating underneath.

If you have more than a few pieces, a self-storage unit can be a smart option. Before storing your furniture in a storage unit, wrap everything in breathable covers (not plastic) and stack lighter items on top of heavier ones to avoid damage. Group items by set or function, and label them if you’re packing in multiple layers — it’ll save you time and headaches next season.

And if you’re already renting a storage unit, this is the perfect time to reassess it. Make sure the conditions match the materials you’re storing. Need to upgrade to a climate-controlled space? Most storage facilities, like the ones at SmartStop, make it easy to change units.

Ready to find a storage unit for your belongings? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For more tips on staying organized, head to the SmartStop blog.