Pollen season can leave a fine, yellow dust all over your beautiful outdoor furniture. The worry is that cleaning it might scratch the finish. Fortunately, you can remove pollen effectively and safely with the right approach. The golden rule is to avoid dry dusting or rough scrubbing, as this grinds the pollen grains into the surface like sandpaper.
Start by using a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a soft-bristled brush to gently loosen and remove the bulk of the dry pollen. For a more thorough clean, use a water-based method. Gently rinse the furniture with a garden hose using a spray setting, not a high-pressure jet stream. Then, create a gentle cleaning solution with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
Dip a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge into the soapy water, wring it out well so it's only damp, and wipe the surfaces. Always work in the direction of the grain if your furniture has one. Rinse immediately with clean water from the hose and dry thoroughly with a separate soft, absorbent cloth to prevent water spots. For stubborn pollen, a diluted vinegar solution (one part white vinegar to three parts water) can be effective. Test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first. To make future cleanups easier, consider using furniture covers when your patio set is not in use.