Domakihub How to Clean Outdoor Furniture and Keep It Looking New
A practical guide for patios, terraces, and poolside areas across Greece.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
Outdoor furniture in Greece takes a beating: salt air from the sea, intense UV in summer, pine pollen in spring, and dusty winds from the south. Whether you manage a holiday rental on a Cycladic island, run a hotel poolside, or simply want your home terrace to look welcoming, clean furniture makes an immediate difference. The video above walks you through the process visually — this article pairs those visuals with clear, ordered steps and material-specific tips you can follow on any property.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters in the Greek Climate
The Mediterranean climate is hard on outdoor materials. UV radiation fades pigments and degrades plastics faster than in northern Europe. Humidity near the coast promotes mildew on cushion fabric and timber joints. On islands or coastal properties, salt deposits leave a white film on metal frames that accelerates corrosion if left unattended.
Seasonal dust from Saharan winds — common in spring and autumn — settles into wicker weave and rattan fibres, making them brittle over time if not removed. A twice-yearly deep clean, plus a quick rinse every few weeks during the high season, adds years of life to your furniture investment.
Know Your Material Before You Start
Different materials need different treatment. Aluminium and powder-coated steel can handle a mild detergent and a stiff brush. Natural teak and hardwood require a dedicated wood cleaner and a light sanding before re-oiling. Wicker and rattan need gentle brushing with soapy water and thorough drying to prevent mould inside the fibres. Plastic resin is the most forgiving — a bucket of warm soapy water and a sponge are usually all you need.
Cushion fabric is its own category: most outdoor upholstery is water-resistant but not waterproof, and scrubbing too aggressively or using bleach on non-white fabric will strip the protective coating and fade the colour. Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden seam first.
5 Steps to Clean Outdoor Furniture Thoroughly
- 1
Remove cushions, dry-brush loose debris
Take all cushions and accessories off the frames and set them aside. Using a stiff dry brush or an old paintbrush, sweep dirt, leaves, pollen, and cobwebs off the furniture frames. Pay special attention to joints, feet, and any ornamental grooves where debris accumulates. Do this before adding any water — scrubbing wet dirt drives particles deeper into the material.
- 2
Prepare your cleaning solution and wash the frames
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water. For metal or plastic frames, dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge and scrub the entire surface, working top to bottom. For teak or hardwood, use a dedicated outdoor wood cleaner following the manufacturer's dilution ratio. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose — soap residue attracts new dirt faster than a clean surface does. Let frames air-dry fully before replacing cushions.
- 3
Clean and treat metal fittings
Inspect all bolts, hinges, and connectors for rust or salt deposits. A paste of baking soda and water applied with an old toothbrush removes light rust from steel fittings. For aluminium, a diluted white-vinegar solution dissolves salt film without damaging the metal. After cleaning, dry immediately and apply a thin coat of outdoor metal spray wax or a silicone-based protectant to slow future corrosion — especially important for properties within 5 km of the coast.
- 4
Wash cushions and fabric pieces
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and apply to cushion covers using a soft brush, working in circular motions. Rinse well with the hose and squeeze out excess water. Stand cushions on their edges in a sunny spot to dry both sides evenly — flat drying encourages mildew. If covers are removable and the care label allows machine washing, use a gentle cycle at 30°C with no spin. Never put foam inserts in a machine; hand-wash them gently and allow at least 48 hours to dry fully.
- 5
Protect and store correctly
Once everything is clean and dry, apply the appropriate protective treatment: teak oil or a UV-resistant wood stain for timber, clear paste wax for resin, a UV-blocking fabric spray for cushions. Store cushions in a ventilated box or indoor space when not in use for more than a few days — a breathable cover, not a sealed plastic bag, prevents trapped moisture. If furniture stays outside over winter, use breathable fitted covers designed for outdoor use and elevate metal feet off wet stone or concrete to prevent rust staining.
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FAQ
- How often should outdoor furniture be cleaned in Greece?
- A quick rinse with plain water every two to three weeks during the summer season keeps salt, pollen, and dust from building up. Do a thorough wash with detergent at the start and end of the outdoor season — typically April and October. Holiday rental properties used by multiple guests benefit from a full cushion wash between each changeover.
- Can I use a pressure washer on my outdoor furniture?
- Yes, but with caution. Pressure washing is effective on metal and dense resin furniture at a moderate pressure (around 1,200–1,500 PSI). Keep the nozzle at least 30 cm from the surface and use a wide fan tip rather than a concentrated jet. Avoid pressure washing natural wood — it raises the grain and forces water into joints — and never use it directly on cushion fabric, which can delaminate the protective coating.
- What is the best way to remove mould from outdoor cushions?
- Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle, spray the affected area generously, and leave it for 15 minutes. Then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn mould on white or off-white fabric only, a very diluted oxygen bleach solution (follow the product label) is effective. Dry the cushion completely in full sun — UV light is a natural mould inhibitor. Prevent recurrence by storing cushions indoors or in a ventilated box whenever the furniture is not in active use.