Is it time to get your outdoor furniture ready? What if it’s covered in mildew? Learn how to remove mildew from outdoor furniture.
If you’ve had to deal with mildew in the past, you’ll know how stubborn this sort of growth can be. It doesn’t take much time for mildew to form, especially in environments with little protection from the elements, making outdoor furniture look its worst. High humidity, especially when combined with warm temperatures, creates ideal conditions for mildew to thrive on outdoor furniture. This article will explore mildew and its causes, as well as some of the best methods for removing mildew from outdoor furniture. This should give you the chance to fight back, no matter how frustrating your mildew problem is. Keeping your outdoor bean bags dry and free from dirt and maintaining clean outdoor spaces is essential to their longevity.
What is Mildew and How Does it Form?
Before you start removing mildew, it’s worth gaining an understanding of what it is. Mildew is a type of mould that can form on the surface of organic materials like wood, wicker, and cotton. Primarily a plant disease, this type of mould has become extremely common in and around people’s homes. Unlike other types of mould, mildew only spreads around the surface of a material, rather than spreading up and out. This can make it easier to remove, but also means that mould can spread very quickly.
Mildew typically forms when there is excessive moisture present. In the case of outdoor furniture, this could be moisture from rain, in the air, or even water that you add into the environment. Mould and mildew thrive in damp, humid environments with little airflow. Once a spore from an existing mildew colony reaches a damp organic surface, the mould will start to form. Mould spores are microscopic particles that can become airborne and settle on outdoor furniture, leading to new mildew growth if conditions are right. Thankfully, rather than causing significant damage to your furniture, mildew will usually look unsightly.
Two different types of mildew are commonly found. While this won’t impact the work that goes into cleaning your furniture, it will make it easier to identify your mould if you know what to look for.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew mainly affects plants. It will start white, slowly becoming yellow, brown, and black as the mould forms. Black mould, which can also appear on outdoor furniture in humid regions, should be identified and removed promptly due to potential health risks. This type of mildew is typically fluffy and looks similar to the down you find on baby chicks.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is usually found on food crops, and it usually skips the white stage and goes straight to yellow and black. This type of mildew causes a surface to appear powdery, releasing clouds of spores when disturbed. This mildew form is common on outdoor furniture and can spread easily if not addressed promptly.
Can You Remove Mildew from Outdoor Furniture?
Removing mildew from outdoor furniture is far from impossible. With the right tools and methods, you should be able to keep your furniture free from mildew, making changes that will last for years to come. The way you approach this will very much depend on the material used to make your furniture. Different outdoor furniture materials, such as plastic, wicker, teak, and metal, require specific cleaning techniques to remove mould and mildew effectively. For example, wood is much hardier than wicker, and this means that you can use more potent chemicals on it. We’ve broken down the different materials found in outdoor furniture below.
Preparing for Mildew Removal
Before you begin cleaning, it’s essential to prepare the area for successful mildew removal. Start by brushing off any loose dirt or debris from your outdoor furniture to prevent scratching the surface during cleaning. Protect nearby plants and surfaces by covering them, as some cleaning solutions can be harsh on greenery or delicate finishes. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear to keep your skin and eyes safe from cleaning agents and mildew spores. Prepare a spray bottle with your chosen cleaning solution—whether it’s a mild soap and water mix or a vinegar solution—and have a soft-bristled brush or sponge ready to gently scrub the affected areas. Keep a garden hose nearby for thorough rinsing. If your furniture has outdoor furniture covers, check the care label to ensure your cleaning solution is safe for the material. Taking these steps will help you clean your outdoor furniture effectively and safely, ensuring it's ready for use.
How to Remove Mildew from Outdoor Furniture
When removing mildew, it’s essential to keep in mind that this process won’t be easy without some effort. You’re going to need to use some elbow grease to get rid of mould like this, and it could take many hours to complete the job. It can be worth wearing a mask in cases of extreme mould, as the spores it releases can cause havoc on your lungs.
In this section, we’ll highlight why it’s so important to remove mildew and give you an overview of the most effective methods for tackling mildew on all types of outdoor furniture. Learning how to remove mould and mildew from your outdoor furniture is essential for maintaining a healthy environment and preventing future outbreaks. Additionally, avoiding mould through regular cleaning, proper storage, and maintenance of your outdoor furniture is key to preventing mould and mildew problems in the first place.
Introduction to Mildew Removal
Keeping your outdoor furniture looking its best means staying on top of mildew removal. Outdoor furniture, from patio sets to outdoor cushions and wood furniture, is constantly exposed to the elements, making it a prime target for mildew growth. Not only do mildew stains make your outdoor space look uninviting, but they can also pose health risks if left untreated. Promptly addressing mildew on outdoor wood furniture, patio furniture, and cushions helps maintain their appearance and extends their lifespan. In this section, we’ll highlight why it’s so important to remove mildew and give you an overview of the most effective methods for tackling mildew on all types of outdoor furniture.
