How to Clean Outdoor Patio and Garden Furniture
Why Cleaning Patio & Garden Furniture with Plant-Based Cleaning Products Matters
Outdoor furniture takes a beating: pollen, bird droppings, food spills, mold, mildew, and whatever mystery grime accumulates over a long winter. That’s why most people’s first instinct is to reach for something strong. But "strong" doesn't have to mean toxic.
Conventional outdoor cleaners often contain harsh surfactants, harmful fragrances, and toxic bleaching agents that linger on surfaces long after you've wiped them down. When those surfaces are cushions where your kids sit and tables where you serve food, that matters.
Plant-based cleaning products eliminate patio stains and buildup just as effectively and offer peace of mind, too.
How to Deep Clean Patio Furniture Cushions with OxyBoost
Deep cleaning patio furniture cushions with Truly Free Home OxyBoost is best for cushions that are coming out of storage, that are heavily soiled, or if you’re dealing with a season's worth of buildup. OxyBoost is a plant-derived oxygen-based cleaner that lifts stains and odors without bleach, artificial dyes, or harsh chemical residue.
For more, read: What Is Oxygen Bleach? Surprising Ways to Use Oxygen Bleach Around Your Home
Ingredients and Supplies You'll Need to Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions
- Truly Free Home OxyBoost
- Cleaning Bucket
- Reusable Cleaning Cloths
- Cleaning Brush (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Outdoor Furniture Cushions & Upholstery to be Cleaned
Before you get the cushions wet, shake them out. Leaves, bugs, and loose debris need to go first; otherwise, you're just pushing grime around.
Step 2: Mix the Patio Furniture Cleaning Solution
Once the cushions are free of loose debris, add 2 to 4 scoops of OxyBoost to a bucket and fill it with at least two gallons of warm to hot water. Stir until the OxyBoost is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Clean the Outdoor Furniture Cushions, Upholstery, and Frame
Dip a cleaning cloth into the solution and thoroughly wipe down the cushions. For stubborn stains, use a scrub brush or cloth, and let the OxyBoost solution sit for about 15 minutes. Then, clean the frame, removing cobwebs and dust. Once all stains and grunge are gone, rinse everything with clean, warm water.
Step 4: Dry and Reassemble the Outdoor Furniture
Allow your furniture and cushions to dry completely in the sun before reassembling. Sun drying also naturally helps eliminate any lingering odors. Once dry, place the cushions back on the frames, and bask in an outdoor space that’s ready for entertaining again!
Quick Tips for How to Clean Wood Patio Furniture
- For wicker or wood furniture without cushions, this same OxyBoost solution works great.
- Always do a small patch test first in an inconspicuous spot to check for colorfastness.
How to Deep Clean Outdoor Furniture with an Odor & Stain Eliminator
Not every cleaning session needs to be a full deep clean. For quick spot treatment between seasons, or for furniture that doesn't need a full soak and scrub, Truly Free Home Odor and Stain Eliminator spray is the easiest way to give your outdoor furniture a quick facelift.
Ingredients and Supplies You'll Need to Clean Outdoor Furniture
- Truly Free Home Odor & Stain Eliminator
- Reusable Cleaning Cloths
- Cleaning Brush (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Outdoor Furniture to be Cleaned
Start by shaking out cushions to remove any loose debris, like leaves, bugs, and other accumulated dirt, and use a cleaning cloth or broom to get rid of spider webs or other debris attached to the frames.
Step 2: Treat Stains on Patio Furniture
Once everything is free of loose debris, spray the cushions and the frame liberally with the Odor & Stain Eliminator. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains, using a cleaning cloth or scrub brush to treat these areas.
Step 3: Dry and Reassemble the Outdoor Furniture
There's no need to rinse using this method. All you have to do is allow your furniture and cushions to dry completely in the sun. Once dry, place the cushions back onto the frames, and put your feet up in your newly cleaned outdoor space.
Tips for Keeping Outdoor Furniture Clean All Season
Once you've done the work of a solid deep clean, a little maintenance goes a long way.
Cover your furniture when it's not in use. Even a basic patio cover dramatically cuts down on pollen and debris buildup between uses.
Do a quick wipe-down after heavy use. A damp cloth after a big outdoor meal takes 60 seconds and prevents stains from setting.
Store cushions properly at the end of the season. Make sure they're completely dry before storing, and keep them in a breathable bag—not plastic—to prevent mildew.
Wash cushion covers regularly. If your cushion covers are removable and machine-washable, toss them in the washing machine with a gentle laundry detergent every few weeks to help keep them stain-free. Always use a gentle cycle and follow instructions on the care label.
