Domakihub How to Clean a Sun Lounger and Keep It Fresh All Season
A straightforward cleaning routine for every lounger material — plastic, rattan, sling, and cushion fabric.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
In the Greek climate — salt air, intense sun, and occasional dust storms from the Sahara — sun loungers take a beating faster than almost anywhere else in Europe. Whether you manage a holiday villa, a hotel pool deck, or just want your own terrace to look sharp, a proper cleaning routine extends the life of your loungers by years and keeps guests coming back. The video above covers outdoor cushion care; the steps below take you through the full lounger — frame, fabric, and all.
Why Sun Loungers Get Dirty So Fast in Greece
Salt spray from the sea, sunscreen residue, and fine orange dust from North African winds combine to leave a grimy film on any outdoor surface within weeks. Left untreated, this film works into plastic pores, stains fabric, corrodes metal joints, and makes once-inviting loungers look years older than they are.
Regular light cleaning — ideally after every few uses — prevents the build-up from bonding. A deeper seasonal clean at the start and end of the pool season keeps the frames and cushions in showroom condition.
Know Your Lounger Material Before You Start
Most sun loungers fall into one of four categories: injection-moulded polypropylene (the stackable plastic type common at Greek hotels), powder-coated aluminium or steel frames with fabric sling seats, synthetic wicker or rattan over an aluminium skeleton, and cushioned loungers with removable fabric covers. Each responds differently to cleaning agents, so a quick material check before you grab the bleach can save you an expensive mistake.
As a rule: plastic tolerates mild bleach solutions, aluminium prefers soapy water and rinsing, synthetic rattan needs a soft brush to avoid snagging the weave, and cushion fabrics should be treated according to their care label — outdoor-grade Olefin or Sunbrella fabric can handle diluted bleach, while cheaper polyester blends cannot.
5 Steps to a Spotless Sun Lounger
- 1
Brush off loose debris and rinse with a hose
Before applying any cleaning solution, remove cushions and use a stiff-bristle brush to sweep off sand, dried leaves, bird droppings, and loose grit from the frame. Then give the whole lounger a thorough rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting. This prevents abrasive particles from scratching the surface when you scrub, and it softens any dried-on residue.
- 2
Mix a gentle cleaning solution
For most lounger types, dissolve one tablespoon of mild dish soap in a litre of warm water. For plastic frames with mould or algae (common in humid coastal spots), add a small splash of white vinegar or a diluted bleach solution — about one part bleach to ten parts water. Always test an inconspicuous area first. Avoid acetone, harsh solvents, or abrasive powders on any surface.
- 3
Scrub the frame and sling or weave
Apply your solution with a soft cloth or a medium-bristle brush. Work from the top of the frame downwards so dirty water does not drip onto areas you have already cleaned. For sling loungers, scrub both sides of the fabric — sunscreen and sweat accumulate on the underside too. For synthetic rattan, push the brush along the grain of the weave rather than across it to flush out trapped grit without pulling strands loose.
- 4
Treat cushion covers separately
Remove covers if they have zip closures and hand-wash or machine-wash on a gentle cycle according to the care label. For covers that cannot be removed, lay the cushion flat, apply the soapy solution, scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Squeeze out as much water as possible and stand the cushion on its edge in a sunny spot to dry completely — stacking damp cushions is the fastest way to grow mould.
- 5
Rinse, dry, and protect
Rinse every surface thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue — leftover detergent attracts dirt faster than a bare surface. Allow the frame to air-dry in the sun. Once dry, apply a UV-protective plastic restorer or an outdoor furniture wax to plastic and metal frames to slow future fading and oxidation. Store or cover cushions overnight and between uses if possible; even a cheap fitted cover makes the next clean dramatically easier.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted cleaning pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- How often should I clean sun loungers at a holiday rental?
- A quick wipe-down between guest stays and a thorough clean with soap and a brush at least once a month during the season is a reasonable minimum. At a busy pool, a weekly scrub of frames and a bi-weekly cushion wash keeps things guest-ready and prevents deep staining.
- Can I use a pressure washer on a sun lounger?
- Yes, with caution. Set the pressure to the lowest effective setting and keep the nozzle at least 30 cm from the surface. High pressure at close range can crack polypropylene, strip powder-coat from metal, and fray sling fabric. A wide fan nozzle is safer than a pinpoint jet.
- How do I remove black mould from outdoor cushion fabric?
- Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and apply it to the affected area. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse well. For stubborn mould on Sunbrella or Olefin fabric, a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water) is safe and effective — always rinse thoroughly and let the cushion dry fully in the sun before use.