Care & Maintenance

How to Clean Patio Furniture

All POLYWOOD products are easy to maintain, and we've created multiple guides you can follow to keep your furniture and accessories relaxation-ready.

How to Clean POLYWOOD Products

What Our Customers Say

“The answer to our patio needs. Beautiful color teak, super solid, easy to clean. Love it for standing up to our very hot, humid, lots-of-rain climate in the south. No worries it will degrade, rust, or blow away!”

“We have five of these tables at our preschool. We love them. They are easy to put together, sturdy, easy to clean, and great in our California weather. I highly recommend this table for young children.”

Stephanie S.
Kids Outdoor Picnic Table, February 2026

“Easy to clean! The day I put them out, my lab also wanted to try the couch out and got mud all over one of the cushions. It was a breeze to clean up! So happy with my purchase.”

How to Care for Other Patio Furniture Materials

How to Keep Your Patio Furniture Looking Like New

Use our tips and tricks to ensure your lawn furniture keeps that "like new" look year after year. 

Why You Need to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Regular care and maintenance on outdoor furniture is a good idea for multiple reasons.

It's cost-effective.

Well-kept furniture will last longer, so you'll save money when you don't have to replace it as often.

It boosts curb appeal.

Clean furnishings add to the attractiveness of your home. 

It’s better for your family.

Regular cleaning prevents dirt and stains from damaging clothes or dust from landing in your food and drinks. 

It prevents injury and accidents.

Neglected furniture doesn't just get dirty; its durability is also compromised. This increases the risk of it breaking when weight is added.

How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor Furniture?

This depends on how much you use your outdoor area and the local climate. If you live on the coast and host alfresco family gatherings multiple times per month, weekly care and a deep cleaning session at the beginning and end of the season is a good idea.

However, if you don't use your furniture as often and live in a mild climate, a quick wipe-down before company stops by and one deep cleaning session at the start of the season will do the trick.

How to Clean Less Often

With these preventive measures, you can spend less time cleaning and more time lounging.

  • Store outdoor furniture and cushions in your shed or garage in the off-season.
  • Invest in durable covers that protect your furniture when not in use.
  • If possible, keep furniture and cushions out of direct sunlight to reduce fading.
  • Spray outdoor cushions and umbrellas with fabric protectant that repels water, stains, and mildew.
  • Protect aluminum deck furniture with a coat of car wax, exterior paint, or a silicone spray like WD-40.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions—other methods may cause damage or require extra cleaning.

FAQs