This article outlines procedures and expectations for cleaning and storing outdoor and pool furniture. Proper cleaning and storage of outdoor and pool furniture, will extend its lifespan and keep it looking good for increased resident satisfaction.

Table of Contents

1. Timing expectation for site teams
2. Cleaning
3. Storage
4. Polywood furniture
5. Ledge Loungers - how to clean
6. Teak wood - how to clean
7. Metal frames and legs - how to clean
8. Outdoor cushions - how to clean
9. Umbrellas - how to maintain and fix

Timing

September 15 (annually) - A work order for cleaning and storing outdoor and pool furniture will be issued via Yardi.

October 10 (annually) - The service team must clean and store all outdoor and pool furnishings. Once this is complete, they must complete the work order in Yardi.

*The work order should be completed in accordance with the Work Order SOP.

Cleaning

• Clean all outdoor furnishings before storing it for the winter in accordance with the how-to instructions below.
• Clean patio furniture regularly during summer.
• Clean visible spills or marks on patio furniture as soon as possible.

Storage

• If your community has storage space, store outdoor furniture in a covered space.
• If your community does not have indoor storage space, move all the furniture into one area on the pool deck. Use furniture covers or tarps to cover for the winter. Secure the traps with bungy cords and ropes.
• Cushions should be cleaned and stored indoors where possible.
• Solar charging tables MUST be stored inside due to lithium batteries.

Polywood furniture

Many Centerspace communities have Polywood outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, tables, chairs, and Adirondack chairs. Polywood outdoor furniture is built to last. The average lifespan of a Polywood piece is 20 years. With proper care and maintenance, your Polywood furniture can last even longer.

Tips to help you get the most out of your Polywood furniture:

• Store your furniture in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Clean your furniture regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid putting hot items directly on your furniture.
• Use coasters or placemats to protect your furniture from spills.
• If it needs extra cleaning, use a pressure washer and magic eraser.

How to clean outdoor furniture: ledge loungers

Ledge loungers are in pool tanning ledge furniture.

 Tools you’ll need:

• Mild household cleaner
• Non-scratch sponge
• Melamine foam sponge eraser AKA magic eraser
• Mildew stain remover that is safe for us on plastic

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Spray on the Mildew Stain Remover. Wait 5 minutes for the Mildew Stain Remover to work into the pits and crevices of the plastic. Use the rougher side of the Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, scrubbing in circular motions applying pressure as needed.
2. Hose down the product to remove the cleaning product and dirt.
3. Dry off the Tanning Ledge Product.
4. Inspect your work. Use the Eraser to get any remaining tough spots.
5. You may still have some tiny dirt/mildew/mold specks left. Reapply the Mildew Stain Remover and let it sit in direct sunlight. The amount of dirt/mildew/mold remaining will determine the amount of time you need to leave it in the sun. Repeat steps 2 & 3.
6. If you have any calcium buildup, use your favorite household calcium remover along with a pressure washer on LOW setting.

How to clean patio furniture: teak wood

Teak is a beautiful, natural material and the best wood for outdoor use. It starts out a warm, golden-brown color and naturally weathers into a silver-gray tone. 

• We recommend using a gentle soap and warm water to clean teak. It may be tempting, but it’s best to avoid using a power washer to clean it. It can deepen any natural cracks in the wood, letting water and erosion in.
• If mold has grown on the surface of your teak furniture, add a small amount of bleach to your cleaning solution (and be sure to wear gloves when applying!). This will break down the mold, making it easier to remove.

Tools you’ll need:

• Bucket of warm water
• Gentle, natural dish soap or detergent
• Soft bristle brush
• Garden hose
• Tarp (optional)
• A few drops of bleach (optional)
• 220 grit sandpaper (optional)

Step-by-step:

1. Depending on where you are cleaning your teak, you may want to put down a tarp to protect surrounding areas from bleach and debris.
2. Fill your bucket with warm water, a few drops of soap, and a small amount of bleach (optional).
3. Wear gloves to protect your skin, dip your brush, and begin scrubbing. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom.
4. Keep going until the entire piece has been gently scrubbed. Change bucket water as needed throughout the process.
5. Take your hose, and using a soft setting, hose off the remaining dirt and soapy water
6. Gently towel off excess water. Let your furniture air dry.
7. Once you’re done cleaning your teak furniture, if the surface is rough, you can use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out. Make sure to sand in the direction of the grain, as going across the grain will scratch the surface.

How to clean patio furniture: metal frames and legs

When it comes to cleaning the metal frames and legs of your patio furniture, a gentle cleaning solution with some warm water should do the trick to remove scuff marks.

