How To Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture Before Painting

The first step in painting outdoor wood furniture is to clean it thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, or mildew that could prevent the paint from adhering properly. Here are the steps on how to clean outdoor wood furniture before painting.

Materials You'll Need:

Bucket
Mild dish soap
Sponge or soft cloth
Stiff-bristled brush
Garden hose
Cleaner (optional)

Steps:

Remove loose dirt and debris: Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt, debris, or cobwebs from the furniture. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Mix cleaning solution: In a bucket, mix a mild dish soap with water. The ratio should be about 1:10, so for every 1 cup of dish soap, add 10 cups of water.
Wash the furniture: Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wash the furniture. Be sure to scrub all surfaces, including the legs, arms, and back.
Rinse the furniture: Once you've washed the furniture, rinse it thoroughly with clean water from a garden hose. Be sure to remove all traces of soap.
Clean with a cleaner (optional): If the furniture is particularly dirty or mildewed, you may want to use a cleaner specifically designed for outdoor wood furniture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
Rinse again: Once you've cleaned the furniture with a cleaner, rinse it again thoroughly with clean water from a garden hose.
Allow the furniture to dry completely: Before painting the furniture, allow it to dry completely. This may take several hours or even days, depending on the weather conditions.