The most common question we hear from people is can you use a steam cleaner on outdoor furniture cover. We’ll try to shed some light on this article.
But to quickly answer that, yeah, you can use a steam cleaner on your outdoor furniture covers if the fabric can take the heat and steam. Before you start, make sure to check the cleaning instructions that come with your covers to see if steam cleaning is safe.
It’s a good idea to try the steam cleaner on a small hidden part first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Before steam cleaning, get rid of any loose dirt by vacuuming or shaking off the covers. If your steam cleaner has a setting for heat, use a lower one for softer fabrics to avoid any damage.
- Types of Fabrics Suitable for Steam Cleaning
- Understanding Steam Cleaning
- Suitability of Steam Cleaning for Outdoor Furniture Covers
- Preparing to Steam Clean Outdoor Furniture Covers
When you’re using the steam cleaner, keep it moving and don’t stay in one spot for too long to avoid soaking or burning the fabric. After you’re done, let the covers dry out completely in a breezy spot to prevent any mold or mildew from popping up.
Just remember, steam cleaning isn’t suitable for all types of fabric, so always check the care instructions and do a test spot first if you’re unsure.
Types of Fabrics Suitable for Steam Cleaning
Suited for Steam Cleaning:
- Polyester: Can handle the heat and moisture well, making it suitable for steam cleaning. It’s great for removing dirt and tackling mold/mildew issues.
- Canvas: Its rugged durability and thick weave make it responsive to steam cleaning, ideal for sanitizing and removing grime.
- Olefin (Polypropylene): Known for its resistance to staining, moisture, and mildew, Olefin can generally withstand steam cleaning, making it a good choice for refreshing and disinfecting.
- Solution-Dyed Acrylics: While they need to be treated with care, these fabrics can be steam cleaned using gentle heat to avoid damage, thanks to their resistance to UV rays, water, and mildew.
Require Caution When Steam Cleaning:
- Vinyl: While waterproof and easy to clean, vinyl can soften or melt under high heat. If steam cleaning is necessary, it should be done with a low heat setting and by keeping the steam cleaner moving.
- Sunbrella® (Acrylic): Although durable and resistant to fading, mold, and stains, steam cleaning Sunbrella® fabric should be approached with caution. Use a lower heat setting and avoid overexposure to steam to maintain the fabric’s integrity.
Read related article: How Often Should You Wash Your Patio Furniture Cover?
Understanding Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is like giving your stuff a deep clean using really hot water vapor. Imagine boiling water until it turns into steam, then using that steam to clean dirt and germs off surfaces.
A steam cleaner heats up water until it becomes steam, then pushes this steam out through a nozzle, brush, or other attachment. When the steam hits the dirty surface, it loosens up all the grime, dust, and unseen germs, making it easy to wipe them away.
Using a steam cleaner has some cool perks. First off, it’s great for a deep clean without having to use harsh chemicals, so it’s kinder to the environment and safe for families and pets.
Plus, the steam gets into tiny cracks and crevices that are usually hard to clean, killing germs and dust mites and even getting rid of some stains.
It’s also pretty handy for lots of different cleaning jobs, from floors and bathrooms to windows and outdoor furniture covers.
So, steam cleaning is not just about making things look clean; it’s about making them really clean, getting rid of the stuff you can’t see that can make you sick.
Suitability of Steam Cleaning for Outdoor Furniture Covers
Outdoor furniture covers are made from different kinds of materials to keep your chairs and tables safe from rain, sun, and dirt. Some common materials include polyester, vinyl, and canvas. These materials are chosen because they’re tough and can handle a lot of outdoor mess.
Now, when it comes to steam cleaning these covers, not all materials are cool with it. Steam cleaning works great on stuff like polyester and canvas because these materials can handle the heat. The steam can get into the fabric, knock out the dirt, and kill any sneaky germs hiding in there without wrecking the material.
But, there are some materials you’ve got to be careful with. If your furniture covers are made of a material that’s a bit more delicate or has a special coating to make it waterproof, blasting it with steam might not be a good idea. The heat from the steam can mess up these special finishes or even shrink and damage delicate fabrics.
So, before you go all steam-crazy on your furniture covers, take a look at what they’re made of. If it’s a hearty material like polyester or canvas, you’re probably good to go.
But if you’re not sure or if the covers have special instructions saying “no heat” or “hand wash only,” it’s better not to risk it with steam. In those cases, sticking to a good old-fashioned wash as recommended by the manufacturer is your best bet.
Preparing to Steam Clean Outdoor Furniture Covers
Before you start steam cleaning your outdoor furniture covers, it’s like doing a bit of homework to make sure you’re not going to accidentally ruin them. Here’s how to prep smart:
First up, find the care instructions. These are usually on a tag somewhere on the cover. It’s like the cover’s personal “how to take care of me” guide. It’ll tell you if steam cleaning is a no-go or if you’re all clear to proceed. If you can’t find the tag or the instructions are as clear as mud, try hitting up the manufacturer’s website or giving them a call.
