You cannot imagine a patio without patio furniture. Patio furniture gaily decorated with colorful cushions is what makes a patio so special. Remember also that patio furniture can be quite expensive. Patio furniture therefore need some care. The best way to care for them and make them last is to clean them, periodically.

Teak, wrought iron, plastic and aluminum are commonly used to manufacture patio furniture. You have to know how to clean each one of them. Shown here is how you clean them.

Teak Furniture

First apply a teak protectant to your teak furniture. Then clean it with the product suggested by the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can use a 2:1 ratio of bleach detergent and water and clean it with a soft thistle brush. Finally rinse with water to remove any remaining soap or dirt. That is all you need to do if you want to retain the patina.

If you want to restore the original teak color, then there are products available that can remove the patina. It is a process where the teak furniture is treated with caustic and then acid followed by sanding. It is advisable to use sealants, especially meant to protect the original color of the teak.

Wrought Iron Furniture

Wrought iron comes made to resist the elements. But sometimes they do get affected and need to be cleaned and given anti rust treatment.

Prepare a solution of mild soap and water in a bucket. Soak a piece of cleaning rag in it and use it to wipe clean the wrought iron furniture. Then rinse off the soap with a hose. Thoroughly dry the furniture. Use a sandpaper lightly to remove any stain or rust marks. Apply a touch up paint after sanding. Many manufacturers supply a touch-up paint kit along with the furniture. They are very easy to use once you understand the instructions.

Plastic Furniture

Cleaning plastic furniture is simple. Ordinary dishwashing soap and water can be used to clean them. Take sponge soaked in this solution and using it scrub clean the total surface of the furniture. After cleaning, let the solution stay on the furniture for some time. Use a tooth brush to get rid of all the dirt in the crevices. Finally rinse with water and dry under the sun.

Aluminum Furniture

Dishwashing liquid is very good at cleaning aluminum furniture. Take a clean cotton cloth soaked in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water, and use it to clean all the stains and smears from the aluminum furniture. Next, rinse off all the suds from the furniture with a garden hose. Use a soft dry cloth to dry the furniture. Now use a soft cloth to apply a coating of nonabrasive car wax. Waxing prevents corrosion. Once the wax is dry, buff it off to regain the sheen.

For more on rocker cushions and antique wicker furniture, see http://www.DiscountPatioFurnitureSite.com .