After a winter outdoors, patio furniture looks grim. Green algae, grey weathering, rust spots, and general grime make last year’s purchases look decades old. But before you throw anything away, give it a proper clean — most patio furniture responds remarkably well to the right cleaning method for its material.
Cleaning by Material
Plastic and Resin Furniture
Plastic furniture is the easiest to clean but also the quickest to look tired. Mix warm water with washing-up liquid and a cup of white vinegar. Scrub with a soft brush or non-scratch scouring pad. For stubborn green algae, a dedicated outdoor cleaner like The Pink Stuff multi-purpose cleaner is surprisingly effective on outdoor plastics.
For white plastic that has yellowed over time, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the yellowed areas, and leave it in direct sunlight for 2–3 hours before rinsing. The UV reaction helps reverse the yellowing process.
Wooden Furniture (Teak, Acacia, Pine)
Hardwood furniture like teak develops a silver-grey patina when left untreated. If you prefer the weathered look, simply scrub off any green algae with soapy water and a stiff brush. If you want to restore the original warm colour, use a dedicated teak cleaner or oxalic acid solution, which lifts the grey oxidation from the surface without damaging the wood.
After cleaning, let the wood dry completely (48 hours minimum, ideally in sunshine) before applying teak oil or an exterior hardwood oil. This restores the colour and provides UV protection for the coming season. For softwood furniture (painted pine, for example), clean and touch up any flaking paint before applying a fresh coat.
Metal Furniture (Wrought Iron, Aluminium, Steel)
For aluminium furniture, warm soapy water and a soft cloth is usually all you need. Aluminium doesn’t rust, but it can develop white oxidation spots — remove these with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, or use a dedicated aluminium cleaner.
For wrought iron or steel with surface rust, use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove loose rust, then apply a rust converter (these chemically transform rust into a stable surface). Once dry, prime with a metal primer and spray with a protective paint like Hammerite for long-lasting protection. Pay special attention to joints and welds where water collects — these are always the first places to rust. The Hammerite rust treatment guide covers the full process.
Rattan and Wicker (Natural and Synthetic)
Synthetic rattan (PE rattan) is easy — warm soapy water, a soft brush to get into the weave, rinse with a hose, and let it air dry. For stubborn grime in the crevices of the weave, an old toothbrush works well.
Natural rattan requires more care — don’t soak it. Use a damp cloth with mild soap, clean section by section, and dry immediately with a towel. Natural rattan can develop mould if left damp, so ensure good airflow while drying and avoid cleaning on humid days.
Can You Pressure Wash Patio Furniture?
Yes, but the pressure and technique matter enormously depending on the material:
| Material | Pressure Wash? | Max PSI | Nozzle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic/Resin | Yes | 1,000 | 40° fan | Keep distance, don’t concentrate on one spot |
| Aluminium | Yes | 1,500 | 25° fan | Good for ornate patterns |
| Wrought Iron | Yes | 1,500 | 25° fan | Dry and treat immediately after |
| Hardwood | Yes, carefully | 1,200 | 40° fan | Too much pressure raises the grain |
| Synthetic Rattan | Lowest setting only | 800 | 40° fan | Keep 30cm+ distance |
| Natural Rattan | No | — | — | Will damage the weave |
| Fabric Cushions | No | — | — | Hand wash or machine wash covers |
Cleaning Fabric Cushions and Covers
Remove covers and machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C if the care label allows. For cushions with non-removable covers, mix warm water with washing-up liquid and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda. Scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and stand the cushions upright in sunshine to dry completely. Don’t put cushions back on furniture until they’re fully dry — trapped moisture leads to mildew.
Protecting Furniture After Cleaning
- Wood: Apply UV-protective furniture oil or hardwood wax annually after cleaning
- Metal: A coat of clear lacquer or wax prevents rust returning
- Plastic: Apply car wax to plastic furniture — it adds UV protection and makes it much easier to clean next time
- All materials: Use fitted furniture covers during winter or prolonged wet spells
- Cushions: Store indoors over winter — a dry garage or shed is fine
A good set of fitted furniture covers costs a fraction of replacement furniture and extends the life of your set dramatically.
The Cost of Not Cleaning
A decent patio dining set costs £300–£1,000+. An hour of cleaning and £10 of materials in spring can add years to its life. Green algae isn’t just ugly — on wood, it traps moisture against the surface and accelerates rot. On metal, dirt traps moisture against the surface and accelerates corrosion. Regular cleaning isn’t just cosmetic — it’s maintenance that prevents expensive replacement.
