Naturally, all of our garden furniture is built to withstand the elements and, with a little care, will remain looking good for years to come. Here’s our guide to keeping all your outdoor furniture looking its very best.
How to clean your outdoor furniture
If, as we recommend, you plan to store your garden furniture indoors or under a breathable cover during the winter months, we suggest giving it a good clean and allowing it to dry fully before packing it away. If your furniture is kept outside all year round, it will inevitably take on the dirt of winter, so make the most of spring’s longer days to give your garden furniture a spruce up ready for lots of summer use.
HOW TO CLEAN WOODEN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Although there are lots of wood-friendly cleaners available to buy, harsh chemicals will strip the wood’s natural supply of protective oils. We recommend mixing a mild solution of gentle washing up liquid and warm water, then using a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away any accumulated dirt and green algae. Finish by rinsing with cold water but never use a pressure washer, as this could destroy the wood’s fibres. Alternatively, use our specially formulated wooden furniture care products.
HOW TO CLEAN WOVEN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
All our woven faux rattan furniture is made from hardwearing polyethylene. Reassuringly authentic looking, this material is also UV and water-resistant, however, as with all outdoor furniture, we do recommend giving it a good spring clean once a year. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge are all you need, but be sure to rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly to prevent soap stains and don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer.
HOW TO CLEAN METAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE
No matter what type of metal you are dealing with, start the cleaning process with a gentle solution of soap (a mild washing up liquid will do) and water along with a soft brush or cloth to deal with any loose dirt. Rinse off with cold water (not a pressure washer) to dislodge any remaining grime and leave to air dry completely.
How to protect your outdoor furniture
After the yearly clean, you may wish to support your outdoor furniture’s defences against the elements. Although we always recommend storing your outdoor furniture in a breathable cover out of season, here are some tips on how to protect wooden and metal garden furniture.
HOW TO MAINTAIN WOODEN GARDEN FURNITURE
Our acacia wood furniture is pre-treated with a PU sealer and acrylic topcoat, so no treatment is needed before use. To help maintain the original colour, refresh the PU coating by lightly sanding the surface and reapplying the finish.
To keep the as-new appearance for longer, store furniture in a cool, dry place during harsher weather or winter months. When not in use, a well-fitting protective outdoor furniture cover will also help protect it from the elements.
We also offer specialist care products for wooden furniture, including:
- Hardwood Colour Restorer & Cleaner - removes discolouration from weathered hardwoods.
- Hardwood Water Repellent Shield - Protects against dirt and stains while supporting the natural silver-grey patina of aged wood.
- Colour Protector - helps preserve the original honey-brown tone when applied before the wood has a chance to weather.
As a natural material, wood expands and contracts with changing weather conditions. Small surface cracks may occasionally appear, which is normal. We also recommend checking and tightening screws periodically to ensure even wear.
Our wooden outdoor furniture is designed for year-round use. Over time, the timber will naturally weather to a soft-silver grey tone, with subtle variations in colour and grain that add character to the real wood.
HOW TO PROTECT METAL FURNITURE FROM RUST
Although slim, there is still a chance that even powder-coated aluminium and stainless steel will rust if exposed to the elements for long periods of time. Sometimes, all it can take is a small scratch in the coating for corrosion to occur. But don’t worry, once you’ve given it a thoroughly good clean and left it to air dry completely, there are a few ways you can protect your furniture from future rust. First, apply a rust-resistant primer to stop the rust from spreading any further, then add a layer of clear car wax as an easy way to protect it from further damage.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
Most of our outdoor cushions with our outdoor sets are easy drain which allows them to dry quickly from the morning dew or any light shower, but overnight, and during periods of wet weather, these cushions should be brought inside. Our outdoor storage bags are the ideal solution for keeping cushions protected.
Deal with spills promptly by blotting liquids with a clean, dry white cloth, working inwards to prevent spreading. Avoid rubbing or using abrasive cleaners, as these may damage the fabric.
Regular gentle care will help maintain their appearance. A soft brush or light vacuum removes surface dirt, while occasional cleaning according to the care label helps prevent fading and wear.
Our Complete Care Kit includes a Stain Remover & Cleaner and Water Repellent Protector suitable for most outdoor textiles including seat cushions, parasol shades and rope furniture.
HOW TO STORE OUTDOOR FURNITURE IN WINTER
We strongly recommend that all garden furniture is stored or covered for winter. This will prolong the life of your set and prevent dirt from building up, making your life easier come the spring. If you choose to use a cover, always use a breathable one and ensure your furniture has been cleaned and is completely dry before covering to prevent mildew and mould developing. If stowing indoors, ensure the space is dry, not heated and has a good airflow to prevent moisture from building up.
You can discover more about the different materials for our outdoor furniture in our Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide. For more information about storing, caring for and maintaining your outdoor furniture as well as answers to a number of frequently asked questions click here.
