Last spring I dragged my patio chairs out of the shed and they were… crusty. A winter’s worth of dust, spider webs, and something that had definitely been living in the cushions. I hosed everything down and called it done. Two weeks later, mold spots.

Patio furniture needs more than a rinse. But it also doesn’t need a full deep-clean-pressure-washer-rental situation. Somewhere in the middle.

Different materials, different methods

Plastic and resin: the easiest. Dish soap, warm water, a sponge with a scrubby side. For white plastic that’s gone gray, a paste of baking soda and water rubbed on with a soft cloth lifts the oxidation. Rinse thoroughly.

Cushions and fabric

Most outdoor cushions have removable covers with zippers. Check the tag — if they’re machine washable, use cold water and air dry. Heat shrinks outdoor fabric.

For non-removable cushions: spray with a mix of warm water and mild detergent, scrub with a soft brush, hose off, stand them on edge to drain. Sun-dry completely — any trapped moisture inside the foam will mildew within a week.

Mold spots that have already set in: white vinegar in a spray bottle, let it sit 15 minutes, scrub, rinse. Skip the bleach — it weakens outdoor fabric.

I now spend an hour cleaning patio furniture in April and it stays decent through October. Way better than discovering mold the day before a barbecue.