Fall Patio Furniture and Upholstery Cleaning in Chicago

Nasutsa Mabwa

September 23, 2025

As Chicago transitions into fall, it’s the perfect time to give your patio furniture and upholstery a deep clean before winter storage. Dirt, stains, and lingering moisture can cause permanent damage if left untreated. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides expert upholstery cleaning across Chicago, the North Shore, and Lake County to help homeowners protect their investment and enjoy fresh, spotless furniture when spring arrives.

Why Fall Cleaning Matters in Chicago

Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy evenings — fall in Chicago is beautiful. But as homeowners know, this season also signals the arrival of harsh Midwest winters. If you want your home and belongings to stay fresh and last longer, fall furniture cleaning is essential.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we don’t just specialize in carpet cleaning — we are also experts in furniture and upholstery cleaning for both indoor and outdoor pieces. Our certified team helps Chicago and North Shore homeowners prepare their spaces for storage and colder months, preventing mildew, staining, and damage.

Why Clean Patio Furniture Before Winter?

Leaving patio furniture dirty through the winter can lead to:

Permanent stains: Organic matter (leaves, dirt, food spills) left untreated can seep deep into fabric or wood.
Mildew and mold growth: Chicago’s damp fall weather creates the perfect environment for spores.
Rust and corrosion: Moisture left on metal furniture can accelerate rusting.
Shortened lifespan: Regular cleaning helps extend the usability of your investment.

By scheduling a professional upholstery cleaning and giving your outdoor pieces a fall refresh, you’ll be ready to pull them out in spring — spotless and ready to enjoy.

DIY Fall Patio Furniture Cleaning Tips

Here’s how to maintain different types of patio furniture before packing them away:

1. Wood Furniture

Clean with mild soap and a soft brush.
Dry completely to prevent mildew.

2. Wicker Furniture

Use warm, soapy water with a washcloth.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.

3. Resin or Plastic Furniture

Wash with a gentle soap solution.
Avoid harsh chemicals, which weaken resin.
Use a diluted bleach solution for stubborn stains.

4. Wrought Iron Furniture

Wash with soapy water; rinse and towel dry.
Immediately address rust spots.
Consider polishing with wax for added protection.

5. Teak Furniture

Skip teak oil (it attracts dust outdoors).
Use mild soapy water and a soft brush.
Dry thoroughly before storage.

6. Aluminum Furniture

Clean with mild detergent and rinse.
Wax and polish for added protection against corrosion.

Upholstered Patio Furniture: Why Professional Cleaning Is Best

Cushions and fabric accents are the most vulnerable parts of patio sets. Even if stored in a garage or shed, residual dirt and moisture can trigger mildew, mold, or musty odors. A DIY scrub may not penetrate deep enough into upholstery fibers.

That’s where our team comes in. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides professional upholstery cleaning services across Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Lake Forest, and the North Shore. We use specialized equipment and solutions designed to remove stains, allergens, and contaminants, restoring freshness and extending the life of your pieces.

Why Choose ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons?

40+ years of local experience serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage.
IICRC Master Textile Restorer credentials for industry-leading cleaning standards.
Award-winning service, including the 2024 Chicago Star Award and recognition as a 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree.
Local authority: Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest disaster restoration and cleaning brand.

Whether it’s upholstery cleaning, specialty cleaning, or full water and fire damage restoration, we bring unmatched expertise to every project.

Call to Action

Don’t wait until spring to discover stains or mildew on your furniture. Protect your investment today with a professional fall cleaning service.

Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at (773) 376-1110 for Chicago and North Shore appointments, or (847) 316-9145 for Lake County.

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About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. Co-owned by Sam Simon (IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset) and Nasutsa Mabwa (President & CEO, recognized Inc. 5000 honoree), our company combines local expertise with national legacy.

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses in Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Glenview, Lake Forest, Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, and across Chicagoland.

FAQ

Q: Should I clean patio furniture before storing it for winter?
Yes. Cleaning prevents mold, mildew, and permanent stains, extending the life of your furniture.

Q: Can I clean outdoor cushions myself?
Surface dirt can be removed at home, but professional cleaning ensures deep sanitization and stain removal.

Q: When is the best time to schedule upholstery cleaning?
Fall is ideal — before winter storage and after heavy summer use.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a nationally recognized, award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients.

A respected business and civic leader, Nasutsa has received numerous honors for her contributions to the industry and her community. Her accolades include:

She is IICRC-certified in both Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), combining technical expertise with visionary leadership. Nasutsa holds a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University.

Beyond her business achievements, Nasutsa is an active community advocate. She is a Board Member of the Civic Federation, an Advisory Board Member, and Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is also a long-standing member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO).

She is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, an essential guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water and fire disasters.

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