How to Clean Outdoor Furniture of Mildew

Clean Outdoor Furniture of Mildew

Try these at-home mildew cleansers that range from mild to strong. Once the mildew is gone, keep your furniture clean and dry to prevent future growth.

1. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar. For mild or recent mildew, spray the affected area thoroughly with the vinegar and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Wipe off mildew with a cloth.

2. Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 cup ammonia and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1 gallon of warm water. Sponge onto mildewed wood furniture.

3. Mix 2 cups white vinegar and 2 tbsp. of dish soap into a gallon of hot water. Use a sponge or brush to clean mildew off plastic patio furniture and umbrellas. Use an old toothbrush for corners and crevices.

4. Pour 2 cups of water and 2 tsp. of tea tree oil into a spray bottle. Spray on mildewed furniture. Don't rinse.

5. Make a customized bleach solution. The ratio of bleach to water can vary--try 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for milder mildews, and increase it to equal amounts of bleach and water if your mildew problem is really bad. Scrub with a stiff brush.

6. Try this stronger bleach solution from Kansas State University. Spray wooden surfaces with a mixture of 1 quart of bleach, 3 oz. trisodium phosphate and 1 oz. non-ammonia laundry detergent dissolved in 3 quarts of water. For painted surfaces, use 1 quart of bleach, 1/3 cup non-ammonia detergent and 3 quarts water. Scrub with a stiff brush.

Warning

Never mix ammonia-based fluids with bleach. They will react and emit poisonous fumes.