The Powerful Cleaning Ingredient That'll Remove Grime From Outdoor Wood Furniture

Is your outdoor furniture starting to look a bit drab after a long summer of use? Those beloved wood chairs and natural wicker tables that sit in the elements day after day have to deal with everything from hot temperatures to damp conditions. Excess moisture, specifically, is a major contributor to grime and mildew forming on your outdoor furniture. You can combat this growth by reaching for an oil-based soap to help break down this pesky layer of buildup and prevent it from dulling its appearance. This wood furniture cleaning hack also works for wicker surfaces, which is similar to wood in that it is composed of natural materials and requires a regular cleaning routine to keep the material in good condition.

Oil-based soaps tend to be more gentle than commercial cleaning products and can provide a protective layer over furniture to prevent grime from coming back. An example is Murphy Oil soap ($3.99 for 32 oz at Target), with coconut and plant-based ingredients. Coconut oil is one of the most common base ingredients for natural soaps and cleaners, and some find it effective at removing grime from surfaces. And when it comes to outdoor items made from finished wood or wicker, oil-based soaps are gentle enough to clean these materials and prevent buildup in the future.

When cleaning outdoor furniture made of wood with oil-based soap, it's important to first dilute the soap with warm water. Use a ratio of ¼ cup of the oil soap to 1 gallon of warm water, and combine well. Next, take a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to scrub any areas of grime on the furniture. Be sure to rinse well with clean water and let any chairs with upholstery dry completely before sitting on them. If you don't want to spend hours at the end of each season scrubbing your furniture, consider covering it each night and during inclement weather.

If your outdoor wood table and chairs are in desperate need of cleaning but are out of oil soap, you can DIY a solution with common ingredients you may already have on hand. Combine ¼ cup of ammonia with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 quart of warm water. This solution works in a pinch and is also a great window-cleaner substitute for streak-free glass. Remember that ammonia is a caustic chemical, so you should always wear a mask and cover any exposed skin when working with it.