During the warmer months, your patio is your own little haven – a place to unwind by the pool, kick back with friends around a fire, or sink into your favorite piece of plush garden furniture while a burger or two sizzles away on the grill. 

You routinely mow the lawn and weed your garden, but let’s be honest: When was the last time you really cleaned your outdoor furniture? And sure, you relocate the coffee tables and dining chairs to your storage shed, but are you really doing everything you can to protect your furniture year round?

The importance of regularly cleaning your outdoor patio furniture

Depending on the material of the furniture taking up your outdoor space, you may think you don’t need to do much (if anything) in the way of cleaning and maintenance. After all, teak furniture is already fairly weather-resistant thanks to water-repellant oils, and aluminum furniture is nearly immune to rust. 

However, adopting a cleanliness routine can triple your outdoor furniture’s lifespan (even in climates that experience harsh winters), while making the maintenance of other materials much easier. Some universal cleaning tips include:

• Vacuuming upholstery and cushions once a month.
• Wiping down furniture or brushing away dirt once a week.
• Spot cleaning stains immediately – use a trusted fabric cleaner or your own mixture of one tablespoon borax, one teaspoon mild soap, and four cups of water (use cornstarch on those extra stubborn oil stains).

The calm before the storm: How to winterize your outdoor furniture

As a rule, you should try to avoid all weather extremes: Cover chairs and tables with tarps or covers before heavy rain; invest in an awning or patio umbrella to protect against harsh UV rays; and store light or untethered furniture ahead of storms with high winds. (Velcro strips can help secure cushions as well.)

Maintaining a clean and dry patio is important, but any veteran homeowner, meticulous clean freak, or “Game of Thrones” fan will tell you what your true enemy is: winter. To avoid the perils that extreme cold may bring, here are tips to winterize your patio furniture depending on the materials used.

Wooden furniture

If it’s wood, it’s likely the most vulnerable furniture piece in your yard. Moisture can and will find a way in through cracks and ridges left by harsh weather and natural wear and tear. To counter this, use an epoxy sealer with an exterior varnish topcoat – such as the Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane, which protects against moisture and direct sunlight and is sold by most retailers for under $20.

Check if your patio furniture is made of teak wood – this common style provides greater durability, but the natural oils within can still attract mold and mildew. Regularly clean your teak furniture with a gentle cleaning solution (one cup of vinegar per gallon of water will do) and, when faced with tougher stains, swap out the vinegar for one quarter cup bleach and three quarters cup laundry detergent.

Store your wooden furniture under tarps or furniture covers (look for breathable materials, such as anything with a layer of mesh, to avoid trapped moisture) during the colder seasons – even if they’re stored in a shed or garage – for maximum protection.

Plastic and wicker furniture

Plastic furniture is easier to clean, but low temperatures will still reduce longevity by causing cracks and breaks. If you want your plastic chairs and end tables to last, store them inside during the winter months to avoid the cold altogether. 

Wicker furniture is the other low-maintenance option: Natural wicker will simply chip and dry out over time, so washing it as infrequently as possible is ideal. Occasional wipe-downs with a damp cloth and a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle is more than enough. If your wicker is synthetic (resin), the same rules apply, but an additional UV and weather-resistant coating can mean longer year-round durability.

Aluminum and wrought iron furniture

With aluminum, you don’t need to worry about rust. You should, however, make sure everything is completely dry before storing your furniture away for the winter – water can still sneak in through drainage holes and, over time, weaken frames. Pro tip: Touch up scratches with paint or apply a coat of car wax for added protection from excessive moisture. 

While aluminum is pretty much immune to rust, this is your number one concern when it comes to iron patio furniture. These absolutely should be stored away in an indoor area and/or under a durable (yet breathable) cover. If you do notice a bit of rust, use fine-grain sandpaper to remove it before cleaning and storage.

Stone furniture

While neutral stone can withstand most weather, you should still regularly hose down your fire pit or stone table to remove dirt and debris. A stone sealer, such as the powerful Armor AR350 Concrete Sealer (starting at $64.95 with most retailers), can also help to lock out troublesome moisture.

Caring for cushions, covers, and outdoor fabrics

Your cushions, cushion covers, and fabric patio furniture deserve extra attention when it comes to preparing for winter. In addition to keeping your outdoor cushions clean, you should consider storing them in a storage bag of their own. Covers, as well as outdoor curtains, are typically machine washable. Avoid the dryer and let them air dry for best results.