Picture this: you’re wandering out to your patio, preparing for a nice moment relaxing in your backyard. You come up to your favorite chair, and as you’re getting ready to sit down, you realize that the mesh on your patio furniture isn’t just a bit dusty; it’s outright dirty and grimy. At that moment, the only thing that probably pops into your mind is figuring out how to clean patio furniture mesh, preferably as quickly as possible.
There are several ways you can clean mesh patio furniture fast. Sometimes, water and a soft brush will do the trick, or you can use a pressure washer. Vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap are also potentially effective and are generally safe to use.
However, some other strategies are worth considering. If you need to figure out how to clean patio furniture mesh, here’s what you need to know.
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Can You Clean Furniture Mesh?
Yes, you can clean furniture mesh. Usually, mesh on outdoor furniture is made of materials that are reasonably easy to clean, as they’re designed to remain outside. However, dealing with the weave you find on furniture mesh may take more than a simple rinse.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you necessarily need to use harsh chemicals. Instead, you might get away with water if you use the right technique. Additionally, many natural or people and pet-safe cleaners are well-equipped to tackle dirty mesh patio furniture.
How to Clean Patio Furniture Mesh
1. Water and a Soft Brush
If you’re dealing with some dirt and dust, you might need water and a soft brush to clean your outdoor patio furniture mesh. The water helps loosen stuck-on dirt, while the brush can get into the texture of the mesh. As a result, you can essentially scrub the dirt and dust away.
When you choose a brush, you want the softest bristles available. Rigid bristles might catch and tug at the mesh, harming the material or leading to unsightly pulls. By ensuring the bristles are flexible, that isn’t typically an issue.
After you wash your outdoor furniture using the water and brush, make sure to rinse thoroughly. Usually, a hose offers enough pressure, though you can use a pressure washer if you prefer.
2. Pressure Washer
Another water-only option is cleaning up your patio furniture mesh with a pressure washer. With this approach, the pressure helps knock off stuck-on dirt and grime, and the water helps rinse it away.
Before starting, ensure your pressure washer is on the lowest pressure setting. Excess pressure may damage the material or the frame of the furniture, especially if the furniture frame is painted.
Pick a test spot on your mesh, and slowly move the pressure up until it’s doing an effective job in a few passes. After that, you can handle the rest of the mesh.
Usually, it’s best to focus on small sections at a time, making it easier to ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned. Also, clean each area’s front and back or the top and bottom. That allows you to remove all of the dirt and dust effectively.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is a popular cleaner since it’s generally safe for people and pets. However, it can harm plants, so you need to make sure your mesh furniture remains on your patio, in your driveway, or in another outdoor spot that isn’t on your lawn or near other plant life.
Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a bucket with one gallon of warm water. Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to apply the solution to the mesh. Wait for about 10 minutes, gently scrub the mesh, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
You can repeat the process if there’s still dirt and grime in spots. After the final rinse, use a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture. Finally, let your furniture air dry.
4. Baking Soda
If you need some extra scrubbing power, baking soda is a solid choice. Begin by getting a container of water and a soft sponge. Additionally, pour some baking soda into a separate, shallow dish.
Dampen the sponge in the water, then dip it into the baking soda. Gently scrub the mesh with the baking soda on the sponge to remove dirt and buildup. As needed, re-dip the sponge in water and the baking soda to continue cleaning.
Once you scrub all of the mesh, rinse your furniture thoroughly with warm water. Then, follow that up with a cool rinse using a garden hose. Repeat the process as needed until the mesh is clean before letting your furniture air dry.
5. Dish Soap
Another option that’s generally people and pet-safe is a dish soap solution. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia-free dish soap into one cup of warm water. Apply the solution to your mesh using a clean microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush.
Gently scrub the mesh to loosen and remove dirt and buildup. Rinse with warm water, and then repeat the process if there’s any remaining gunk.
Finally, rinse again with warm water, then use a hose to thoroughly rinse before allowing the furniture to air dry.
6. Rubbing Alcohol
When dealing with grass or grease stains, rubbing alcohol could make cleaning them up easier. However, rubbing alcohol can fade the color of certain materials, so it’s best to limit its use. Additionally, as a precaution, you’ll want to do a test spot in a discrete location.
Take a clean microfiber cloth and wet a section of it down with rubbing alcohol. Press the cloth against the stain, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, rub the spot gently with the microfiber cloth to remove the stain.
If necessary, you can repeat the process, then rinse thoroughly with clean water from a hose before letting your mesh furniture air dry.
