How to Clean Patio Furniture With Dot
The Primary Objective
Patio furniture can become quite soiled due to its ongoing exposure to the elements. Soiling can consist of a number of things, including microbial growth like mold, mildew and algae. Dot Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner is designed to be a highly effective surface cleaner for even the dirtiest of these fabrics and hard surfaces.
For spraying equipment, you may only need a handheld spray bottle or a pump sprayer.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE JOB
Scissors
Power Drill + Paint Mixer
Pump Sprayer or Handheld Spray Bottle
PPE
Drop Cloths, Rags and Microfiber Towels
Trash bag(s)
Optional: 1 Gallon Bucket
Optional: Scrub Brush/Broom
Optional: Shop vac or leaf blower
Prepare The Space & Materials
WEAR PPE! All confined space work should be done with two people and workers should wear appropriate PPE for the space and job.
You should plan on approximately 1 gallon of mixed Dot Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner for every sofa-sized furniture piece. Cushions, chairs, and other smaller items can generally be cleaned with a quart of cleaner. We recommend using a bucket for mixing 1 gallon or more of solution.
Patio furniture can be cleaned where it sits or within an enclosed space. If there is concern about damage to the underlying surfaces that the products are to be cleaned on, drop cloths or plastic should be laid under the furniture to be cleaned.
Vacuum, brush, or blow off loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. A shop vac or leaf blower will work well for this application. If you are using a standard upholstery cleaning machine, dry vacuuming prior to application of cleaners is advised.
MIX DOT CLEANER
Dot® pouches are split into two sides: Side A contains an Oxidizer, and Side B contains our patented Activator. When these components are properly mixed, Dot's patented Dilute Oxidation Technology® is engaged, resulting in powerful cleaning with dramatically less chemical.
Fill mixing container with 1 gallon of water for every gallon of Dot you need. For best results, use hottest available water.
Pour Side A contents of all pouches into the water. Stir powder vigorously until fully dissolved. For best results, use a power drill with a paint mixer attachment.
If mixing Dot in a spray bottle or pump sprayer, shake or agitate the solution until all of Side A powder is fully dissolved.
If mixing Dot in a bucket, we recommend using a cordless drill and paint mixer attachment.
Pour Side B contents of all pouches into mixed solution. Stir vigorously until fully dissolved.
If not done already, pour Dot cleaner into your preferred spraying equipment.
Applying Dot
Apply product to surfaces heavily and evenly. Spray down the entire piece with Dot Cleaner. Evenly applying Dot to cushions, framing, and other components will help prevent water staining and color discrepancies upon drying.
Agitate aggressively with a soft bristle brush. Using a horsehair or similar brush is recommended. (Stiff nylon brushes will be less effective in general and may risk damage to the fabric or surfaces.)
Allow the product to dwell for 5-10 minutes. If heavy staining is present, reapply cleaner and allow to dwell for an additional 10-20 minutes.
Rinse surfaces with clean water or an acidic rinse. The use of a hose for rinsing is acceptable. If using standard upholstery cleaning equipment, an extraction wand with rinse is also acceptable. Heavy rinsing with a hose is likely faster and will generate similar or better results.
Water rinsing will also allow the stain removal action to continue while the piece dries. Acidic rinses will stop all stain removal. Rinse thoroughly until no more suds are present.
Allow surfaces to air dry or use a fan to expedite drying.
For any residual staining, Dot Outdoor Fabric & Furniture Cleaner can be applied to the wetted surface. Some white residues may be present that can be removed with a damp microfiber towel.
GET TECHNICAL HELP
With 20+ years of mold remediation experience, our Technical Support Lead Brian Lester provides 1-on-1 customer education and helps guide first-time Dot users.
Brian Lester | Technical Support
blester@dotcleaner.com | 610.643.4313