As the weather starts to warm up, the wildflowers are starting to sprout, and we know what is sure to follow — pollen. When you think of the effects of pollen, most people's first thought would be allergies but don't forget about your outdoor furniture and décor. If not properly cleaned, the seemingly harmless yellow pollen can cover your furniture and embed itself in the fabric. This guide will cover how you can keep your outdoor investments clean and protected from pollen, so they look their best year-round.
When Does Pollen Season Start?
Pollen season can start as early as February and last until late May. Where you live will be the most significant factor in the length of pollen season and the amount of pollen you see. Like everything else in nature, pollen season can be unpredictable. One year may be relatively light, and the following year can see a giant leap in pollen production. Taking a few preventative steps to protect your furniture will save you a big headache in the case of a surprisingly high pollen season.
Where is Pollen Most Prominent?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the three most pollen-abundant places in the US are Scranton, Pennsylvania, Wichita, Kansas, and McAllen, Texas. Their list of over 100 cities suggests that most pollen seems to be abundant in the eastern region of the US, resulting in terrible allergies and pollen-ridden patio furniture.
How to Clean Pollen Off Furniture
If you head outside and find your furniture covered in pollen, don't panic. We will walk you through a few easy steps to get your furniture looking as good as new. First, you will want to start with a clean workspace if possible. Trying to clean pollen in a pollen-filled area can be counterproductive and result in a bigger mess than you started with. We also recommend wearing a mask and gloves to avoid allergy flare-ups.
How to Remove Pollen From Fabric
- Remove inserts from cushions and pillows and shake out the fabric. Take down your curtains and do the same.
- With a soft bristle brush, go over the fabric, removing any surface-level pollen.
- Use a garden hose to wash off a light layer of pollen.
- Use a soft bristle brush and fabric cleaner for tough stains.
- Repeat step 4 if needed until the desired results are achieved.
- Once thoroughly cleaned, let the furniture sit in a well-ventilated area to dry fully.
How to Remove Pollen From Outdoor Glass
- Use a garden hose to wash off a light layer of pollen.
- Mix ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar with 2 ½ cups of distilled water into a spray bottle.
- Mist the glass surface with the soliton and let sit for 1 min
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface.
- Repeat this until the surface is pollen-free.
Follow our instructions on How to Take Care of Your Outdoor Furniture for more details on furniture cleaning.
How to Keep Pollen Off Patio Furniture
To keep pollen off your furniture, you either store each piece inside or cover your furniture. For those who rarely use their furniture and don't mind lugging each item around, storing it in the garage may not sound bad. For most readers, an outdoor furniture cover is the best solution. Covers not only keep pollen off of your furniture but keep rain, dirt, and snow at bay, so your furniture is always clean and ready to use. Covermates outdoor covers come in a variety of colors and fabrics, so you are sure to find one that fits your unique style.
Plus, covers are easy to clean. Simply wipe pollen away with a damp rag or spray with your garden hose. If you get severe pollen build-up on your covers, check out our quick cleaning guide.
With these quick tips, you can enjoy your patio furniture year-round without any worries. Don't forget to set up a cleaning schedule based on your availability and your area's pollen season to ensure it looks its best year-round.
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