Patio furniture takes a beating from sun, rain, and temperature swings that indoor furniture never has to deal with. A little routine care extends its life by years and keeps it looking presentable all season, rather than faded and grimy by midsummer.
Wicker and rattan
Natural and synthetic wicker both benefit from a monthly rinse with a garden hose to knock off dust and pollen before it bakes into the weave. For deeper cleaning, a soft brush with mild soapy water works on synthetic resin wicker; natural wicker should stay away from heavy soaking, since excess moisture can cause the fibers to weaken over time.
Metal (aluminum, steel, wrought iron)
Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant and just needs a wipe-down with soapy water to stay in good shape. Steel and wrought iron are more prone to rust, especially where the paint or coating has chipped — check those spots each season, and touch up with a rust-inhibiting spray paint before small chips turn into bigger corrosion problems.
Wood (teak, cedar, eucalyptus)
Untreated outdoor wood will naturally weather to a gray patina over time, which some people like and others don’t. If you want to keep the original color, apply a teak oil or outdoor wood sealant once or twice a season. Either way, clean wood furniture periodically with a soft brush and mild soap, and let it dry fully before covering it to avoid trapping moisture against the surface.
Cushions and fabric
Outdoor fabric is treated to resist moisture and UV fading, but it still benefits from being brought inside or under cover during long stretches of rain. For routine cleaning, a mix of mild soap and water scrubbed in with a soft brush handles most dirt and mildew spots; let cushions air dry completely, standing on edge, so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside the foam.
Glass tabletops
Hard water spots and pollen film are the main enemies here. A vinegar-and-water solution cuts through mineral deposits better than most glass cleaners, and a squeegee after cleaning prevents the streaking that plain wiping tends to leave behind.
General habits that help everything last longer
Covering furniture during storms and heavy pollen season, rotating cushions if they’re not attached so they wear evenly, and storing or covering pieces during winter in colder climates all add meaningfully to lifespan. None of it takes more than a few minutes at a time, but skipping it is exactly what turns a good patio set into a faded one after a single season.
