Proper cleaning and maintenance dramatically extends the life of outdoor furniture while keeping it looking its best. However, different materials require vastly different care approaches—what works beautifully on aluminium could ruin wicker, and techniques perfect for plastic might damage timber. Understanding these differences ensures you protect your investment rather than accidentally shortening its lifespan.
This comprehensive guide covers cleaning and maintenance protocols for every common outdoor furniture material, tailored for Australian conditions. Whether you're dealing with salt spray on coastal aluminium or UV-stressed synthetic wicker, you'll find specific, actionable guidance here.
Teak and Hardwood Furniture
Teak remains the gold standard for outdoor timber furniture due to its natural oils and exceptional durability. Other hardwoods like jarrah, merbau, and spotted gum share some characteristics but require slightly different care. Understanding your specific timber helps you maintain it properly.
Routine Cleaning
For regular cleaning of teak and hardwood furniture:
- Frequency: Monthly during use season, or after storms and heavy pollen periods
- Method: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water
- Application: Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush following the wood grain
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue
- Drying: Allow to air dry completely in a shaded area
⚠️ Never Do This
Never use a pressure washer on timber furniture. The high-pressure water forces into wood grain, causing fibres to raise, accelerating weathering, and potentially forcing moisture deep into the wood where it promotes rot.
Deep Cleaning and Restoration
When timber shows grey weathering or stubborn stains, deeper cleaning may be needed:
- Teak cleaners: Commercial two-part cleaners (cleaner and brightener) can restore weathered teak
- Light sanding: Use 150-grit sandpaper following the grain to remove grey surface cells
- Oxalic acid: For stubborn black water stains, diluted oxalic acid (available at hardware stores) is effective
Oiling and Sealing
The question of whether to oil teak sparks debate among experts. Here's what you need to know:
- Natural weathering: Leaving teak untreated allows it to develop a silvery-grey patina naturally—this doesn't affect durability
- Maintaining golden colour: If you prefer the honey-gold colour, apply teak oil annually (more frequently in harsh conditions)
- Application: Apply oil to clean, dry wood with a brush or cloth, following grain direction
- Timing: Oil at the start of summer and optionally again mid-season for best results
💡 Pro Tip for Teak
Teak sealer (different from teak oil) provides longer-lasting protection with less frequent application. It penetrates the wood and doesn't sit on the surface where it can become sticky or attract dirt like oil sometimes does.
Aluminium Furniture
Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant and low maintenance, making it ideal for Australian conditions—especially coastal areas. Most aluminium outdoor furniture features powder-coated finishes that require specific care to maintain.
Routine Cleaning
- Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks, or weekly in coastal locations
- Method: Simple soap and water solution with soft cloth or sponge
- Focus areas: Pay attention to joints and crevices where salt and dirt accumulate
- Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly, especially if near the coast—salt residue continues corroding if left
Powder Coating Care
The powder-coated finish on most aluminium furniture is durable but not indestructible:
- Avoid abrasives: Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners that scratch the coating
- Touch up chips: Small chips in powder coating can be touched up with matching automotive touch-up paint
- Wax protection: Automotive wax creates an additional protective barrier on powder-coated surfaces
Dealing with Oxidation
Uncoated or worn aluminium can develop white oxidation. To address this:
- Clean surface thoroughly and dry completely
- Apply aluminium polish with a soft cloth
- Buff to shine and apply protective wax
- For severe oxidation, consider professional refinishing
Synthetic Wicker (PE Rattan)
Modern synthetic wicker is made from polyethylene (PE) resins woven over aluminium frames. It's designed to withstand weather, but still benefits from regular care to maintain appearance and longevity.
Routine Cleaning
- Frequency: Monthly, or as needed when dirt accumulates
- Method: Warm water with mild soap, applied with soft brush
- Weave attention: Use an old toothbrush to clean between weave gaps where debris collects
- Rinsing: Hose off thoroughly—trapped soap can attract more dirt
🎯 Quick Clean Method
For light dust and pollen, a simple hose-down between deeper cleans keeps wicker looking fresh. Avoid high-pressure settings that could damage the weave or underlying frame connections.
Preventing and Treating UV Damage
Even UV-stabilised synthetic wicker degrades over time in Australian sun:
- Shade protection: Position in shaded areas when possible, or use furniture covers
- UV protectant sprays: Apply automotive or marine UV protectant annually
- Colour restoration: Faded synthetic wicker can be spray-painted with plastic-adhering paint
Structural Maintenance
Check these elements regularly:
- Weave tightness—loose strands should be re-secured or professionally repaired
- Frame connections—tighten any loose screws or bolts
- Leg caps and glides—replace if worn to prevent frame damage
Steel and Wrought Iron
Steel furniture offers strength and classic styling but requires more maintenance than aluminium to prevent rust. Wrought iron shares these characteristics with even greater weight and durability.
Routine Cleaning
- Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, more often in humid or coastal conditions
- Method: Warm soapy water with soft cloth
- Drying: Critical—dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and rust initiation
Rust Prevention and Treatment
Rust is the primary enemy of steel furniture. Prevention and early treatment are essential:
- Inspect regularly: Check for chips, scratches, or rust spots—especially at joints and weld points
- Immediate touch-ups: Address any coating damage immediately with rust-preventive primer and matching paint
- Treating existing rust: Sand rust back to clean metal, apply rust converter, prime, and repaint
- Protective waxing: Automotive wax adds an extra protective layer
📋 Rust Treatment Steps
- Sand affected area with fine sandpaper until clean metal shows
- Wipe clean with mineral spirits
- Apply rust-converting primer
- Allow to cure according to product directions
- Apply matching outdoor paint in thin, even coats
HDPE and Recycled Plastic
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) furniture, often made from recycled milk jugs and similar plastics, offers exceptional durability and virtually zero maintenance requirements.
Routine Cleaning
- Frequency: As needed—HDPE doesn't attract or hold dirt like other materials
- Method: Simple soap and water, sponge or soft brush
- Stubborn stains: Magic eraser-style melamine sponges work well without damaging the surface
- Mould or mildew: Diluted bleach solution (1:10) handles organic growth safely
Maintaining Appearance
HDPE's colour runs throughout the material, so scratches don't show underlying colours. However:
- Light sanding: Surface scratches can be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper
- Heat damage: HDPE can warp under extreme heat—keep away from barbecues and fire pits
- Preventing fading: While fade-resistant, occasional cleaning helps maintain original colour
Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics
Fabric elements require the most frequent attention but are also the easiest to damage with improper cleaning.
Routine Cleaning
- Weekly: Brush off loose debris and flip cushions to ensure even wear and sun exposure
- Monthly: Remove covers and vacuum cushion inserts; spot clean fabric as needed
- Quarterly: Deep clean entire cushion covers
Deep Cleaning Methods
For thorough fabric cleaning:
- Removable covers: Machine wash on gentle cycle with mild detergent; air dry only
- Fixed cushions: Scrub with upholstery cleaner, rinse thoroughly, stand on edge to drain and dry
- Mould treatment: Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water, spray affected areas, scrub, and rinse
☀️ Sun Drying Warning
Always dry outdoor cushions completely before storing—even slightly damp cushions will develop mould. Stand on edge in a sunny, breezy location, and flip periodically. This can take 1-2 days for thick cushions.
Protection Strategies
- Fabric protector: Apply fabric guard spray after cleaning for water and stain resistance
- Storage: Store in breathable covers or bags during extended wet periods
- Covers: Use furniture covers to protect cushions when not in use
Glass and Stone Elements
Many outdoor tables feature glass or stone tops that require their own care approaches.
Glass Tabletops
- Routine cleaning: Standard glass cleaner with lint-free cloth
- Hard water spots: White vinegar solution dissolves mineral deposits
- Prevention: Wipe up spills promptly; use coasters to prevent glass ring marks
- Safety check: Inspect regularly for chips or cracks that could worsen
Stone Tabletops
- Natural stone: Use pH-neutral cleaners only; acidic products etch marble and limestone
- Sealing: Reseal porous stone annually with appropriate stone sealer
- Stain prevention: Blot spills immediately—wine, citrus, and oil can stain natural stone
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
Organise your maintenance tasks seasonally for best results:
Spring: Deep clean all furniture after winter. Inspect for damage, treat any rust or mould, apply oils/sealers to timber, and replace worn cushions or covers.
Summer: Monthly cleaning and inspections. Focus on shade protection during peak UV periods. Address any storm damage promptly.
Autumn: Thorough cleaning before reduced use. Apply protective treatments. Consider storing cushions and delicate items.
Winter: Monthly inspection if furniture stays outside. Use covers for protection. Bring in anything showing weather stress.
Following material-specific cleaning and maintenance protocols ensures your outdoor furniture remains beautiful and functional for years—often decades—longer than neglected pieces. The time invested in proper care pays dividends in both appearance and avoided replacement costs.