7. OxiClean
OxiClean is effective at removing dirt and grime, and it can also tackle stains in many materials. Begin by using the scoop that comes with the OxiClean, filling it to line four. Mix the powder with one gallon of warm water, stirring until thoroughly combined.
Next, use a soft microfiber cloth to apply the solution to the front and back of the mesh. If you prefer, you could use a soft-bristled brush instead. Then, wait up to 30 minutes before scrubbing.
After scrubbing away all of the first, use a hose to rinse the patio furniture mesh. If not all of the gunk is gone, you can repeat the process. Finally, let the furniture air dry.
8. Bleach
Bleach is capable of removing stains and tackling mold and mildew. However, it can also lead to discoloration. Since that’s the case, it’s best to use color-safe bleach. Additionally, do a test spot in a discrete location before cleaning the rest of your mesh.
Take a bucket and combine one gallon of warm water with ½ cup of color-safe bleach. Stir to combine. Next, dip a microfiber cloth or soft sponge in the solution.
Use a cloth or sponge to gently scrub the mesh. After one pass over the mesh, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the process if any dirt or grime remains before rinsing again with warm water.
Then, thoroughly rinse the furniture with water from a hose, and allow the furniture to air dry.
It’s also important to note that bleach is a hazardous material. It can irritate or burn eyes and skin and corrode certain materials, including some metals. As a result, it’s best to use it in an open area away from people and pets. Additionally, if your furniture frame is metal, this isn’t necessarily the best option.
How to Get Stains Out of Furniture Mesh
If you’re specifically trying to get stains out of furniture mesh, using an option like OxiClean is potentially your best choice. It’s not as harsh as some other effective approaches against stains but does an excellent job in most cases.
The baking soda solution above can also tackle stubborn stains. This approach is more natural, which some people may prefer. Just scrub gently to avoid damaging the material, and wear gloves to protect your skin, as baking soda is highly abrasive.
Traditional bleach may also handle stains well. However, bleach is harder to work with, produces strong fumes, and may discolor certain materials. Before using bleach, always do a test spot in a discrete location on your mesh furniture to ensure it won’t cause color fading.
Similarly, rubbing alcohol is an effective stain fighter. However, it can also discolor some materials, so it’s usually better to try baking soda or OxiClean first.
How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Mesh Outdoor Furniture
If you’re dealing with mold or mildew on your furniture mesh, using the vinegar solution described above is an excellent starting option. Vinegar is acidic, so it’s effective at combating mold and mildew. Plus, it may prevent future mold growth for a period.
Another benefit of using vinegar is that it’s generally safe for people and pets. Just be aware that it can harm plants, so make sure your mesh furniture is away from your lawn and landscaping before using vinegar to clean.
It’s critical to note that vinegar may corrode certain metals. As a result, it’s not wise to use vinegar on your patio furniture if the structure is an unsealed metal.
If you prefer not to use vinegar, dish soap is effective at battling mildew and can inhibit mildew, making it less likely to return for a time.
Bleach is also effective against mold and mildew. Use the solution outlined above for the best result. Be aware that bleach can discolor materials, so do a test spot and rinse thoroughly.
How to Keep Patio Furniture Clean
Regular Washings
In most cases, one of the easiest ways to keep your patio furniture clean is with regular cleanings. If you use the water and scrub brush method consistently, you might not need any cleaners to keep your patio furniture in great shape.
Regular washings with cleaners like vinegar or dish soap can also limit mold and mildew growth, which could prevent the need for harsher cleaners. Plus, since materials aren’t sitting on your furniture for long, it may limit your chances of staining.
Furniture Covers
Furniture covers shield your patio furniture from the elements and dirt, keeping your furnishings cleaner for longer. Make sure to choose a waterproof cover that’s also breathable or well-ventilated. If the cover doesn’t provide good airflow, it can trap moisture inside, which may lead to rot.
Bringing Furniture Inside
Another solution is to store your patio furniture inside when it’s not in use. By doing so, you’re ensuring your furnishings aren’t exposed to the elements. As a result, you’ll see less dirt and grime buildup.
Ideally, you want to choose a reasonably clean location. For example, a storage closet in a basement is a potentially good choice if your basement is reasonably clean. A shed can also work, depending on its condition.
The Best Way to Clean Patio Mesh Furniture
Generally, the best way to clean patio mesh furniture is the approach that does the job without the need for harsh chemicals. Plain water, vinegar, and baking soda are ideal starting points. After that, you can move on to dish soap or OxiClean, using rubbing alcohol or bleach only as a last resort.
Did you find out everything you wanted to about how to clean patio furniture mesh? If you know someone who’s trying to keep their mesh patio furniture clean, please make sure to share the article.
Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking.