Outdoor furniture is exposed to various weather conditions, making it prone to mold and mildew. If left unattended, mold can not only make your furniture look unsightly but can also damage it over time. Whether you have wooden, metal, or plastic furniture, dealing with mold can be a straightforward task when done correctly.
Want to learn the exact steps and preventive tips for each material? Keep reading to clean mold off outdoor furniture and make sure your outdoor furniture stays fresh and mold-free all year round!
Why Mold Grows on Outdoor Furniture
Mold thrives in damp, warm environments. Outdoor furniture, especially when left outside in humid or rainy climates, provides the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. The key to keeping your furniture mold-free is understanding the cause and addressing it promptly.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you have these materials on hand:
- Soft bristle brush or sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- White vinegar or dish soap
- Baking soda (optional for stubborn stains)
- Protective gloves
- A hose or pressure washer (optional)
- Outdoor furniture covers (for prevention)
Now that you’re prepared, let’s break down the cleaning process based on the type of furniture.
How to Clean Mold Off Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Wood is a porous material, which can make mold removal a bit more challenging, but it’s certainly manageable with the right approach.
- Brush off loose mold: Use a soft bristle brush to scrub away any visible mold. Be gentle to avoid damaging the wood’s surface.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a bucket. You can also add a small amount of dish soap for extra cleaning power.
- Scrub the furniture: Using a sponge or cloth, apply the vinegar solution to the moldy areas. Scrub gently in circular motions, ensuring you reach into the wood’s grain where mold may be trapped.
- Rinse with clean water: Once the mold is scrubbed off, rinse the furniture thoroughly with a hose to remove any residual cleaning solution.
- Dry the furniture: Let the furniture air-dry completely in the sun. Mold thrives in moisture, so ensuring the wood is fully dry will help prevent regrowth.
Pro Tip: Avoid using bleach on wooden furniture as it can strip away the finish and cause discoloration.
Related Post: Effective Tips on How to Remove Mildew from Outdoor Furniture
How to Clean Mold Off Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal furniture is less porous than wood, so mold doesn’t embed itself as easily. However, it can still accumulate on the surface.
- Wipe off visible mold: Start by wiping away any surface mold using a damp cloth or brush.
- Use a mild detergent solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Using a sponge, scrub the moldy spots. Focus on areas like joints or crevices where moisture tends to collect.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the furniture with clean water, making sure to remove all soap residue. Dry the metal surfaces with a towel to prevent rust or further mold growth.
Pro Tip: If your metal furniture has rust spots, you can gently scrub them with a paste made of baking soda and water. Rinse and dry well afterward.
How to Clean Mold Off Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Plastic furniture is the easiest to clean since it’s non-porous. Mold typically sits on the surface and can be wiped away quickly.
- Scrub the mold: Use a sponge soaked in a solution of water and mild dish soap to scrub the affected areas. If the mold is stubborn, sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge for extra cleaning power.
- Rinse with water: After scrubbing, rinse the furniture with a hose to wash away the soap and any loosened mold.
- Let the furniture dry: Leave the furniture to air-dry in the sun, which can also help kill any lingering mold spores.
Pro Tip: You can use a pressure washer for larger pieces of plastic furniture, but keep the pressure low to avoid damaging the surface.
How to Prevent Mold on Outdoor Furniture
Cleaning mold is one thing, but preventing it from returning is the ultimate goal. Here are some simple steps you can take to keep your furniture mold-free.
Store Furniture When Not in Use
If possible, store your furniture in a dry area, like a garage or shed, when not in use, especially during rainy seasons or in winter.
Use Furniture Covers
Invest in waterproof covers for your outdoor furniture. This will help protect it from rain and moisture, which are the primary causes of mold growth.
Apply Mold-Resistant Treatments
There are sprays and treatments designed to prevent mold from growing on outdoor surfaces. These can be applied after cleaning to provide an extra layer of protection.
Maintain Regular Cleaning
Even if mold isn’t visible, it’s a good idea to clean your furniture periodically, especially after heavy rain or during humid months. Regular maintenance can prevent mold from getting out of hand.
Related Post: Store Outdoor Furniture for Winter to Protect Your Investment
Ending Thoughts
In summary, to clean mold off outdoor furniture is all about using the right methods for each material and taking proactive steps to prevent regrowth. With regular cleaning and proper storage, you can keep your outdoor space looking great while extending the life of your furniture.
Now that you know how to handle mold effectively, it’s time to put these tips into action and enjoy your clean, mold-free outdoor setup!
