Spring is the perfect time to refresh, reinvest in, and renew your outdoor space. A great first step in this process is to clean every inch of your oasis, readying it for the first warm day of the year! This guide goes over the best cleaning methods for the most common additions to outdoor areas.
How To Clean Recycled Plastic Furniture
It doesn’t matter if your recycled plastic furniture needs a deep spring clean or simple once over after a party – the process is still the same!
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Bucket
- Mild Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Clean Cloth
Optional Supplies:
- Bleach
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Power Washer
If all your furniture needs is a quick clean, simply use wipe it down with the clean cloth and a soap and water mixture.
If dirt or debris has built up, you may want to consider making the cleaning solution a ⅔ water and ⅓ bleach mixture. Apply the bleach mixture and allow it to sit for a few minutes then use the cloth or a soft bristle brush to loosen the dirt.
If it’s been years since you’ve tackled cleaning your recycled plastic furniture, you might want to consider using a power washer. Make sure that the pressure doesn’t exceed 1500 psi, otherwise you may damage the furniture.
How To Clean Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a great addition to any yard! When it comes time to clean your fence, you will need:
- Garden Hose
- Bucket
- Clean Rag
- Dish Soap
Optional Supplies:
- Power Washer
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Moldex
Start off by hosing down the section of the fence that you are about to work on. This will help to loosen any debris that is stuck to the vinyl. Then use a mixture of dish soap and water to wash down the fence.
If the dirt is particularly stubborn or mildew and mold are present, you may want to use a power washer and/or Magic Eraser. Using a product like Moldex could help to prevent mold and mildew regrowth.
How To Clean Your Vinyl Pergola
You’ll need the same supplies used for a vinyl fence to clean a vinyl pergola with the addition of a ladder.
Be sure to remove any furniture and hanging plants before beginning the cleaning process to prevent damage. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your vinyl pergola comes clean with just a little bit of effort.
How To Clean Concrete Patios
If your recycled outdoor furniture or vinyl pergola sits on a concrete patio, you may want to do a yearly spring cleaning of this surface as well.
There are several gentle and natural DIY cleaning solutions for concrete patios. First, you can use a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. Use a brush broom to scrub the patio surface clean.
Another mixture that can be used with a brush broom is water, baking soda, and dish soap mixture. Use ½ cup of baking soda for every gallon of water along with ⅛ cup of dish soap. Apply and scrub!
For stubborn spots, a power washer might be needed to loosen debris.
Store Your Cushions, Pillows, Throws, & Umbrellas
If possible, be sure to tuck away your pillows, cushions, and throws when not in use. This will help to prevent fading, staining, and damage caused by moisture. The same goes for an umbrella – when not in use, collapse the umbrella. During colder winter months if your outdoor furniture isn’t in use, store your “extras” to protect them from snow and sleet.
By following these steps you’ll have your outdoor space ready for use in no time! If you’re looking to make upgrades to your oasis, be sure to check out our store.
