Bringing My Patio Back to Life (Without Harsh Cleaners)
I love spending time in my backyard. Whether I’m sitting on the patio sipping my morning coffee, grilling up a delicious dinner, or gathered around the fire pit with friends, you can usually find me out back whenever I’m not working or helping my daughter with her homework. Over time, though, I noticed that my outdoor furniture was starting to look a little dingy and worn.
So, I headed to the store, determined to find the perfect cleaning solution. But to my dismay, I quickly discovered that patio furniture has gotten incredibly expensive these days. I struck out at the thrift store too, leaving me with two options: either fork over a small fortune for brand new furniture, or try to breathe new life into the pieces I already owned.
As I learned how to clean outdoor furniture correctly, and with a little bit of elbow grease and some creative DIY tactics, I was able to make my patio set look brand new again for a fraction of the cost of buying replacements. And the best part? I was able to do it all without using any harsh chemicals that could irritate my sensitive skin.
Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Hacks (That Actually Work!)
So, what’s my secret, you ask? It all starts with a trusty Magic Eraser. These little guys are truly magical when it comes to cleaning outdoor furniture. Simply grab one, add a bit of water, and start scrubbing. I find that giving the furniture a good rinse with the hose first helps loosen up any especially stubborn dirt or debris, making the Magic Eraser even more effective.
But if your furniture is really looking worse for wear, a good old-fashioned vinegar bath might be in order. I like to mix up a solution of original blue Dawn dish soap, white vinegar, and water in a 5-gallon bucket. Then, I’ll take a soft sponge and start scrubbing all over to remove any lingering grime. Once I’m satisfied, I give it a thorough rinse with the hose.
And if I’m dealing with any stubborn stains or rust spots on metal furniture, I’ll break out the scouring pads. The green ones work best, as I can fold them to get into even the tightest nooks and crannies. A little bit of Dawn helps them glide across the surface for an extra-deep clean.
Of course, when it comes to things like cushions and other fabric elements, I always make sure to toss them in the wash. If I’m worried about them getting torn up, I’ll use my trusty Wonder Wash to give them a gentle yet thorough clean. And I always opt for a eco-friendly, chemical-free detergent like my homemade powdered laundry soap to really get them fresh and bright again.
Giving My Patio a Whole New Look
Once I’ve got all the cleaning out of the way, I like to take things a step further and give my outdoor furniture a whole new look. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, and it’s an incredibly affordable way to update the pieces I already own. I just grab a can of high-gloss spray paint in a color I love, and voila – instant makeover!
If the cushions are still looking a little worse for wear even after a good wash, I’ll get creative and find ways to upcycle them. Sometimes, I’ll wrap them in an old sheet or towel. Other times, I’ll opt for a piece of oilcloth or a vinyl tablecloth. Either way, it’s a super simple (and super cheap) way to breathe new life into my patio set.
And of course, proper protection is key to keeping my outdoor furniture looking its best in between uses. When I’m not out there enjoying the sunshine, I make sure to cover everything up with large trash bags, sheets of Visqueen, or even a few sturdy tarps. This helps shield my beloved patio pieces from the harsh elements and prevent them from getting too dirty in the first place.
Bringing it All Together
At the end of the day, outdoor furniture is a big investment, both in terms of time and money. But with a little bit of know-how and some creative problem-solving, I’ve been able to keep my patio set looking fresh and fabulous for a fraction of the cost of buying replacements. And the best part? I’ve been able to do it all without relying on harsh chemicals that could irritate my sensitive skin.
So if your outdoor furniture is starting to look a little worse for wear, don’t despair! Grab a Magic Eraser, mix up a vinegar solution, and get scrubbing. A little elbow grease and some strategic DIY can work wonders. And before you know it, you’ll be back to enjoying your backyard oasis in style – no harsh cleaners required.
Adam Cleaning is a premier cleaning service in Nottingham, UK that specializes in making outdoor spaces shine. Contact us today to learn more about our eco-friendly cleaning solutions and how we can help transform your patio from drab to fab.
