Deep Cleaning Patios and Outdoor Furniture in Florida

Outdoor Living in Jacksonville Means Outdoor Cleaning

In Jacksonville, we live outside as much as we live inside. Our patios, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens get heavy use year-round — and heavy exposure to the elements. Between the afternoon thunderstorms, the relentless humidity, the pollen seasons, and for those near the coast, the salt air, outdoor furniture and patio surfaces take a beating that would destroy indoor furniture in months.

After cleaning outdoor spaces from Jacksonville Beach to Fernandina Beach, our team has developed a system that gets patios and furniture truly clean and keeps them that way longer.

What Florida Does to Your Outdoor Spaces

• Mold and mildew: Jacksonville averages 130 rainy days per year. Combined with our humidity, every surface grows mold — concrete, wood, fabric, plastic, you name it.
• Pollen: Our tree pollen season coats everything in a yellow-green film that becomes permanent if not cleaned quickly
• Salt air: Within 5 miles of the coast, salt corrodes metal furniture, leaves a sticky film on cushions, and etches glass table tops
• Sun damage: Florida's UV index regularly exceeds 10 (very high). UV rays break down fabric, crack plastic, and fade every color under the sun.
• Insects: Lovebugs, mosquitoes, and spiders leave residue and webs on outdoor furniture and structures

Deep Cleaning the Patio Surface

Concrete Patios

• Sweep thoroughly and remove all furniture
• Apply a concrete cleaner or a solution of 1 cup TSP per gallon of hot water
• Scrub with a stiff-bristle push broom — this is the only time a broom is the right cleaning tool
• For mold stains, apply a 50/50 bleach-water solution, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse
• Pressure wash on a wide-angle setting (25-40 degrees) — never use a narrow tip, which etches concrete
• Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface and move consistently to avoid streaking

Paver Patios

• Remove weeds growing between pavers by hand or with a weed burner
• Sweep polymeric sand into joints after cleaning to prevent future weed growth
• Clean pavers with the same method as concrete but use lower pressure (1,500 PSI maximum)
• Reapply paver sealer every 2-3 years to protect against Florida's rain and UV

Screened Porches

Screened porches are a Jacksonville staple, but the screens collect dust, pollen, and mold:

• Vacuum screens with a soft brush attachment — this removes more dust than you'd expect
• Wash screens with a hose on gentle pressure and a mild soap solution
• Scrub the framing with a sponge and all-purpose cleaner
• Clean the ceiling fan — outdoor ceiling fans collect thick, sticky dust that regular dusters can't remove
• Sweep and mop the floor, paying attention to corners where debris collects

Deep Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

Plastic and Resin Furniture

• Wash with dish soap and warm water using a sponge or soft brush
• For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water — apply, let sit 15 minutes, scrub
• For sun-bleached plastic, try a product like Wet & Forget or a diluted bleach solution
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing or covering

Metal Furniture

• Wash with mild soap and water, then dry immediately to prevent rust
• Check for rust spots — sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-inhibiting primer and paint
• For aluminum furniture, apply automotive wax after cleaning to protect the finish
• In salt-air zones near Jacksonville Beach, rinse metal furniture with fresh water weekly to remove salt deposits

Wicker Furniture

• Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from crevices
• Wash with a mild soap solution using a soft brush that can get into the weave
• Rinse with a hose on gentle pressure
• Real wicker should never be soaked — synthetic wicker (resin wicker) can handle more water
• Allow to dry completely in the sun before using

Outdoor Cushions and Fabric

Outdoor cushions in Jacksonville need regular attention:

• Remove cushion covers and machine wash on gentle if the care label allows
• For non-removable covers, scrub with a solution of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water (for solution-dyed acrylic) or mild soap for other fabrics
• Always test a small hidden area first
• Stand cushions on edge to dry — never stack wet cushions, as mold grows between layers in hours
• Apply a fabric protector like 303 Fabric Guard after cleaning to repel future stains and moisture

Protecting Your Outdoor Investment

• Cover furniture when not in use — quality covers extend furniture life by 3-5 years in Florida
• Store cushions indoors during the rainy season (June through September)
• Apply UV protectant to plastic and resin furniture twice yearly
• Clean and seal natural wood furniture annually with teak oil or appropriate sealer
• Inspect for rust monthly on metal pieces, especially within 5 miles of the coast

Professional Outdoor Deep Cleaning

At Clean Fix Jax, our outdoor deep cleaning service includes pressure washing, furniture cleaning, mold treatment, and fabric protection. A full patio and furniture deep clean takes 3-6 hours and costs $200-400 depending on size. We serve Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and all of Northeast Florida. Contact us for a free estimate or check our FAQ for more about our deep cleaning and services.