If you’re getting your patio or yard ready for summer, outdoor furniture maintenance is one of the easiest ways to improve how everything looks and functions.

In the Bay Area, sun, fog, and moisture can all wear down furniture faster than expected. A quick clean and a few simple fixes now can help you avoid bigger repairs later.

Here’s how to clean and protect the most common types of outdoor furniture.

Start with a Basic Clean

Before applying any treatments or making repairs, start by removing surface dirt and buildup.

What to do:

• Brush off loose debris
• Rinse with a hose
• Use mild soap and water with a sponge or soft brush
• Let everything dry completely

This step alone can restore the look of your furniture and helps prep surfaces for sealing, painting, or repair.

Wood Furniture (Teak, Redwood, Eucalyptus)

Wood furniture is especially common in Northern California, with redwood and teak being popular choices.

Maintenance steps:

• Lightly sand rough or splintered areas
• Clean with a wood-safe cleaner
• Apply a deck stain, oil, or sealant to protect the surface

If you’re already planning to stain a deck or fence, this is a good time to handle furniture at the same time using similar products.

Without treatment, most outdoor wood will naturally fade to gray. That’s normal, but sealing helps prevent cracking and extends the life of the piece.

Metal Furniture (Steel, Aluminum, Wrought Iron)

Metal furniture holds up well but can develop rust or oxidation, especially in coastal or foggy areas.

Maintenance steps:

• Clean with soapy water and dry thoroughly
• Inspect for rust spots
• Sand and apply rust-resistant spray paint if needed

If you’ve tackled small metal repairs or repainting projects, this follows the same basic process.

Plastic and Resin Furniture

Plastic furniture is low maintenance but shows dirt and sun wear quickly.

Maintenance steps:

• Clean with soap and water or a diluted vinegar solution
• Use a soft brush to remove buildup
• Avoid harsh cleaners that can break down the material

For heavily faded pieces, a plastic restorer can help bring back some color.

Check Hardware and Stability

Outdoor furniture expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can loosen connections over time.

What to check:

• Tighten screws, bolts, and fasteners
• Make sure legs are level and stable
• Replace any rusted or stripped hardware

If you’ve recently replaced door hardware or hinges, this is the same idea—small adjustments go a long way.

Protect Against Sun and Wear

Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of damage during summer.

Simple ways to protect furniture:

• Use covers when furniture isn’t in use
• Store cushions indoors when possible
• Apply protective coatings to wood or metal

Pairing this with other summer home maintenance projects helps everything last longer.

When to Repair vs Replace

If your furniture is starting to show wear, it’s worth deciding early whether to repair or replace.

Good candidates for repair:

• Loose joints or hardware
• Surface rust or minor corrosion
• Faded or dry wood

Time to replace:

• Major structural damage
• Deep cracks or rot
• Severe rust that affects stability

What You’ll Need

Most outdoor furniture maintenance can be done with a few basic supplies:

• Mild soap or outdoor cleaner
• Soft brush or sponge
• Sandpaper
• Wood oil, stain, or sealant
• Rust-resistant spray paint
• Replacement screws or hardware

You can find all of these at your local hardware store, along with help choosing the right product for your project.

Final Tip

Taking an hour at the start of summer—and again at the end of the season—can add years to your outdoor furniture.

If you’re not sure what your furniture needs, bring in a photo or stop by. We’re happy to help.

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FAQs

How do you clean patio furniture?
Use mild soap, water, and a soft brush to remove dirt and buildup. Rinse thoroughly and let everything dry before applying any sealants or protective coatings.

How often should you clean outdoor furniture?
At least twice a year—once at the start of summer and again at the end of the season. Clean more often if furniture is exposed to heavy use, dust, or coastal moisture.

How do you protect outdoor wood furniture from sun damage?
Lightly sand rough areas, clean the surface, and apply a wood oil, stain, or sealant. This helps prevent drying, cracking, and fading from sun exposure.

How do you prevent rust on outdoor metal furniture?
Keep surfaces clean and dry, check for early rust spots, and sand and apply rust-resistant paint as needed.

Can patio furniture stay outside year-round in the Bay Area?
Yes, but using covers, storing cushions, and doing basic maintenance will help prevent wear from sun, fog, and moisture.