How to Clean Garden Furniture
How to Clean Garden Furniture: Plastic, Wood, Aluminium & Wicker (Step-by-Step)
After a long winter or rainy season, garden furniture can look dull, stained, or covered in green algae. The good news: with the right method, you can clean outdoor furniture quickly and safely without damaging the surface. This guide explains the best way to clean plastic garden chairs and tables, wooden garden furniture, aluminium sets and wicker. Plus practical maintenance tips to keep everything looking new.
What you’ll learn
Do’s & Don’ts for Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
- Do use mild soap and a soft brush or sponge.
- Do rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry in the sun.
- Do test any cleaner on a small hidden spot first.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals (bleach, acetone) that can discolour or weaken surfaces.
- Don’t use abrasive pads or hard brushes that cause scratches.
- Don’t use high pressure on porous materials (like wood) as it can damage the protective layer.
Why Garden Furniture Gets Dirty
Outdoor furniture is exposed to:
- Rain, UV rays and humidity
- Pollen, dust and bird droppings
- Mould, mildew and green algae
- Sunscreen, food and drink stains during summer
White plastic chairs and tables often show dirt the most: yellowing, green stains and dull patches are common after winter.
Recommended Batavia Tool
- 18V Nexxforce Cordless Pressure Cleaner – cordless cleaning power with controlled pressure for fast outdoor cleaning tasks.
How to Clean Plastic Garden Furniture (Chairs & Tables)
Plastic and synthetic materials are easy to clean, but they scratch quickly if you use the wrong tools. Follow these steps for clean, bright results.
Step-by-step: cleaning plastic garden furniture
- Rinse loose dirt with a garden hose.
- Apply mild soap (warm water + a small amount of dish soap or green soap).
- Clean with a soft brush or sponge, focus on edges, texture and corners.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Wipe dry or let it dry in the sun.
How to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture (Teak)
Well-maintained wooden garden furniture can last for decades. Over time, teak and other woods naturally “grey” due to sun and rain. Cleaning helps restore a fresher look without damaging the wood.
Step-by-step: cleaning wooden garden furniture
- Make a soapy solution with lukewarm water and mild soap (green soap works well).
- Dip a soft brush into the solution and brush along the grain of the wood.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Let it dry in the sun.
How to Clean Aluminium Garden Furniture
Aluminium furniture is low-maintenance, but dirt and film can build up after a wet season. Keep it simple: mild soap, soft cloth and gentle rinsing.
- Use warm water + mild soap
- Clean with a soft cloth or soft brush
- Rinse well and dry
Avoid abrasive cleaners: they can scratch the coating and make the surface look dull over time.
How to Clean Wicker & Bamboo Furniture
Wicker and woven materials trap dirt between the strands. A soft brush is best to remove grime without damaging the weave.
- Use warm water + mild soap
- Brush gently to reach between the weave
- Rinse carefully and let dry in the sun
Year-Round Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Furniture
- Clean twice a year: start and end of the outdoor season
- Remove bird droppings and stains quickly to prevent permanent marks
- Store furniture under a cover during winter
- Keep furniture slightly elevated to avoid moisture build-up underneath
- Avoid harsh chemicals that weaken surfaces over time
FAQ: Cleaning Garden Furniture
Can I use a pressure washer to clean garden furniture?
For delicate materials like wood and wicker, avoid high pressure. If you use a cleaner, keep pressure low and always test first.
What removes green algae from garden furniture?
Mild soap, a soft brush and thorough rinsing usually works. For severe algae, use a dedicated outdoor cleaner that is safe for the material.
How do I prevent plastic garden furniture from turning yellow?
Clean it regularly, store it covered in winter, and consider a UV-protection spray after cleaning, especially for white plastic.
Ready to Refresh Your Outdoor Space?
With the right technique and gentle cleaning, your garden furniture can look fresh again in no time. Combine a mild cleaner with smart tools and you’ll get fast, reliable results, season after season.
