Spring is here and your home in Southwest Florida will most likely be a destination for some visitors over the next couple of months. That means it’s time to start thinking about getting your outdoor space ready for entertaining.
Our tropical weather, which is usually paradise, can lend itself to some severe conditions. But rest assured, the quality outdoor materials we offer in our showrooms will hold up for years with some light maintenance.
“We personally use wipes to wipe down our cushions and sling poolside chaises outside our own home once a week,” says the owners at Elegant Outdoor Living. “Mold and mildew can grow on dirt that accumulates on the material, so regular maintenance is key. If you use sunscreen, lotions, or natural oils and then sit on your furniture, these can transfer to the cushions, so it’s important to clean them regularly.”
By incorporating light maintenance cleaning of your patio furniture every couple of weeks, you can keep it looking new for years to come. So, grab your at-home cleaning supplies and get ready to freshen up your elegant outdoor furniture with these helpful tips.
How to Clean Cushion or Sling Fabric
Worry sets in as there is a fresh spill on your beautiful new outdoor performance cushion or sling fabric. Here are some immediate steps to take to clean your cushion or sling if there is a spill or to look their best all season long.
- Blot–don’t rub–liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. (For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.)
- Prepare a solution of 1⁄4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water (we use Dawn Dish Detergent), Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner, or 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean the fabric.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
- Repeat as necessary.
Removing Mold and Mildew from Sunbrella fabrics
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach* and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
- Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
- Clean the entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel, or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry
* For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased. Only use bleach on Sunbrella-branded fabrics.
Elegant Outdoor Living also offers several outdoor performance fabric brands with the same quality and warranty as Sunbrella, but we recommend spot cleaning if using bleach on any fabric that is not tested or branded Sunbrella.
Here is a helpful downloadable guide for more Sunbrella upholstery care and cleaning tips
Frame Care Cleaning and Care Tips
All Metal, Resin Wicker, and Marine Grade Polymer (plastic) frames can be cleaned with mild soap and water, a sponge or soft bristle brush, and a hose.
Textilene Rope constructed frames are easy to clean and maintain with the same solution of mild soap and water.
- We recommend using a sponge not to harm the yarns and rinse clean with water.
- DO NOT use oil-based cleaners or protectants on rope.
Teak care is much different than metal or plastic-framed furniture. Brand new golden teak will naturally turn grey over time. In our Southwest Florida area, it will turn much more quickly due to the heat and sun. If you want to keep your teak the golden color you can use products to help maintain that color.
Barlow Tyrie Teak Cleaner will quickly remove accumulated dirt from your teak furniture. This product cleans and restores discolored, dark grey teak and contains brightener ingredients that will restore your teak to its original color.
Barlow Tyrie Teak Color Guard will maintain the golden brown color of the new teak by using UV inhibitors to prevent the natural greying process and pigment enhancers to help maintain the natural color of the teak.
Barlow Tyrie Teak Stain Guard forms an invisible layer to protect your teak from everyday stains such as butter, oil, and red wine, making the cleaning of accidental spills an easy task.
Shop these New Cleaning Products at EOL
303® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner
303 Multi-Surface Cleaner provides a convenient and effective solution for homeowners looking to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of their outdoor furniture and other belongings.
- Ultimate Cleaning Power: 303® Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner offers superior cleaning performance without leaving any residue behind.
- Gently Restores and Revitalizes: Safely brightens and rejuvenates surfaces, helping them look new again.
- Versatile Use: Designed for all water-safe materials, this cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces.
- Effective Stain Removal: Removes stubborn spots from coffee, oil, grease, and ink, making it ideal for intensive cleaning.
- All-in-One Solution: Suitable for use on vinyl, fabrics, and other surfaces that require thorough cleaning.
Sunbrella Total Care Kit: Clean, Extract, Restore
Try this complete set for cleaning, stain fighting, and the continued care of your Sunbrella fabrics. Stop in any of our patio furniture showrooms near you in Bonita Springs, Naples, or Sarasota.
Sunbrella® Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner powers through spills and stains to safely clean and brighten your Sunbrella fabrics. Clean and refresh your Sunbrella fabrics with this powerful and easy-to-use formula.
Sunbrella Extract™Oil Based Stain Remover draws out the toughest, most set-in grease and oil-based stains for quick and easy removal. The unique formula targets stain particles, capturing and lifting the debris to leave your fabrics looking like new again.
Sunbrella Restore™ Fabric Protector & Repellent keeps your fabrics looking and feeling fresh— renewing lost water repellency, cleanability, and stain resistance after extended use—so your outdoor fabrics stay looking great for many years to come.
Offering the Finest in Outdoor Furnishings and Customer Service
If you have more questions about choosing the best cleaning products for your patio furniture in Bonita Springs, Naples, or Sarasota, please reach out to us. Our unparalleled customer service and team of experienced design consultants are here to work with you to create your perfect outdoor oasis and help you maintain your elegant outdoor furniture.