Tools you’ll need:

• Bucket of warm water
• Soft rag
• Gentle cleaning solution such as detergent
• Garden hose

Step-by-step:

2. Use a soft rag to gently spot-clean each scuff mark until clear
3. Use a garden hose to rinse off excess detergent solution
4. Allow patio furniture to air dry before use

How to clean outdoor cushions

There are two ways to clean outdoor cushions: handwashing and pressure washing. Details for each method are included below:

OPTION 1: Handwashing

 Tools you’ll need:

• hose
• adjustable hose sprayer
• hard-bristle brush
• bucket
• dish detergent
• Borax

Step-by-step:

1. Spray the Cushions Down - Begin by laying the cushions out on a deck, driveway or sidewalk. Do not clean them on the grass to avoid creating mud or grass stains. Generously spray down each cushion with water, making sure the cushions are damp but not fully soaked.
2. Mix the Solution - Mix a two tablespoons dish detergent and a 1/2 cup of Borax in a bucket, and fill with water.
3. Scrub the Cushions - Apply the cleaning solution to the cushions using a hard-bristle brush. Scrub the entire area of the cushions, creating a generous lather. For heavy stains or mildewed areas, you may need to scrub more or add more cleaning solution. Allow the solution to sit on the cushions for five minutes.
4. Rinse the Cushions - After five minutes, use a garden hose on high pressure to fully rinse the cushions, making sure to remove all of the cleaning solution.
5. Remove the Moisture - Press the moisture from the cushions with your hands, and lean the cushions vertically against a sunny wall to allow them to fully dry.

OPTION 2: Pressure Washing

Tools you’ll need:

• pressure washer
• soap spray tip
• hard-bristle brush
• pressure washer cleaning solution

Step-by-step:

1. Add the Solution - Begin by laying the cushions out on a deck, driveway or sidewalk. Do not clean them on the grass to avoid creating mud or grass stains. Next, add cleaning solution to the pressure washer reservoir, or insert the cleaning solution tube from the pressure washer into the bottle of solution. Make sure the spray hose is firmly attached.
2. Attach the Hose + Check the Water - Attach a garden hose to the pressure washer, and turn the water on high. Before turning the pressure washer on, pull the trigger on the spray gun to make sure that water is flowing through the entire machine. Once water is flowing freely from the spigot to the end of the spray gun, you are ready to turn on the pressure washer.
3. Clean the Cushions - Attach the cleaning/soap spray tip to the pressure washer hose, and fully spray each of the outdoor cushions. Make sure not to spray too close to the cushion fabric — a pressure washer can damage fabric surfaces if it gets too close. Don't forget to wash the sides of the cushions, too!
4. Scrub With the Brush - For stubborn stains, use a hard-bristle brush to integrate the cleaning solution into the fibers of the cushion. After applying the solution, scrub any problem areas with the brush. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes, changing out the soap spray tip to the rinse spray tip.
5. Rinse - Now that your cushions have set, fully rinse all of the cleaning solution from each cushion using the spray tip. Move the spray tip back and forth from one edge of the cushion to the other. Watch the dirt and stains wash away from the fabric right before your eyes! Remember to keep your spray tip about 1-1/2 feet from your cushions so they don't get damaged.
6. Remove the Moisture - Press the moisture from your cushions using your hands, and lean them vertically against a sunny wall to allow them to fully dry. Once dry, replace them on your outdoor furniture and enjoy your freshly-cleaned cushions.

How to maintain and fix umbrellas

How to maintain umbrellas:

1. If your umbrella has a wire frame, you should lubricate the joints at least once a year. 
2. For wood frames, care for it as you would other outdoor wooden furniture:
   1. Make sure its protective coat is in good shape. If it’s not, you will need to sand off any excess coating and reapply. 
3. For covers that are in good condition but just need some basic cleaning, use a soft-bristled brush to apply a gentle soapy water mixture and give it a thorough but gentle scrub.

How to fix umbrellas:

1. If your cover is showing signs of mold or mildew, try a scrub-down with the trusty 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. 
2. Wearing a mask and eye protection, open the umbrella and use a brush with firm bristles to remove as much of the fungus as you can before applying the solution. 
3. After you’ve brushed away the dry spores, scrub the stains with the solution using a sponge or soft-bristled brush. 
4. For resistant stains, try a bleach solution of one tablespoon of bleach to a pint of warm water. 
5. Before you apply the bleach solution all over, give it a test run on an inconspicuous spot to ensure your umbrella fabric is colorfast. And remember that you may get bleach on whatever clothing you’re wearing to do the cleaning, so dress appropriately.