Years ago, outdoor furniture meant a chair or glider on a porch. Wood was the material of choice because it was plentiful, inexpensive, and could stand up to the sheltered location where it was used. While porches are still around, the deck or patio has become more common. That means furniture for those locations has to endure blazing sun and inclement weather, such as snow, rain, and ice.

Sure, furniture covers are available for aluminum or wood furniture, but even under a cover wood shrinks and expands, loosening joints that need periodical re-tightening which can lead to eventual erosion of bolt holes. Today, aluminum outdoor furniture is the most practical choice. At a slightly higher cost, you typically get a baked on finish that will not fade in the sun like paint on wood does. Aluminum furniture is usually cast and not subject to the same styling limitations as wood. Artistic and imaginative shapes can be created at lower cost than would be necessary to carve wood. Joints are at a minimum and since aluminum does not shrink or expand like wood, joints that are part of the furniture do not have to be retightened very often.

Wood outdoor furniture is usually heavy enough that rearranging for different purposes, such as a party, can be a chore. Aluminum chairs, tables, and lounges are very lightweight allowing easy rearrangement for different occasions. Some chairs and tables fold and can be carried easily by even a child. All outdoor furniture needs occasional cleaning.

While you can simply hose off either wood or metal furniture, water on wood is not a good idea unless the wood is water resistant like more expensive cedar or redwood. When water gets in the joints, it is hard to get out which can be a problem for cheaper woods that tend to rot. Plus, wood absorbs water which causes it to expand and increasing pressure on joints. If the joint eventually dries out, the wood contracts. This contraction – expansion process causes joints to weaken over time. Cast aluminum furniture has no joints so water is not a problem. Aluminum furniture with joints does not absorb water.

Joints – if there are any – remain as solid as the day the furniture was made. Remove the cushions, get out the hose, and spray away. Aluminum has the added advantage that, unlike wood, the occasional spilled drink or grease from a hamburger will not affect it. Last, but certainly not least, aluminum patio furniture can be painted to match your changing décor tastes, a whole lot more easily than wood.

In recent years, more and more attention has been given to outdoor living spaces. From the classic concrete patio to the luxury screened-in porch, the industry itself has exploded. And now, choices aboundin the areas of furniture, fabric, and décor designed specifically with the outdoor living space in mind. Of course, developing and furnishing such a space can be quite an investment, and you will want whatever things you buy to last season after season. But fear not! With the proper investment in time and maintenance, you will be able to keep you patio furniture clean and looking quite like new! The most important thing to consider when cleaning your outdoor patio furniture is the material that it is made out of. (For example, the cleaning product or process you use to clean wood is different from the one that you use to clean acrylic.) For most furniture materials, you can find the products needed for cleaning right in your own cupboard or cabinet.

First of all, basic white outdoor patio furniture can be cleaned with a solution of warm water and dish soap. You could also opt for a bit of laundry detergent soap or dishwasher soap as well. Secondly, aluminum patio chairs and tables can also be cleaned with general soaps. If they have rust or other waste caked on, you can apply a scratchy sponge or steel wool for cleaning. Ultimately, the aforementioned of warm water and mild soap will work for wrought iron, wicker, wood, and acrylic.

If basic soap and water will not do the job, there are also a variety of cleaners on the market that have been formulated to take care of items of a specific material. There are sprays that will help treat wood and wicker; there are refinishing paints that work for plastic or metal. These cleaners can run the gamut in price and are available at home improvement stores or hardware stores. But keep in mind that, just because a cleaner is expensive, does not mean it is better than a cleaning solution you can concoct on your own! Probably the best solution for keeping your outdoor patio furniture clean is to perform meticulous, periodic maintenance.

Hosing off your furniture on a regular basis during the season of highest use will eliminate any staining that might result from spills or other accidents. This will also keep it free from debris and dust which can worsen over time. It is also important that you give it a good cleaning before you store it away for the winter. Buildup of materials contributes to the harboring of pests over the cold months, and no one wants to discover a nest of varmints in the spring!