This article was compiled by the editorial desk based on insights from professional cleaning experts and outdoor living specialists.

Outdoor furniture often endures harsh weather, but the way you clean it can be just as damaging as the elements. Cleaning professionals warn that certain common products and tools—such as car wax, acetone, bleach, and pressure washers—can cause irreversible harm to patio pieces. Instead, they advocate for a simple, gentle approach using mild soap and water to keep furniture looking its best for years.

Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans, a Milwaukee-based professional cleaning company, and Andy Wu, an outdoor living expert and founder of Backyard Oasis, shared their insights on what to avoid. Their advice is particularly relevant for homeowners who invest significantly in outdoor furnishings and want to protect that investment.

Why Car Wax Is a Bad Idea

Car wax might seem like a quick way to add shine to outdoor furniture, but Piper cautions against it. “I totally get why someone might reach for it when trying to make furniture look all shiny, but it’s just not made for it,” she says. Car wax is specifically formulated to bond with automotive paint, not to protect or cure plastic, wood, or metal furniture. Using it can result in discoloration or a sticky surface, she notes.

Acetone and Bleach: Harsh Chemicals to Skip

Acetone, commonly found in nail polish remover, is another product to avoid. Piper explains that acetone can break down the fibers in outdoor fabrics and is incompatible with the UV and water-resistant finishes that protect them. Instead, she recommends a mild detergent for stain removal.

Bleach is equally harmful. Wu points out that bleach strips natural oils from wood, leading to cracking, and breaks down fabric, causing fading over time. He suggests that “mild soap accomplishes the same thing without the damage.” Wu favors Dawn dish soap for its ability to remove grease from fabrics and hard surfaces without harming them.

The Perils of Abrasive Tools

Bristle brushes and pressure washers are also on the no-go list. Piper warns that bristle brushes can scratch wood, resin, and metal, and that even micro-scratches can make furniture more susceptible to fading, cracking, and mold. She recommends using a soft sponge or a soft-bristle brush instead.

Pressure washers, while effective for driveways and patios, are too harsh for wood, wicker, or fabric furniture. Piper advises using a garden hose to rinse off dirt without risking damage.

All-Purpose Cleaners: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Even all-purpose cleaners, which are marketed for a variety of surfaces, are not recommended. Wu explains that wood, metal, and plastic require different treatments, and a blanket solution doesn’t work. Again, simple dish soap is the safer choice.

In summary, the experts agree that less is more when it comes to cleaning outdoor furniture. Sticking to mild soap, water, and gentle tools can help preserve the appearance and longevity of your pieces, saving you money in the long run.

Cleaning experts reveal six common products and tools that can damage outdoor furniture, from car wax to pressure washers. They recommend simple, mild solutions like dish soap and water to keep pieces lasting longer.