How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture such as the Heritage Spring Club Chair is made to withstand the elements, but when humidity, rain, and shade collide, mold and mildew can creep in. These unsightly intruders don’t just make your furniture look (and smell) unpleasant; they can also damage materials and even pose health risks if left untreated.

The good news is that removing mold and mildew from outdoor furniture is completely manageable with the right tools and techniques.

Whether you are dealing with cushions like the Sunbrella Deep Seating Cushion Set, wood, wicker, metal, or plastic, here is a detailed guide on how to remove mold and mildew from outdoor furniture safely and effectively.

What is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Both mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas, which makes outdoor furniture, especially in shaded or rainy environments, a prime target. However, they are not the same.

Before you begin removing mold and mildew from your outdoor furniture, it helps to know what you are dealing with. Here is some clarification:

• Mold is usually dark green, black, or blue, and can grow on virtually any surface. It is thicker, fuzzier, and often more stubborn to remove.

• Mildew is typically lighter in color — white or gray — and tends to grow in flat patches on fabric and hard surfaces. It is usually easier to clean.

General Tips for Removing Mold and Mildew from Outdoor Furniture

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind before applying any cleaning solution to your furniture.

• Work outside or in a well-ventilated area. If you have a spacious garage, it should be ideal for this kind of work.

• Wear gloves and a mask, especially if you are dealing with large patches of mold.

• Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the material.

• Let cushions and materials dry fully in direct sunlight after cleaning to kill remaining spores.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics

Cushions, umbrella canopies, and fabric seat covers are among the most common targets for mold and mildew. Leaving cushions out in the rain or storing them while damp allows moisture to get trapped in the fibers and seams, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.  

Thankfully, mold and mildew infestations do not mean the end of your outdoor textiles. Here is the right cleaning procedure to remove these fungal nuisances:

Step 1. Brush off loose mold using a soft-bristle brush. Do this outdoors to avoid spreading spores indoors.

Step 2. Mix your preferred cleaning solution. This can be 1 part white vinegar + 1 part water for natural cleaning, which may work better for mildew. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon dish soap + 1 cup bleach + 1 gallon warm water (only for white or colorfast fabrics) for stronger cleaning.

Step 3. Apply the solution generously using a sponge or spray bottle.

Step 4. Scrub the moldy area gently in circular motions.

Step 5. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6. Rinse the surface thoroughly with a hose.

Step 7. Allow it to air-dry in direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays will help kill any remaining mold spores.

Note: You can prevent future mold growth by applying a fabric protectant with mildew resistance after cleaning. We also recommend keeping cushions in a dry, ventilated space when not in use, and letting fabrics dry completely before covering or stacking.

How to Clean Mold Off Wood Furniture

Wood is porous, which means that mold can seep beneath the surface and take hold. Whether you have teak, eucalyptus, acacia, or pine furniture, treating mold early is key to preserving the wood.

Let’s walk you through the recommended cleaning process.

Step 1: Start by scrubbing with a dry brush to remove surface mold.

Step 2. Mix a gentle cleaning solution. This can consist of 1 part white vinegar + 3 parts warm water, or 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 quart water.

Step 3. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth, working into the grain.

Step 4. Rinse it with a hose or wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Step 5. Allow the piece to dry completely in the sun.

Step 6. For stubborn stains, lightly sand the affected area and re-seal it with outdoor wood oil or sealant.

Note: Avoid bleach on natural wood as it can discolor the surface or weaken the finish.

How to Remove Mold from Wicker Furniture

Wicker, especially natural rattan, is prone to mildew due to its many crevices and weaves where moisture can hide. Therefore, following the right cleaning process is essential.

Step 1. Use a vacuum or brush to remove loose debris and mold spores.

Step 2. Mix a cleaning solution of ¼cup white vinegar + 2 cups water

Step 3. Gently scrub the surface using a soft brush or cloth.

Step 4. Use a toothbrush to get into tight weaves or corners.

Step 5. Wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry thoroughly in sunlight.

For resin wicker such as the Coronado Barstool, a mild soap and water solution will work just fine, followed by a rinse and sun-drying.

How to Clean Mold from Metal and Plastic Furniture

Metal and plastic furniture are less susceptible to deep mold growth, but mildew can still form on surfaces, especially in joints or textured areas. Here is a step-by-step procedure for cleaning one:

Step 1. Wipe down the furniture to remove surface dirt.

Step 2. Use a cleaning solution comprised of 1 cup white vinegar + 1-quart warm water

Step 3. Scrub the surface with a sponge or non-abrasive brush.

Step 4. Rinse it down with a hose.

Step 5. Dry the clean surface with a soft towel or leave it in the sun to air-dry.

For tough spots, we recommend using baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda + 1 part water) to gently scrub areas with stubborn stains or buildup.

Mold is persistent, but with a few proactive measures, you can reduce its chances of coming back. So, here are some pro tips for preventing mold and mildew.

• Store furniture and cushions in dry, ventilated areas when not in use.

• Elevate items off wet ground or decks during rain to avoid pooling moisture.

• Use covers with ventilation flaps, not plastic tarps that trap humidity.

• Let everything dry before covering or stacking. This is a simple but often overlooked step.

• Clean your outdoor furniture seasonally, even if mold is not visible, to stay ahead of the problem.

Final Thoughts

Mold and mildew are part of outdoor living, but they do not have to ruin your furniture. With a few household ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can banish stains, kill spores, and restore your favorite pieces to their former glory.

Remember, the most effective treatment is always a combination of cleaning and prevention. Once you’ve removed mold from your outdoor furniture, take steps to stop it from coming back, keeping your outdoor living space mold-free for good.