Removing Mildew From Wood
Wood is one of the most common materials to develop mildew. Teak furniture, a popular choice for outdoor spaces, requires special cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of mould and mildew. Made from trees, this material is used in gardens worldwide, and at least some of your furniture or outdoor buildings are likely made from it. Thanks to its rough surface, it can be challenging to remove mildew from wood without also removing some of the surface. This means that you’ll likely need to use some chemicals on your wood to remove the mildew. Scrubbing mould with a mixture of dish soap and warm water can effectively clean outdoor wood furniture. You can create a solution at home that works for this type of mould, primarily using ingredients found in your kitchen cupboard. Mixing a gallon of water with 1 cup of ammonia, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 4 cups of baking soda will create a potent mixture that can have a significant impact on your mildew. For more stubborn mould stains on wood furniture, a mix of white vinegar and warm water can be used. You can use a washcloth or sponge to apply the mixture, rubbing gently to remove the mildew without harming the wood underneath. Keeping some of this mixture for future growth is a good idea.
Removing Mildew From Wicker
Before applying any cleaning solutions, it is important to brush away any loose mildew from the surface of your wicker furniture.
Removing mildew from wicker can be ever more challenging than dealing with wood. While the surface of materials like this is smooth, they always have plenty of nooks and crannies for mould to get into. You’re unlikely to be able to use your washcloth or sponge to remove mildew from furniture like this, aside from any that is on the outside. Using a hose can be a good way to overcome this issue. You can spray your wood solution into the cracks, leaving it to sit for a while to do its work on the mildew. Following this, it will be time to hose the furniture down, ensuring that you reach all the small gaps. A pressure washer can help remove deep-seated mould and mildew in wicker furniture, though most people find that they can make their hose more powerful by simply placing their finger over the end of it. This will help you to remove your mildew without worrying about damaging the wicker beneath it. Mildew on outdoor plastic furniture can be cleaned using a mixture of vinegar and water, which is both effective and safe for the material.
Removing Mildew From Metal
It’s rare to find mildew on metal furniture, such as wrought iron or aluminium, as they aren’t organic and don’t provide much food for mould. Of course, though, if you’ve got mildew on furniture like this, you probably aren’t worried about how rare it is. Instead, you’re going to want to remove it. A damp cloth and some elbow grease are all you need for this, with metal being hardy enough to take even the roughest of treatments. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush to scrub gently, which helps remove persistent mildew or rust spots without damaging the finish. Regular cleaning of metal furniture helps prevent the buildup of mould, mildew, and rust stains. Of course, though, it’s worth considering the paint on the furniture you're working on, as it may be easier to remove than you might expect.
Cleaning Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture, including plastic patio furniture, is popular for its durability and ease of maintenance, but it can still be susceptible to mildew stains. To remove mildew from plastic outdoor furniture, start by spraying the affected area with a cleaning solution made from mild soap and water or a vinegar solution. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to break down the mildew. Using a soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the area, working from the outside in to avoid spreading mildew spores. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the plastic surface. Once you’ve scrubbed away the mildew, rinse the furniture thoroughly with a garden hose to remove any soap residue. For stubborn mildew stains, you can use a diluted bleach solution—just be sure to test it on a hidden spot first to ensure it won’t discolour or weaken the plastic. With regular cleaning, your plastic patio furniture will stay looking fresh and mildew-free.
Removing Mildew From Fabrics
Removing mildew from fabrics can be one of the biggest challenges you’ll face in your garden. It is important to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to ensure even removal of mould and mildew, preventing water rings and ensuring the fabric is uniformly sanitised.
Mould can get right into a material like this, often making its way into places that you can’t clean. For this reason, you have more options when it comes to removing mildew from furniture like this than anything else, but you have to choose carefully to make sure that you are using the right one. Using soapy water or a water solution with mild dish soap is effective to clean mould from outdoor fabrics. To clean mould and mildew, use a soft-bristle brush or a soft cloth to avoid damaging delicate materials while cleaning. In particular, using a soft-bristle brush can help lift mould from fabric surfaces effectively.
Removing Mildew from Cushion Covers
Outdoor cushions can quickly develop mildew buildup, especially after rainy or humid weather. If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and wash the covers in a washing machine drum using mild detergent and cold water. For non-removable cushion covers, spray the affected area with a cleaning solution using a spray bottle, then gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. To prevent future growth, it’s essential to let the cushions air dry completely—either by placing them in direct sunlight or using a fan to speed up the process. Regularly cleaning your outdoor cushions and allowing them to air dry will help keep mildew at bay and your outdoor space inviting.
