One of the questions we hear most often is, “How do I clean my By the Yard furniture?” The short answer? Sometimes all it takes is a good rain shower. But for a deeper clean or when nature’s not quite cutting it, we’ve gathered a few tried-and-true tips—straight from our founder, Deb.

Whether you’re dealing with tree sap, bird droppings, or just general outdoor mess, here’s everything you need to know to keep your furniture looking its best.

Everyday Cleaning Made Easy

For quick spot cleaning, Deb recommends using a damp rag, sponge, or even a paper towel. It’s fast, effective, and perfect for when guests are on the way.

If you have a few extra minutes, fill a bucket with warm water and add a squirt of blue Dawn dish soap. Wipe down your furniture using a rag or sponge. This gentle method works great for most of our colors and typically doesn’t require much scrubbing. If you end up with a few extra bubbles, rinse with your garden hose.

Looking for a green alternative? A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is another excellent option—especially for tackling pollen or sticky spots.

Disinfecting Without Damaging

To sanitize your furniture, especially after bird droppings or before guests arrive, you can safely use diluted bleach. Just follow the directions on your bleach container for proper dilution. Put on gloves, apply with a sponge, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Worried about discoloration? Don’t be. Our HDPE material is non-porous, so it won’t absorb or fade from bleach. Just be sure to rinse well to avoid transferring bleach to clothing later.

A Note on White Furniture

White shows more dirt over time, so it may need a little extra care. For best results:

• Use a pressure washer with a fan setting
• Keep PSI under 1,500
• Hold the nozzle at least 14 inches from the surface

You can also use bleach here—Deb’s had great results using it on white furniture to restore its bright, clean look.

Eco-Friendly Extras

One final tip from our team: If you’re using paper towels, consider composting them. We also run our sponges through the dishwasher after each use to keep them clean and cut down on waste.

Have questions or need more tips?
Reach out anytime. We’re happy to help you keep your By the Yard furniture looking great season after season.