Mesh patio furniture is a popu...
Mesh patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its durability and low maintenance. However, even though mesh furniture is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, it still requires regular cleaning to maintain its appearance and functionality.
In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean mesh patio furniture.
Before we can start the cleaning process, we must get the necessary tools and equipment. These include:
Garden hose
Bucket of warm water
Mild detergent or soap
Soft-bristled brush or sponge
Microfiber cloth
Protective gloves
You also want to prepare a well-ventilated area where you can work, preferably on your patio. Try to work far from plants and flowers to avoid killing them with soapy water.
Before cleaning your mesh patio furniture, remove any cushions or accessories such as umbrellas, tablecloths, or decorative items.
This will make it easier to access all parts of the furniture and ensure a more thorough cleaning.
Clearing debris makes it easier to thoroughly clean mesh furniture. Remove any debris or loose dirt from the furniture.
You can use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any leaves, twigs, or dirt that may have accumulated on the mesh.
Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket using warm water and a mild detergent such as dish soap or a specialized patio furniture cleaner. Follow the instructions on the cleaner for the recommended amount to use.
You can add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice to the solution to help break down any stains or discoloration on the mesh.
Dip a soft-bristled brush or a sponge into the cleaning solution and apply it to the mesh furniture. Work in small sections, starting from the top and working downwards.
Be sure to cover all furniture parts, including the undersides and corners. Allow the cleaning solution to sit on the furniture for a few minutes to allow it to break down any dirt or stains.
Use the brush or sponge to gently scrub the mesh furniture, paying attention to any stains or areas of heavy dirt buildup.
Avoid using too much pressure or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the mesh. Instead, focus on gentle, circular motions.
If there is an area with tough stains, mix a solution of water and baking soda and apply it to the affected area. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled brush.
Once you have scrubbed the entire furniture, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Use a hose or a bucket of water to rinse away any soap residue. Make sure to rinse all parts of the furniture, including the undersides and corners.
After rinsing, use a clean cloth or towel to dry the mesh furniture thoroughly. Avoid leaving any standing water on the furniture, as this can cause rust or other damage. If possible, let the furniture air-dry in a lightly sunny, dry location.
Once the furniture is dry, apply a protectant to the mesh to help prevent future stains or discoloration. You can use a commercial protectant or make your own by mixing equal parts water and vinegar.
Follow the instructions on the product if using a commercial protectant for the recommended application method and frequency. Some protectants may need to be reapplied every few months to maintain their effectiveness.
After the protectant has dried completely, it’s time to polish. You can polish the metal or wood frame, arms, and legs using furniture polish.
Apply the polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the metal in a circular motion. Using a clean cloth, buff gently to remove any excess polish and bring out its shine.
Finally, once the furniture is clean, dry, and sparkling, reassemble any cushions or accessories and put the furniture back in its place.
You may also want to add some decorative touches such as throw pillows or a table runner to complete the look.
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it's best to store your mesh patio furniture indoors when not in use.
This will help prevent rust or corrosion and extend the life of the furniture.
To keep your mesh patio furniture looking great, it's important to clean it regularly. Depending on how often you use the furniture and where you live, you may need to clean it once a month or more frequently.
You may wonder why we bother to clean mesh outdoor furniture. Why not just wipe it down with a paper towel when you want to sit? There are three main reasons we clean mesh patio furniture:
Stop Dirt Accumulation
One of the primary reasons why you should clean mesh patio furniture is to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate on the surface of the mesh. Over time, this build-up can cause
the mesh to become discolored and make it more challenging to clean. Regular cleaning will prevent this build-up from occurring and keep your furniture looking like new.
Stop Mold and Mildew Growth
Another reason to clean your mesh patio furniture is to remove any mold or mildew that may have formed. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, and outdoor furniture is often exposed to moisture from rain and humidity.
If left untreated, mold and mildew can cause health issues for you and your family, as well as damage the mesh of your furniture.
Regular cleaning with a mildew-resistant cleaner will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and keep your furniture clean and safe.
Prolong Furniture Lifespan
Cleaning your mesh patio furniture can also help to prolong its lifespan. Dirt and debris that are left on the surface of the mesh can cause scratches and other damage to the surface.
Over time, this can weaken the mesh and cause it to tear or break. By regularly cleaning your furniture, you can prevent this damage and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Mesh patio furniture can be a great addition to your outdoor space. It is durable, and comfortable, and adds a modern touch to your décor.
However, when it comes to cleaning, you must be careful to avoid damaging the mesh material. Here are some things to avoid when cleaning your mesh patio furniture:
One of the most important things to avoid when cleaning mesh patio furniture is intense chemicals. These include bleach, ammonia, and vinegar, and can damage the mesh material and cause discoloration.
Instead, opt for mild detergents or cleaning solutions specifically designed for outdoor furniture. These solutions are gentle on the mesh material and will not cause any damage.
Another thing to avoid when cleaning mesh patio furniture is pressure washers. While pressure washers can be great for cleaning concrete and other hard surfaces, they can damage the mesh material.
The high pressure of the water can cause the mesh to stretch or tear, ruining the furniture. Instead, use a garden hose with a gentle spray to clean your mesh patio furniture.
Mesh patio furniture is often made of delicate materials that can easily be scratched or damaged by abrasive scrubbers.
Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers that could scratch or damage the mesh material. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface.
While it's crucial to use a brush to clean mesh patio furniture, it's equally important to use the right type of brush.
Stiff brushes, like those made of metal or hard plastic, can scratch or damage the mesh material. Instead, use a brush with soft bristles, like a toothbrush or a scrub brush made of soft plastic.
When cleaning your mesh patio furniture, avoid cleaning it in direct sunlight. The sun’s heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks or marks on the furniture.
Instead, clean your furniture in the shade or on a cloudy day to ensure the cleaning solution has time to work properly.
You must remove any cleaning solution from your mesh patio furniture as soon as possible. Leaving cleaning solutions on too long can cause discoloration or other damage to the mesh material.
After cleaning your furniture, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Cleaning mesh patio furniture is essential to maintaining its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. You can effectively clean your mesh patio furniture and keep it looking great for years by following the steps outlined in this article.
Remember to prepare the necessary tools and materials, remove loose debris, apply a cleaning solution, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and dry the furniture before using it again.
Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or pressure washers, and leave the cleaning solution on too long to prolong your mesh patio furniture’s lifespan.
Spring Nee is an outdoor furniture expert with 18 years of experience.
She has extensive experience in outdoor design, including choosing furniture materials, following trends, and adding useful elements.
As a thought leader in the outdoor furniture industry, Spring has been a regular contributor to various blogs, magazines, and design forums
Contact SUNSHINE
