How to Clean Outdoor Furniture After a Long Winter

Wicker

Make sure your wicker furniture is front-porch ready for the spring and summer months. Blow-dry off the loose dirt, then clean with white vinegar and warm salt water, and apply a coat of lemon oil. Alternatively, cover the whole piece with a mixture of one gallon of warm water and three tablespoons of ammonia. Scrub it with a brush to get between the fibers, then set it in a shady area to dry.

Wood

Your wooden porch furniture may have seen better days but it will again once you polish it using vegetable oil or cooking spray. Rub the oil over the furniture to revitalize the dried-out wood. Buff with a dry cloth for extra polish.

Plastic or Resin

We’ll admit, we’re often guilty of doing things the lazy way. The laziest way to clean plastic or resin patio furniture? Just toss it in the swimming pool before going to bed, and in the morning it'll be good as new. Meanwhile, your pool’s filter will clean up the dirt.

Plastic

Here’s a quick and easy way to clean plastic outdoor furniture: Use shaving cream! Apply a layer with a damp rag or sponge to your furniture, let sit for 10 minutes, then spray down with the hose. (For super-dirty furniture, rinse before and after applying the shaving cream.) It will look almost as good as new!

Umbrellas

Your patio umbrella was looking good when you packed it away last fall…but now it’s a mildewy mess. Here’s the easiest way to clean it: Fill a bucket with warm water, then add 2 cups of white vinegar and a couple generous squirts of dishwashing liquid. Let soak for a half an hour, then scrub with a cleaning brush. Rinse with water and let it dry in the sun. The warmth will kill whatever the vinegar and soap didn’t.

Doormats

Your porch’s doormat can be cleaned with a sprinkling of baking soda. Brush vigorously and then sweep away the dirt. The next time it rains, the job will be complete.

For everyday tips and lifehacks, tune in to the Who Knew podcast on iTunes and Stitcher! And don't forget to follow us on ...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips