Summer is here, and it's time to reclaim your outdoor spaces. After months of winter weather, your deck, patio furniture, and outdoor accessories need more than a quick rinse—they need a deep clean that's safe for your family, pets, and the environment. Here's how to revive every outdoor surface without harsh chemicals.
1. Deck & Patio Cleaning
Wood Decks: Start by clearing all furniture and debris. Sweep thoroughly to remove loose dirt and leaves.
For regular cleaning: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Scrub with a stiff brush, working with the grain. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
For tough stains and mildew: Create a paste with baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse well.
Avoid: Pressure washers on older wood (they can damage the surface) and bleach-based deck cleaners that harm plants and soil.
Stone & Concrete Patios: These surfaces are more forgiving but still need gentle care.
For general cleaning: Use warm water and mild dish soap with a stiff brush. Work in sections and rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn stains: White vinegar diluted with water (1:1 ratio) works well on most stains. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Avoid: Acidic cleaners on natural stone like marble or limestone—they can cause permanent etching.
2. Outdoor Furniture Revival
Plastic & Resin Furniture: These pieces collect grime, pollen, and can develop that chalky appearance.
Use All-Purpose Cleaner or mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Wipe down all surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots, let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping.
To restore shine: After cleaning, buff with a small amount of olive oil on a clean cloth.
Metal Furniture (Aluminum, Steel, Wrought Iron): Check for rust spots first—address these before general cleaning.
For rust prevention: Wipe down with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, then dry completely.
For general cleaning: Warm soapy water works best. Use a soft brush for textured surfaces.
Avoid: Abrasive scrubbers that can scratch protective coatings.
Wicker & Rattan: These natural materials need gentle care to prevent cracking.
Vacuum first to remove debris from crevices. Then wipe with a barely damp cloth and mild soap solution. Dry completely in shade—direct sun can cause cracking.
Fabric Cushions & Umbrellas: Remove covers if possible and check care labels. Most outdoor fabrics can handle machine washing on gentle cycle.
For spot cleaning: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Blot (don't rub) stains, then rinse with clean water.
For mildew: White vinegar solution (1:1 with water) applied with a spray bottle. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Avoid: Harsh detergents that can break down water-resistant coatings.
3. Outdoor Accessories & Planters
Planters & Pots: Empty planters of old soil and debris. Scrub with warm, mildly soapy water and a brush to remove mineral buildup and algae.
For terracotta: A paste of baking soda and water removes white mineral stains effectively.
Outdoor Lighting: Turn off power before cleaning. Remove glass covers and wash separately in warm soapy water. Wipe metal fixtures with a damp cloth.
Grills & Outdoor Cooking Equipment: Start with a thorough degreasing. Mix warm water with dish soap for initial cleaning.
For stubborn grease: Baking soda paste works well on cool surfaces. Let it sit, then scrub with a brush.
Avoid: Oven cleaners with harsh chemicals that can contaminate food preparation areas.
4. Garden Tool Maintenance
Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris from tools. Soak metal parts in warm soapy water, then scrub with a brush.
Rust prevention: After cleaning, dry thoroughly and apply a thin coat of oil to metal parts.
Sharpening: Clean tools work better. Use a file or sharpening stone on cutting tools like pruners and shovels.
5. Sustainable Outdoor Cleaning Tips
Collect rainwater for outdoor cleaning tasks—it's free and naturally soft.
Use greywater from your washing machine (if you use plant-based detergents) to water plants after cleaning.
Compost organic debris instead of bagging it for trash.
Choose reusable cleaning tools like old T-shirts as cloths that can be washed and used again.
What to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals that can run off into storm drains and waterways
- Pressure washing painted surfaces or soft woods
- Bleach-based cleaners that harm plants and beneficial insects
- Petroleum-based products that don't break down naturally
The Bottom Line
Your outdoor spaces should be places of relaxation and enjoyment, not exposure to harsh chemicals. With these plant-based cleaning methods, you can create a safe, clean environment that's healthy for your family and kind to the planet. A little regular maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your outdoor space beautiful all season long.