Spot Mould Removal
If you spot mould or mildew in small areas on your outdoor furniture, a targeted spot mould removal approach works best. Spray the affected area with a cleaning solution, such as a vinegar solution or a diluted bleach solution, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the mildew to penetrate. Using a soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the area to lift away the mould colonies. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue, and dry the area completely with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. Regularly inspecting your outdoor furniture and promptly treating any small spots of mould or mildew will help prevent larger outbreaks and keep your outdoor furnishings looking their best.
Homemade Solutions for Mildew Stains
Mixing dishwashing detergent, borax, and some baking soda with water, or mild dish soap, will give you a potent mix that won’t damage the fabrics you’re working on. This is great for fabrics with dyes, as it won’t be harsh enough to remove the colour or leave stains. Using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water can effectively clean mildew from fabrics and cushions. Just scrub in a circular motion until your mildew is gone, using the solution whenever you see more mildew starting to form. For cleaning outdoor fabric, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can be used to treat mould, providing a natural and effective cleaning method.
Ammonia
Adding a little bit of ammonia to your homemade solution will give it an extra kick, making it even easier to remove mould from your fabrics. Of course, though, it might be worth doing some research, as ammonia is quite strong and could easily damage certain fabrics if used in excess.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is used for dying hair, but it can also make an excellent cleaning solution. This chemical is strong enough to remove both the mildew itself and the smell that can come with it, but you have to be careful, as peroxide is a type of bleach and it can change the colour of fabrics. You should always test chemicals like this on a small sample area before using them everywhere.
Lemon Salt
You can easily make lemon salt at home by simply mixing lemon juice and salt. This type of solution is easy to use, inexpensive to purchase, and most people can assemble it right away. Lemon juice is an acid that can make it much easier to remove mildew, without risking damaging your fabrics in the process. As you can see, removing mildew from fabrics can be approached in several different ways. The option you choose will impact the whole job, with some people finding it easier when they use strong chemicals. Whatever you use, it can be worth wearing a mask as you do this, as most mildew releases spores when disturbed.
Preventing Future Mildew Growth
After spending hours scrubbing and working to remove mildew from outdoor furniture, it’s unlikely that you want to start the whole process again in a year. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to approach this, and you can easily find methods to prevent mildew growth in the future. Storing outdoor furniture and cushions in a well-ventilated area is crucial to avoid moisture and mildew. Exposing outdoor furniture to sunlight can help dry it and inhibit mould growth. Like any living thing, this type of mould requires the right environment, and you can easily remove it.
Keeping your furniture clean through regular maintenance also helps reduce the risk of mildew and mould growth.
Indoor Storage
Moving your furniture to indoor storage when you're not using it will make it much harder for mildew spores to find it. Not only will spores struggle to reach furniture like this, but you will also be able to keep your furniture significantly drier. Ensure that your furniture is completely dry before storing it, as any dampness will encourage mildew growth. It is OK to store your outdoor furniture in a shed or garage, provided there is no moisture in the air. Consider using 'closet camels' to remove moisture from the air. You may also want to wrap your cushions or bean bags in plastic bags. Using moisture barriers in storage areas can help prevent mould growth on outdoor furniture during off-seasons, ensuring your furniture stays in good condition.
Permanent Treatments
Materials like wood don't have to be susceptible to mildew whatsoever, with numerous permanent treatments on the market that can create a barrier between your wood and the outside world. Waterproofing treatments are often best for this, making it very difficult for moisture to penetrate the wood, while also preventing mildew from taking root.
Regular Cleaning
Mildew can be almost invisible, making it very hard for you to react to it before it forms a full-blown colony. This can make regular cleaning very worthwhile, allowing you to prevent mildew from forming. Removing mould promptly during regular cleaning helps prevent it from spreading and causing lasting damage to your outdoor furniture. Using the chemicals you’ve made to clean the mildew in the first place can help with this, making it much harder for the mould to make a permanent home. Regular cleaning helps prevent mildew formation on outdoor furniture and cushions, ensuring they remain in good condition for an extended period. Mould issues, such as mildew, can be extremely difficult to live with. A lot of people find their gardens taken over by the stuff, and it can feel impossible to get rid of it when you are dealing with it all the time. Of course, though, with the right time, patience, and methods, this is a problem you should only have to deal with once. We have a range of beanbags designed for outdoor use. Bean bags made from non-organic materials, such as polyester, can be used both indoors and outdoors without developing annoying mildew. This is why our outdoor bean bags are ideal for various outdoor environments.