Outdoor furniture is an effective element in giving our patios and lawns an appealing and elegant look. However, outdoor furniture upholstery demands regular care due to the factors of severe weather, sun rays, dirt, and debris. Therefore, upholstery maintenance is a crucial practice for preserving the appearance and durability of outdoor furniture. Fixit Carpentry has come up with a detailed guide on outdoor upholstery treatments and cleaning.
Outdoor Furniture Upholstery Maintenance | A Complete Guide
We have enlisted all the essential supplies you need to clean the outdoor upholstery. In addition, we have also discussed the step-by-step process for cleaning.
Supplies You’ll Need For Upholstery Treatments
- Soft-bristled brush
- Mild Detergent
- Bleaching Powder
- Heavy duty detergent (optional)
- Microfiber cloth
- Water
Remove Dirt and Debris by Vacuuming
The first step in the treatment of outdoor furniture upholstery is removing the dust and debris by using a vacuum cleaner. Outdoor furniture mostly remains covered with a layer of dust and debris. For gentle dusting, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles from the fibers of upholstery.
Spot Cleaning
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Mold or Mildew stains
Mold removal is a challenging task in the entire cleaning process because any remaining mold vanishes your fabric’s durability. To remove the mold stains from upholstery, you need to prepare a mold-removal solution. For this, you need to mix water and white vinegar in an equal ratio and fill this solution in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on the mold-stained area and let it remain there for a few minutes for absorption. After a few minutes use a soft bristlec brush to scrub the area gently and rinse with clean water
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Bird poop stains
Bird poop or droppings are common on outdoor upholstery. These stains should be removed as soon as you observe them to prevent problematic staining. First of all, you need to use a stiff bristled brush or scraper to remove the dried poop. After removal, you will need to use a solution of warm water and heavy-duty detergent. Apply this solution to the affected area and then rinse with clean water to remove all all residue.
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Tree sap or Grass stains
Tree sap or grass stains are also found on outdoor furniture and require special treatment. To remove the tree or grass stains, you can use alcohol, a heavy-duty detergent, or an enzyme-based stain remover. After applying let it remain on the stained area for 10-15 minutes and then after dissolving the stain, you can use clean water to rinse the residual material. You can also use bleach if you find heavy discoloration on the fabric material.
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Food stains
Food stains are also common on outdoor dining furniture upholstery. Removing these stains is somewhat easy and smooth. To remove food stains, you need to mix a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Apply this solution to the stained area and scrub with microfiber cloth to remove all the residue. And at the end, rinse the upholstery with clean water and dry it.
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Sunscreen stains
Sunscreen stains are mostly yellow or orange in color. For sunscreen stains, you can use a solution or paste of heavy-duty detergent and water. After applying the solution, let it remain for 20-30 minutes and then rinse with water.
Deep Cleaning
If you want to remove embedded dirt and debris from outdoor upholstery components such as cushions, webbing, and padding, you can follow deep cleaning techniques. For deep cleaning, you need to remove the cover of the cushions and wash them in the washing machine. In addition, you can also use a steam cleaner to deeply clean all the outdoor upholstery components. After cleaning, you can use a dryer to gently dry the covers and paddings. Moreover, you can also use an iron to remove the wrinkles from covers and fabrics.
Regular Maintenance Practices
- Do regular dusting with vacuum cleaner or cloth
- Cover your outdoor furniture in case of harsh weather
- Don’t use harsh chemicals for cleaning the upholstery
- Always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer regarding the use of cleaning agent
Benefits of Furniture Upholstery Treatments
- Appearance preservation
- Durability enhancement
- Hygiene Maintenance
- Prevention from Molds
- Improved Comfort
Conclusion
In conclusion, outdoor furniture requires regular treatment for its maintaining its beauty and performance. In this blog, we have enlisted all the essential supplies and a complete guide to clean the furniture upholstery. In addition, we have also debunked various effective techniques to get rid of different types of stains from upholstery. If you want to clean your outdoor upholstery, read this info carefully and begin your DIY project promptly by following all the guidelines.
