Your vacation rental sees a lot of visitors, and you likely spend quite a bit of time and money to keep the property and all its furnishings in tip-top shape. Don’t forget to add your outdoor furniture to your cleaning list! Outdoor furniture is exposed to harsh natural elements and likely needs a little extra TLC from time to time.
How do you keep your outdoor furniture clean and ready for guests? We checked in with Caitlin Evans, content expert at POLYWOOD sustainable outdoor furniture, to get her insights on the best ways to maintain different types of outdoor furniture in any season.
Spring Cleaning
“Vacation season is starting in many parts of the country, so you’ll want to clean and sanitize your rental’s outdoor furniture before your guests arrive,” Evans said.
Furniture: Fast & Easy Method
If your furniture and accessories are only mildly dirty, follow these steps to clean them up quickly. “You can use this method on most outdoor furniture materials, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions for their cleaning recommendations,” Evans said.
Supplies Needed:
- Leaf blower or dry vacuum cleaner
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Soft-bristle brush or washcloth
Instructions:
Step 1: Brush dirt and debris off furniture. Use a leaf blower or dry vacuum cleaner to make quick work of this.
Step 2: Mix a ¼ cup of dish soap per gallon of water in the bucket.
Step 3: Use the brush or washcloth to scrub all furniture surfaces with the soapy mixture.
Step 4: Rinse everything with clean water and let it air-dry completely.
Deep Cleaning Duo: Baking Soda & Vinegar
Add baking soda and vinegar to the above cleaning method to thoroughly clean and sanitize your furniture. Before scrubbing with soapy water in Step 2, mix undistilled white vinegar and water in a separate bucket (1:1 ratio) and apply it to your furniture, letting it soak for 15 minutes. After Step 4, mix baking soda and water to form a paste (3:1 ratio) and spread it on your furniture. Let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse, and leave the furniture to air-dry.
Fabric: Fast & Easy Method
Follow these steps to clean your outdoor cushions and patio umbrellas.
Supplies Needed:
- Large tarp
- (Optional) Dry vacuum
- Mild dish soap
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
Instructions:
Step 1: If your cushion covers or umbrella canopies are removable, take them off and spread them out on a clean tarp. If not, lay open umbrellas on their sides and place cushions flat on the tarp.
Step 2: Brush off loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. Using your dry vacuum gets the job done quickly.
Step 3: Mix ¼ cup of dish soap per gallon of warm water in the bucket.
Step 4: Apply the soapy water to all sides of the fabric with the brush or sponge.
Step 5: Rinse thoroughly and leave your cushions and umbrellas on the tarp to air-dry completely before reassembling or putting them back on your furniture.
Summer Maintenance
You’re more than likely in the thick of the busy season, so you may only have time for quick cleanups between visitors. Follow the aforementioned fast and easy methods whenever your furniture and accessories need a speedy scrub, and try these easy maintenance tips for sparkling furniture all season long.
Super-Fast Spot Clean Method
Rely on undistilled white vinegar to keep your rental’s outdoor furnishings sterling.
Supplies Needed:
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix water and vinegar in your spray bottle at a ratio of 1:1.
Step 2: Spritz your furnishings and let them sit for a few minutes.
Step 3: Follow up with a quick scrub with your brush.
Step 4: Rinse with clean water and let everything air-dry.
More Care Tips
- Place furniture in shaded settings to protect it from sun damage and fading.
- If your cushions get caught in the rain, place them on their sides with the zipper facing down so water can drain out.
- If applicable, flip seat cushions regularly to even out wear on both sides.
- Store cushions and patio furniture between visitors to prevent dirt and dust buildup (and make cleaning easier).
- Don’t wait to clean stains caused by wine spills, animal droppings, or oily sunscreen.
Fall Refresh
After the summer crowds head home, now is the perfect time to freshen up your furniture. “It’s a great idea to thoroughly clean your outdoor furniture twice a year—once in the spring to get it ready for vacation season, and once in the fall to prepare it for winter weather,” Evans said.
Put the “Win” in Winterize
Clean your furniture one last time before stowing it away. While you’re cleaning, look for any damage and make repairs or replacements. Evans recommends not skipping this step.
“Fixing minor structural issues before they turn into big problems will save you from costly repairs or complete replacements come springtime,” she explained. “A little prevention now can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later.”
The following situations should be remedied right away:
- Soft spots in wood
- Rusted wrought iron
- Cracked glass
- Loose or wobbly parts
- Torn fabric
- Broken wicker fibers
Seek Durable Replacements
If your furniture is damaged beyond repair, it’s time to look for replacements. This time around, look for sturdy pieces designed to handle the rigors of any climate. Furniture built from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, like POLYWOOD, is a great option as it’s not only durable, it’s also low-maintenance, which means less cleaning for you in the future. “For added peace of mind, look for a reliable warranty,” Evans said. “Natural wear is inevitable for outdoor furniture that’s used often, so shop around for high-quality products that are durable and backed by hassle-free warranties.”
Winter Organization
Depending on the location of your vacation rental, your outdoor furniture may get used less—or more—during the winter months. “If your lake house gets visitors mostly in the warmer months, we recommend putting your furniture and accessories into storage or covering it up to protect it during the off-season,” Evans said. “However, if you own a vacation rental in prime ski territory that sees the most guests during the winter, you'll need furniture that can handle the chilly evenings when skiers come back to warm up around the fire pit after a day of hitting the slopes."
Extra Protection & Storage Tips
POLYWOOD has plenty of preventive advice on how to reduce future cleaning and protect your investment.
- Shield outdoor cushions and furniture fabric from water, stains, and mold with a spray-on protectant.
- Coat aluminum and wrought iron furniture with a layer of car wax, silicone spray, or exterior paint.
- Condition the fibers of natural wicker furniture with lemon oil.
- Store cushions and pillows in heavy-duty plastic bags or a durable outdoor console table.
- Invest in weatherproof covers that fit your furniture. Evans recommends measuring your furniture first, then shopping online to find a cover that matches its dimensions. “You can’t pull a cover over a chair if it’s too small, and squirrels or strong winds can easily slip beneath one that’s too loose,” she explained.
- Stow furniture and accessories in a garage or shed for extra protection.
- If your furniture is left outside during the winter, move it to a shaded spot to prevent sun damage and fading.
- Anchor aluminum, wicker, and other lightweight furnishings to the ground.
- If the furniture isn’t labeled by the manufacturer as “stackable,” don’t stack it.
Don’t forget, you can get amazing deal on quality outdoor furniture like POLYWOOD (and more!) using Minoan. Sign up today!
