How to Clean Mold Off Outdoor Furniture (Easy Ways to Remove Mold)

You may have noticed mold growing if you’ve left your outdoor furniture outside for too long. Not only does it look bad, but it can also harm your health. But don’t worry, cleaning mold off your outdoor furniture is easier than you think!

This article shows you how to clean mold off all outdoor furniture, from plastic to wood to metal.

With the right tools and techniques, you can say goodbye to mold and hello to a fresh, clean outdoor space.

Understanding Mold

Mold is a fungus that can grow on surfaces in damp, humid environments.

It can appear as black, green, or white spots on outdoor furniture and cause health problems if left untreated.

It thrives in areas with moisture and can spread quickly if not properly cleaned. 

Identifying The Source Of The Mold

Examine your outdoor area closely to identify the source. Ensure any leaking pipes or roofs are not causing moisture buildup on your furniture.

Look for other signs of water damage, such as discoloration or staining.

Check your cushions for mold, such as dark spots or a musty smell. The longer the exposure to moisture, the worse it gets.

You can prevent future infestations by identifying where the mustiness is coming from.

Preparing For Cleaning

Did you know mold can grow on outdoor furniture in as little as 24 hours? This makes it essential to keep up with regular maintenance of your outdoor cushions.

To get started, gather the necessary supplies for removing any mold growth. You’ll need a scrubbing brush, detergent solution, and cleaning gloves.

Before starting the process of removing the mustiness from your outdoor cushions, make sure they are completely dry.

Suppose there’s any moisture still lingering on the fabric surface or within the cushioning itself. That will only serve to encourage further mold growth.

Cleaning Techniques

Mold removal from outdoor furniture isn’t an impossible task. You can easily eliminate these spots with the proper cleaning solutions and scrubbing brushes.

• First, vacuum or brush off dirt and dust from the cushion surface. This will help to loosen up any dead spores so they are easier to remove during cleaning.
• Next, apply a commercial mold-removal product directly onto the stained area with a spray bottle.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes before rubbing into the surface with a stiff-bristled brush in circular motions until all traces of discoloration have disappeared.

Beware, some materials like acrylic should not be scrubbed as this can damage the material.

Rinse thoroughly with cold water afterward to ensure no residue remains behind, then allow your cushion to dry completely before using it again.

Dry the cushions in the sun to kill off any mold spores left behind.

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Clean Hard Surfaces Regularly

Ensure that all hard surfaces of the patio furniture are thoroughly cleaned.

Household detergent or white distilled vinegar will suffice most of the time. Use a microfiber cloth and rinse it regularly in clean water (in a separate bucket) to not spread decay.

Check the label of a commercial product to find out how much to use and what surfaces it can be used on. Always read and follow safety instructions.

Among all outdoor furniture materials, metal is the easiest to clean if you have mold. Using mild soap and water is all you need to clean it.

When cleaning wicker furniture, a pressure washer might be necessary. However, make sure the pressure is low enough not to cause damage.

Alternatively, you can use a solution of ammonia, vinegar, bicarb soda, and water. Use a scrubbing brush to get between the weaves of the furniture.

Wooden furniture can be cleaned with the same solution by wiping it down with a soft cloth (for general washing, just use soapy water).

Teak is quite well resistant to moisture. However, it is still possible for it to get affected by mold. To keep the teak garden setting clean and remove mold, you can use a cleaning product specially designed for teakwood, or vinegar, or oxygen bleach.

Extra Measures

If these steps don’t yield desired results, use a scrubbing brush and durable cleaner like bleach or ammonia diluted in water and follow the instructions on the packaging.

A more natural method is to use distilled white vinegar the same way.

When finished, give your cushions one last rinse and leave them out in direct sunlight while still wet – this should help kill any remaining spores and speed up drying time.

Preventative Measures

Now that you have removed the mustiness from your outdoor cushions, it is important to take preventative measures to ensure the problem does not arise again.

• The first step in prevention is moisture control. This means keeping your outdoor furniture away from sources of moisture such as rain or standing water.
• If possible, store your cushions indoors when not in use or cover any exposed areas with plastic wrap or a tarp during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Additionally, regularly check for signs of dampness and wipe up any spills immediately so they don’t seep into the fabric fibers.
• The second step involves establishing an effective cleaning routine. You can prevent spores from settling on your cushions by vacuuming regularly with an upholstery brush attachment.
• After vacuuming, gently brush off excess dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush before applying a topical antimicrobial solution directly onto the surface of the cushion material.
• Finally, let dry completely in a sunny spot before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mold Be Prevented From Occurring On Outdoor Furniture?

Mold spreads quickly if not handled properly, and outdoor furniture is particularly susceptible to it. Here are three key areas for preventing mold growth:

• Pay attention to weather conditions and store your outdoor furniture and cushions accordingly when not in use.
• Clean your outdoor furniture and cushions regularly with mild soap and water.
• Periodically inspect any fabric covers for signs of moisture or decay, especially after periods of rain or snow.

Remove the cushion immediately and check for any visible patches if you detect any discoloration or smell an unpleasant odor.

Are There Any Natural Cleaning Solutions That Can Be Used To Remove Mold?

When tackling mold on patio furniture, you should start by cleaning any loose particles of dirt or debris.

The next sunny day chance you get, remove all your patio upholstery from storage, such as pillows, etc., and put them all day in direct sunlight. The heat and light will kill anything.

Spray with distilled white vinegar as well, but let the sun do its job.

You can also use a combination of baking soda and white vinegar as a mild abrasive cleaner to scrub away any remaining traces of decay.

Are There Any Specific Safety Measures To Consider When Cleaning Mold?

When attempting to clean mold, taking specific safety measures is paramount. Here’s a bullet-point list of 3 key things to keep in mind:

• Wear protective gear such as gloves and face masks when handling mold. This will help you avoid breathing in any particles during the removal process.
• Follow manufacturer instructions when dealing with store-bought products; remember: even if something states ‘natural,’ it doesn’t mean it’s harmless!
• Ensure there is good ventilation, so do mold removal outside, away from other objects and people.

The Bottom Line

Always wear protective gear when cleaning the mold of your patio furniture. And use proper cleaning solutions to avoid damaging your furniture or harming the environment.

With a little effort, you can enjoy a clean and decay-free outdoor living space all year round!