Patio furniture lives outdoors, so it faces sun, rain, dirt and temperature swings all year. The way you care for it depends on what it is made of: metal, resin, wood or wicker. A simple seasonal routine and a few material-specific steps can keep your pieces looking good and working well for many seasons. This guide walks through the basics of patio furniture care by material, drawing on extension advice, wood-finish research and fire-safety guidance.
A seasonal care routine for all patio furniture
An older Iowa State University Extension article from 1996 lays out a straightforward seasonal routine that still makes sense today, though you should always follow the care label that came with your furniture. The article recommends dusting each piece first, then washing it with a solution of mild detergent and water, and drying it thoroughly. After washing, check all nuts, bolts and screws and tighten any that are loose. Missing, broken or rusted fasteners should be replaced with rustproof ones made of aluminum, galvanized steel or stainless steel. Next, lubricate all hinges and wheels with a silicone lubricant. The article notes that oil should be avoided because it tends to cake and attract dirt.
This basic wash-and-inspect routine is a good starting point for almost any outdoor furniture. Once you have done it, you can move on to care that is specific to the material. For more on keeping your whole outdoor setup in shape, see our Furniture Care guide and Seasonal Preparation article.
Care by material
Aluminum furniture
Aluminum resists rust but can develop pitting that gives the metal a dull patina. The Iowa State article says frequent washings help prevent this condition if the metal is in good shape or has an enameled or baked-on finish. If the aluminum is already in poor condition, rub each piece briskly with a steel wool pad. If that does not work, try a No. 00 steel wool pad soaked in kerosene or paint thinner. Once the metal is smooth again, wash it in a mild detergent and water solution, rinse and dry thoroughly. Protect the rejuvenated finish with a light application of automobile wax, then buff to remove any excess. The article suggests that, ideally, aluminum should be washed and waxed every few months.
Plastic resin furniture
Plastic resin is extremely durable and weather resistant. The Iowa State article points out that it can withstand the elements, the stress of ordinary use, and the extra wear that outdoor furniture endures. Resin furniture also stores easily because the pieces usually break down or stack to take up less space. For cleaning, the article recommends a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, or a cleaner-polish, following label directions. Alternatively, wipe the surface with a sponge or cloth dipped in a solution of hand dishwashing detergent and warm water, rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean soft cloth.
Redwood furniture
Redwood is attractive and naturally weather resistant in that it is not likely to rot or warp. However, the Iowa State article cautions that it can split and will almost surely turn grey within a year if not cared for properly. Commercial brands of redwood stain and sealer are available to help prevent discoloration. Before applying the sealer, wash the furniture and replace any fasteners that are starting to rust, as they will eventually stain the wood. Lightly sand all exposed parts with No. 150 or 180 grit sandpaper. Dust and finally wipe with a rag that has been moistened in paint thinner. The final step is to apply one or two coats of water-repellent sealer specially made for redwood. For a deeper look at keeping wood pieces in good shape, read Caring for Wood Outdoor Furniture Through the Seasons.
Wicker furniture
Wicker is weather-resistant but can dry out in the sun. The Iowa State article advises keeping wicker in the shade. Once a year, soak it in water to put moisture back into its fibers. Undamaged wicker simply needs to be washed and refinished periodically. Vacuum the furniture first, then wipe it down with a rag soaked in a mild detergent and warm water solution. Use an old toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt. An ice pick can remove paint that has lodged into the weave.
If mildew is a problem, the article gives a specific solution: wash the furniture with a mixture of 3/4 cup chlorine bleach and one quart of water. Because the bleach may lighten the wicker, apply it to the entire piece. Wear gloves when working with bleach and protect your clothing from splashes and spills. Wicker with a natural finish that has dulled can be restored by applying lemon oil furniture polish. Scratches can be minimized with products specially formulated for that purpose.
Wrought iron furniture
Wrought iron can look good for many years if it is touched up whenever bare metal is exposed. The Iowa State article recommends using a rust-resistant metal primer on these spots to prevent rust from spreading under the paint. This simple step, done promptly, keeps small nicks from turning into larger rust problems.