Next, you want to do a spot test. This is just a fancy way of saying “try it on a small area first.” Pick a spot on the cover that’s not front and center. Somewhere out of sight is perfect.
Then, give it a quick steam clean. What you’re looking for is any weird reactions like color bleeding, fabric puckering, or any other kind of damage. If the cover looks unhappy in any way, steam cleaning might not be the best idea. But if it looks good, you’re ready to roll.
Doing these steps first is like making sure you’ve got a map before you head off on a road trip. It’s all about making sure you get to your destination (a clean cover) without any unwanted detours (ruining your cover).
Step-by-Step Guide to Steam Cleaning
Alright, let’s break down steam cleaning your outdoor furniture covers into easy steps, so you can get them looking fresh without any headaches.
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning
Before you even plug in your steam cleaner, you’ve got to prep your covers. Shake them off or give them a good vacuuming to get rid of any loose dirt, leaves, or other bits and bobs that have settled on them. You don’t want to steam clean over all that gunk; it’s like trying to mop a floor without sweeping it first.
Step 2: Setting Up the Steam Cleaner
Now, grab your steam cleaner and fill it up with water. If it’s got different settings, you’ll want to choose one that’s right for the fabric of your covers. No specific settings? Start with a lower heat and see how it goes. Wait for it to heat up – most steam cleaners will have a light or a beep to tell you when they’re ready to go.
Step 3: The Actual Steam Cleaning
Okay, it’s game time. Start steam cleaning your cover, but keep that steam cleaner moving. Think of it like ironing a shirt; you wouldn’t leave the iron sitting in one spot unless you wanted a hole.
Same goes here – you want to avoid soaking any one area too much. Move in smooth, even strokes to cover the whole surface. You’re aiming to loosen up the dirt and kill off any germs without drenching the fabric.
Step 4: Drying
Once you’ve gone over the entire cover, it’s time to let it dry. The best way? Hang it up outside if the weather’s good – sunshine and a gentle breeze are your best friends here.
If you need to, you can also lay it out flat in a well-ventilated area. Just make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back on the furniture. Damp covers are like a welcome mat for mold and mildew, and nobody wants those guests showing up.
And there you have it, a straightforward guide to getting your outdoor furniture covers clean with steam. Just remember, each step is about being thorough but gentle to make sure your covers come out looking great without any damage.
Additional Tips for Effective Steam Cleaning
For an effective steam cleaning session, especially with outdoor furniture covers, a few extra tips can make all the difference. Here’s how to nail it:
Adjusting Steam Cleaner Settings Based on Fabric Type:
- Tough Fabrics (like heavy-duty polyester or canvas): You can usually go with a higher heat setting here. These materials can handle the steam and heat, which is great for getting rid of more stubborn dirt and germs.
- Delicate Fabrics: If your covers are made of a softer, more delicate fabric, you’ll want to dial back the heat. Use a lower setting to avoid damaging the fabric. If your steam cleaner has a gentle steam option or a fabric setting, now’s the time to use it.
Recommendations for Frequency:
- Regular Maintenance: Even if they don’t look dirty, giving your outdoor furniture covers a light steam clean once a month during heavy use periods (like summer) can keep them in top shape. It’s like preventive care; you’re stopping the dirt and grime from building up.
- Deep Cleaning: Aim for a thorough steam cleaning at least twice a year. Once at the beginning of the outdoor season to freshen them up after storage, and once at the end before you pack them away. If you entertain outdoors a lot or if the covers get exposed to a lot of spills and stains, you might need to deep clean more frequently.
Extra Bits of Wisdom:
- Let Them Breathe: After steam cleaning, give your covers plenty of time to air out and dry completely. This isn’t just about drying; it’s also letting any trapped steam and moisture escape, which keeps the fabric in good condition.
- Spot Treat When Necessary: If you notice a spill or stain between your regular cleaning schedule, spot treat it rather than waiting for your next steam clean. This can prevent the stain from setting and becoming a bigger problem later on.
Using these tips, you’ll ensure your outdoor furniture covers not only stay clean but also last longer, looking as good as new. Remember, the key to effective steam cleaning is understanding the material you’re working with and adjusting your approach accordingly.
Conclusion
Using a steam cleaner on outdoor furniture covers is indeed a viable option for many of the commonly used materials such as polyester, canvas, and olefin, thanks to their durability and resistance to heat and moisture.
However, caution is advised when dealing with vinyl and Sunbrella® fabrics, which require careful handling to avoid damage from the steam cleaner’s heat.
It’s essential to always start with checking the manufacturer’s care instructions and performing a spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the fabric can withstand the steam cleaning process.
With the right precautions and settings, steam cleaning can be an effective method to deep clean, sanitize, and refresh your outdoor furniture covers, keeping them in great condition for longer.