Soon it will be time to drag the outdoor furniture from hibernation or, if you live in sunnier climes, add it to your spring cleaning list to get ready for dining al fresco. Don’t know where to start? Here’s our cheat sheet on how to clean and care for outdoor wood furniture.

(If your outdoor furniture is wicker, see our cleaning and care tips at Hardscaping 101: Wicker Furniture Care.)

Furniture Covers

Protective covers are often available for specific lines of furniture,  such as Brown Jordan’s covers and Custom Fit Outdoor Furniture Covers from Restoration Hardware, for an exact fit.

Weather-Resistant Woods

The key to longevity of outdoor wood furniture is to start with good quality pieces made with wood that is appropriate for outdoor use. Teak, cedar, white oak, and even the less expensive acacia woods are naturally rot resistant and durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.

How to Clean Outdoor Furniture

Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution. For deeper cleaning at the start and finish of each season or in the instance of tougher stains or mold, you can scrub with a soft brush and a mix of water and dishwasher detergent or oxygen bleach. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface.

Silver Patina for Outdoor Furniture