Wood finishes for outdoor furniture
The USDA Forest Products Laboratory’s finishing guidance is written for wood decks, not furniture, so treat it as background and follow your furniture maker’s care label first. For decks, the laboratory says a penetrating finish gives better overall performance and is easier to reapply than a film-forming finish such as paint or solid-color stain, and that film-forming finishes are subjected to excessive wear, especially in high-traffic areas.
The Forest Products Laboratory describes several types of penetrating finishes. Water-repellent preservatives (WRPs) include a mildewcide or preservative, which gives much better performance than a plain water repellent. The service life of a WRP finish is about one year on exposed surfaces, but it is the easiest finish to reapply. Colored water-repellent preservatives add a small amount of pigment, which increases the service life from less than a year to many years, especially if foot traffic is not high. Semitransparent stains have higher pigment concentrations and penetrate without forming a continuous layer, so they will not blister or peel even if moisture enters the wood. The pigment also protects the wood surface and the mildewcide from sunlight.
If the furniture has a factory-applied water-repellent finish or was recently finished with a WRP, a semitransparent stain may not absorb properly. The Forest Products Laboratory says the wood should be allowed to weather for 2 to 3 months before finishing. Waiting up to a year will open the wood further so it can absorb more finish, but significant checking may occur. The laboratory adds that most decks are retired because of cracks and checks that timely finishing could mostly have avoided.
To clean weathered wood before refinishing, the laboratory notes that commercial deck cleaners, brighteners or restorers remove mildew and dirt, allowing the natural color to show. A liquid household bleach solution can also remove mildew: dilute the bleach with 3 parts water and add some detergent. The laboratory cautions not to use a liquid detergent or a detergent containing ammonia, because ammonia reacts with bleach to form a toxic gas. The bleach solution should be rinsed from the wood with water. If the piece will be finished after cleaning, allow at least 2 warm, windy days to dry.
Grilling safety and furniture placement
Where you place your patio furniture matters for fire safety. The U.S. Fire Administration advises keeping a grill at least 3 feet from siding, deck rails and eaves, and maintaining a 3-foot safe zone around the grill to keep kids and pets away. The agency also recommends cleaning the grill after each use to remove grease that can start a fire, placing cooled coals in a metal can with a lid, and only using the grill outside. Open a gas grill before lighting it, and never walk away from lit grills, fire pits or patio torches. For more on safe outdoor cooking, see our Backyard Grilling Safety article. Always check with your local fire department or building department for any additional rules that apply in your area.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my patio furniture?
The Iowa State article recommends washing outdoor furniture at the beginning of each outdoor season, and notes that frequent washing is one of the most effective ways to preserve it. Aluminum furniture, in particular, benefits from being washed and waxed every few months. However, this is an older extension article, so always check the maker’s care label for the most current advice for your specific pieces.
Can I use bleach to clean mildew on wicker or wood?
Yes, but with care. For wicker, the Iowa State article specifies a solution of 3/4 cup chlorine bleach per quart of water, applied to the entire piece while wearing gloves. For wood, the Forest Products Laboratory recommends a bleach solution diluted with 3 parts water and a detergent that does not contain ammonia, because ammonia and bleach create a toxic gas. Always rinse thoroughly and allow the piece to dry before refinishing.
What finish should I use on wooden outdoor furniture?
Start with the furniture maker’s care label. For wood decks, the Forest Products Laboratory recommends penetrating finishes such as water-repellent preservatives, colored water-repellent preservatives or semitransparent stains rather than film-forming finishes, and notes that semitransparent stains will not blister or peel even if moisture enters the wood. A water-repellent preservative is the easiest to reapply, while a semitransparent stain offers longer protection thanks to its pigment.
For more guidance on choosing, arranging and caring for patio furniture, visit our Patio Furniture page, explore the Outdoor Living section, and read the Outdoor Living Space Planning Guide.
