Although natural wood can take up to 100 years to decompose, treated wood furniture can break down much more quickly. That’s part of why it’s important to take care of your wood furniture.
Clean wood furniture also looks better and feels more comfortable to use compared to sun-faded, water-stained furniture, of course.
There are a few key tips and tricks to cleaning outdoor wood furniture. Read on to find out what they are.
How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Furniture?
Cleaning tips for outdoor furniture have to start with how often you should clean. Different materials wear down under the force of the elements at different rates, so the timeline for cleaning them can be different. Wrought iron patio furniture only needs cleaning one or two times per year (unless you live somewhere with very heavy weather), but wood furniture needs more attention.
It’s a good idea to clean wood pieces at least every two to three months, and polish wood furniture with oil just as often. If your wood furniture is unsealed, you should consider cleaning and polishing more often, up to once a month.
You can also consider purchasing sealant to protect your wood furniture for the long term.
The Right Materials to Clean Wood Furniture
The right cleaning materials will improve the beauty of your outdoor furniture, especially if it’s wooden furniture. Fortunately, the best cleaning supplies for wood furniture are simple. All you need are the following items.
- Water
- Mild soap, such as dish soap
- Soft brush, such as one with plastic bristles
- Sponge or dish rag
- Towels to dry your furniture
- Oil treatment for wood, like linseed oil or walnut oil
- Optional: sandpaper, stain, and sealant
With these materials, you can maintain the beautiful appearance of your wood furniture. Next, we’ll look at how to clean wood furniture in detail.
Cleaning Outdoor Wood Furniture: Methods
This cleaning guide covers general tips and tricks, but specific stains and other issues may require other supplies and techniques. For most cleaning, however, the process is very simple.
- Remove any cloth items on the furniture, like cushions or covers, and wash them as directed
- Hose down or pour water over the furniture to help loosen up the surface dirt
- Scrub your furniture with soapy water, using a brush or sponge. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains
- Rinse and dry the furniture thoroughly
- If it’s a nice day out, you can let the sun and air dry the furniture pieces
- Do any sanding and apply stain if you want to change the appearance of the wood
- Apply oil treatment liberally, and wipe off excess
To prolong the life of your wood furniture, a sealant can help repel water and resist sun damage. Follow the instructions on the sealant of your choice.
Once your furniture is clean, dry, and treated, all you have to do is enjoy it!
Clean Outdoor Furniture is Comfortable Outdoor Furniture
Some furniture can look more approachable with a patina of age, but outdoor wood furniture breaks down and loses all of its charms if you don’t protect it against the elements. Clean wood furniture makes for a comfortable outdoor experience.
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