Helpful hints for maintaining outdoor tabletops
Dining alfresco and enjoying drinks with family and friends becomes more frequent as temperatures rise. No matter how careful you are, spills are bound to happen and your outdoor dining or occasional tables should be cleaned frequently. Tabletops are made of many materials that match your decor style. This section of our guide provides some quick tips for cleaning and maintaining a few more popular tabletop materials.
Cleaning high-pressure laminate (HPL)
This contemporary material is strong, bacteria-resistant and doesn’t get nicked up very easily [Ghorbani, Mahendran, van Herwijnen, Liebner & Konnerth 2018]. High-pressure laminate has an elegant look and stands up in all kinds of weather, making it a great choice for upscale outdoor settings. For the most part, it’s also low maintenance.
- Wipe down the surface using a damp microfiber or soft cloth
- Clean most stains with water and ordinary liquid dish soap
- Wipe again using a cloth using just clean water
- Wipe away all of the liquid and let air dry in the shade
Do not use abrasive powders or scouring pads, as high-pressure laminates can dull or scratch, thereby making the tabletop more susceptible to future staining. Clean difficult stains with a dab of concentrated detergent and a soft-bristled brush. Use vinegar or ammonia-based glass cleaners on greasy marks. Clean HPL tabletops 2-3 times a year, but address spills and stains immediately.
How to clean tempered glass
Glass tabletops require very little maintenance and are relatively easy to clean. Insect and bird droppings may take extra elbow grease but refrain from using steel wool or any abrasive pad.
- Wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth and mild soap or detergent
- Rinse with water or wipe with a damp cloth
- Let the table air-dry
Cleaning tempered glass tabletops every two weeks and the underside once a month. Carefully place or move objects on the glass. Otherwise, they may leave scratches on the surface which cannot be removed. Some objects, left in place over time, may cause lime deposits to form. Use a glass cleaner or mild vinegar cleaning solution to remove these deposits and wipe clean with a soft cloth or paper towel. This should also keep the tempered glass surface streak free.
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Best way to clean ceramic tabletops
Contemporary ceramic sheets used for tabletops are thin yet durable and are resistant to weather and scratching. Consequently, they are relatively easy to maintain and need cleaning 2-3 times a year (excluding spills).
- Clean the tabletop using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge with water and mild dishwashing soap
- Stubborn stains can be cleaned with a small amount of concentrated detergent
- Wipe the table afterward with a dry clean cloth
Handling removable tabletops
Some outdoor tables have removable ceramic tops. This makes it easier to clean both sides and move the table. Although these large flat pieces are strong, they may crack in the middle if held horizontally at the ends. If you need to carry a tabletop (especially a thin or ceramic one), hold it vertically while supporting the bottom edge. Some materials can be quite heavy and should be handled by at least two people.
Slate cleaning, care and maintenance
Slate tabletops are attractive and can last if properly maintained. Untreated slate is porous and can stain if not protected by a sealant at least twice a year. This will extend the lifetime of the tabletop by making it more resistant to dirt and spills that may soak into the material.
Treating slate tops
- Lightly dust the tabletop and make sure that the surface is clean and dry
- Move the table to an area that is out of direct sunlight
- Apply the sealant using a lint-free cloth, brush or roll to both sides of the slate
- Wipe off any excess sealant
- Let the surfaces dry for approximately 3 hours
Cleaning tabletops made of slate
It’s pretty easy to clean a slate tabletop once it is treated.
- Wipe the surface using a moist soft cloth with mild detergent and warm water
- Frequently wring out the cloth and re-wet it so that you’re not just spreading the dirt around
- Remove minor stains by spraying them with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water
- Lightly scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or pad
- Let dry in the air
Slate can easily scratch or chip through regular usage. Be careful placing or moving hard-edge items on the table, as they may scratch the surface. Remove minor scratches by lightly sanding the area with fine-grade sandpaper. Dust the area afterward and clean it before re-applying sealant.
Getting tough stains out of slate
Depending on what is spilled, there are several ways to remove stubborn stains from slate counters or tabletops. Don’t use vinegar or other cleaners with acidic ingredients that may degrade the slate. Treat the isolated area, clean it normally and then reapply the sealant.
- Oily marks – Hydrogen peroxide and flour paste covered by plastic wrap overnight
- Tea & coffee stains – Hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon) and ammonia (3-4 drops)
- Ink spots – Nail polish remover
Helpful Article
Learn the pros and cons of several tabletop materials in our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide.
From hard tops to soft fabrics
Outdoor tabletops see a lot of action and require ongoing attention. Surfaces on which food and beverages are served need to be extra clean and free from dirt and germs. Similarly, fabrics used for seating should be cleaned and dried regularly. In the next section of our comprehensive guide, we review various textiles used for upholstery and slings and how to maintain them.
Guide Sections
References
- Ghorbani, M., Mahendran, A. R., van Herwijnen, H. W., Liebner, F., & Konnerth, J. (2018). Based laminates produced with kraft lignin-rich phenol–formaldehyde resoles meet requirements for outdoor usage. European journal of wood and wood products, 76(2), 481-487.
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