It’s beginning to look a lot like springtime. Wildflowers are sprouting, it’s appropriate to wear short sleeves on walks outside, and everything on your patio is covered in yellow dust. That’s right, it’s pollen season. If you have a lake home and spend time outdoors, you know that this toll on your allergies will only last for a few weeks before it passes. However, you don’t want it to leave a mark on your nice outdoor furniture. At Lake Homes Realty, we understand the struggle. Check out these tips below on how to remove this pesky yellow powder from your outdoor furniture.
Preventing Pollen
Before we focus on removing pollen, let’s talk about how to prevent it from scattering all over your outdoor furniture in the first place. One way to protect your furniture from pollen is by investing in a waterproof cover. Luxury outdoor furniture manufacturer Summer Classics makes durable, fade-resistant outdoor furniture covers with secure straps for windy days. Another high-quality furniture manufacturer Classic Accessories makes long-lasting, lightweight furniture covers that protect seating pieces from pollen and other debris. Whichever you choose, investing in these products can help reduce the amount of pollen-removing work on your part each spring.
Removing Pollen from Fabrics
Because pollen is a fine powder, it can be particularly challenging to remove from fabric — more so than other surfaces. But it’s certainly doable. Candy Chase from Treasure Garden, a high-quality outdoor umbrella manufacturing company, recommends creating a simple homemade solution after you’ve hand-dusted the fabric. She comments, “Solution-dyed fabrics can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and should be cleaned regularly. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. Allow fabric to air dry and store in a dry, well-ventilated area. Make sure not to store in extreme heat, or the fabric will shrink.” She also adds that umbrella fabric can be cleaned without being removed from the umbrella stand — you can simply brush off any pollen and clean with warm water and mild, neutral soap.
Removing Pollen from Furniture Frames
Compared to cushions, the process of removing pollen from furniture frames is a bit easier. However, the protocol is different depending on the material. For wicker furniture, wipe clean with a sponge, and then use a pressurized hose to reach all the crevices if needed. For iron, all you need is a few drops of dish detergent mixed with warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a cloth to wipe off the solution. If you have teak furniture, you’re in luck. Due to the natural oils in the wood, it’s simple to clean. Typically, you can dust off the pollen with a soft cloth, but use a brush and mild dish soap for a deeper clean.
Removing Pollen from Glass Surfaces
While it can be entertaining to write a message with your finger on a pollen-covered glass surface, a dusty tabletop isn’t a good look. Fortunately, glass is simple to clean, so your furniture will be transparent and sparkling again in no time. According to Action Glass Co., a New York-based full-service glass company, you can create your own glass cleaning solution by mixing ¼ cup of vinegar with two cups of water. It’s also best to use a sponge rather than a towel since pollen is tricky to remove.
Need Tougher Tools?
If you don’t live permanently on the lake and only visit for vacations, you may not be able to clean your cushions as often. If this is the case, make sure to do a deep clean when you can. For a thorough cleansing, consider purchasing a bristle brush. If your outdoor cushions have heavy stains or areas with mildew, this scrubbing tool will most effectively remove these stains.
We hope these tips help you survive pollen season this year!