By RACHEL HANCE-Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Science

For many of us, gearing up for the summer holidays means pulling out those old lawn chairs and other patio furniture. To restore outdoor furniture to its former luster, follow these simple steps.


Many people forget about those patio umbrellas and hammocks left hidden all winter under other summer memories, but these remnants of summers past are often the easiest to clean.  To start, brush off the excess dirt. Then wash the umbrellas or hammocks in a mild soap and water solution. Once the items have been properly washed, simply leave them out to dry.

You can clean patio or porch awnings on their frames, or remove them if it’s more convenient.

Whether on the frame, or on a flat surface, the first step is to again brush away any excess dirt. The next step is to wet the surface with a garden hose. Once the fabric has been sprayed down, scrub it with a detergent or soap suds using a soft-bristled brush. To remove stubborn stains on your vinyl awnings, try using a car vinyl cleaner or some similar commercial product.

Once your awnings have been completely cleaned, rinse them to remove all of the cleaning product and allow to dry. If you remove awnings from their original frames, be sure to put them back on their frames before they completely dry. This will help maintain their shape.

When dealing with outdoor furniture cushions, be sure to check each manufacture’s instructions.

You can thoroughly clean most synthetic cushions with a solution containing one cup liquid chlorine bleach and one cup granular laundry detergent, added to about two gallons of warm water. Apply the solution to the cushions with a synthetic sponge. If you are dealing with polyester fabrics, use a plastic scrub brush to apply the solution. Stubborn stains caused by suntan lotion can be removed with the use of any cleaner containing pine oil.

When cleaning patio furniture, be sure to check each piece thoroughly for any loose bolts or screws. Attend to these problems before you put the furniture in use. This will protect you and your summer guests from the nasty scrapes and falls that can result.

If you find any rust spots on aluminum outdoor furniture, remove them by rubbing the surface with steel wool dipped in kerosene. Buff the metal surface until the rust is gone and the exterior is shiny once more.

You can remove rust spots and chips found on other types of metal patio furniture by rubbing it down with the steel wool and applying a coat of metal primer followed by two coats of touch up paint. When the paint has dried, you can apply a coat of auto paste wax to protect the new finish.

Following these simple instructions will restore your neglected patio furniture to look like new so you and your summer guests can enjoy it all season.

For more information, contact the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service.