As the weather warms up and we start spending more time outdoors, it’s essential to make sure our garden furniture is clean and ready to use. However, after a long winter season of neglect, outdoor furniture can become quite grimy and in need of some serious TLC. If you’re looking to bring your garden furniture back to life and get it looking its best for the season ahead, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share some expert tips and tricks for cleaning your garden furniture like a pro. So, grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get started on transforming your dull, dirty furniture into shiny, sparkling pieces that are ready to impress your guests.
Introduction
Keeping your garden furniture clean is an essential part of maintaining a beautiful and comfortable outdoor space. Before using your garden furniture for the season, it’s important to clean it thoroughly to remove any built-up dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated during the winter months. Neglecting to clean your garden furniture can lead to a variety of issues, such as discolouration, damage, and even mould growth, which can be both unsightly and harmful to your health.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about cleaning your garden furniture like a pro. We will provide a detailed guide for cleaning different types of furniture materials, including wood, metal, wicker, and cushions/fabric. We’ll also offer tips for dealing with tough stains and odours, and provide advice for maintaining your furniture throughout the season. By following our expert tips, you’ll be able to transform your dull, dirty furniture into sparkling pieces that are ready to impress your guests.
When to Care for Garden Furniture
The best time to clean your garden furniture depends on a few factors, including the material of the furniture and the weather in your area. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to clean your furniture at the beginning of the season, before using it for the first time. This will ensure that your furniture is fresh and clean and ready to be enjoyed throughout the season.
For wooden furniture, it’s best to clean it at the beginning of the season and then periodically throughout the season as needed. Metal furniture should also be cleaned at the beginning of the season, and then again at the end of the season before storing it away for the winter.
Wicker furniture should be cleaned at the beginning of the season and periodically throughout the season as needed. Cushions and fabric furniture should be cleaned at the beginning and end of the season. As well as periodically throughout the season to remove any stains or odours that may have accumulated.
It’s important to consider the weather in your area when cleaning garden furniture. Avoid cleaning furniture during times of high humidity or when rain is in the forecast, as this can make it difficult for furniture to dry properly. Instead, choose a dry and sunny day to clean your furniture so that it can dry completely before use.
How to Clean Garden Furniture
Now that you know when is the best time to clean your garden furniture, let’s dive into how to clean it properly. Cleaning garden furniture may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a quick and easy process. In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide to cleaning different types of garden furniture, including wooden, metal, rattan, plastic, hardwood, and softwood. We will also cover how to treat wooden furniture and provide tips for dealing with stains, mildew, rust, and corrosion.
Common Garden Furniture Cleaning Equipment
Before we get started, let’s go over some common garden furniture cleaning equipment that you will need for the job. Having the right equipment on hand will make the cleaning process much smoother and more efficient. You will need a bucket, a soft-bristled brush, a sponge, a microfiber cloth, a hose, and the appropriate cleaning solution for the material of your furniture. Now, let’s get started on cleaning your garden furniture!
Wooden Furniture
Wooden garden furniture is a beautiful and timeless addition to any outdoor space. To ensure that it lasts for decades and looks its best every season, it’s important to take care of it properly. Cleaning and protecting your wooden furniture is a simple process that involves a few basic steps.
1. Cleaning Wooden Garden Furniture
Before you begin cleaning your wooden nursery furniture, make a point to eliminate any free soil by using a delicate brush or vacuum. You should also ensure that the wood is dry before cleaning it. If you don’t have access to a specialised wood cleaner, you can use warm soapy water to clean the furniture. Mix some washing-up liquid with warm water and use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe down the furniture. Repeat the process as necessary until your furniture is clean.
Top Tip: Do not use a pressure washer. Although watching it change colour might be satisfying, furniture can be destroyed by powerful jets that remove dirt and wood. Instead, use a wood cleaner to clean it all, lightly sand it, and then apply a saturating wood oil.
2. Protecting Wooden Garden Furniture
After cleaning, it’s time to protect your wooden garden furniture. Teak oil is an excellent option for hardwood furniture as it shields it from the elements and keeps it looking new. Using a rag, apply the oil by gently rubbing it into the surface and following the grain. You can add multiple coats of oil, but make sure the first coat dries completely before applying the next.
3. Removing Moss & Mildew
If you notice any moss, mildew, or mould on the surface of your wooden garden furniture, it’s essential to remove it before cleaning. Brush the furniture with a stiff brush, moving to a softer-bristled brush if the wood is being marked at all. Then, sand the outer layer of the wood to make it smooth. Once the sanding is complete, rinse away any excess dirt and dust with a hose pipe on a gentle setting.
4. Longterm Care
When you’ve finished cleaning your furniture, you have three options to consider.
- You can let your furniture age naturally, which produces a silver patina look that can be quite attractive.
- On the other hand, you can use wood paint to add a sprinkle of new variety to your garden furniture. To achieve a solid colour, apply two to three coats of paint, and you should only need to clean it once every three years.
- Finally, you can keep your furniture looking like new with stained oil.
In conclusion, protecting and cleaning your wooden garden furniture is easy and straightforward. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furniture lasts for decades and looks its best every season.
Metal Furniture
Metal garden furniture is a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance requirements. While it may not require much attention, it still needs to be properly cleaned and protected to extend its lifespan and keep it looking its best. In this section, we will provide you with some tips and tricks for cleaning and protecting your metal garden furniture.
Cleaning Metal Garden Furniture
To clean your metal garden furniture, you will need hot soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. You can also use a pressure washer on a low setting, but be careful not to use it on fragile parts such as glass tops. For steel furniture, it’s important to treat any scratches that expose the bare metal underneath to prevent rust. Use steel wool to remove any rust that has already formed, and then paint the affected area with the same colour of exterior metal paint.
Aluminium garden furniture won’t rust, but it can suffer from aluminium oxidation which will change its colour over time. You can keep the furniture the same colour by cleaning it routinely and either putting it away or keeping it completely covered throughout the cold weather months.
Protecting Metal Garden Furniture
An easy way to protect your metal garden furniture is to polish it with car wax after cleaning it. The wax will make it more water-resistant and extend its lifespan.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust is a common problem for metal surfaces, but it can be difficult to remove without causing damage to the furniture. If you notice rust on your metal garden furniture, it is essential to treat it with care. Using an active corrosion spray can be very effective in removing rust from your furniture, especially during the summer months when humidity and heat can exacerbate the problem. These sprays can be purchased in different colours, including white, and provide excellent coverage and adhesion to rust.
However, if your furniture is already rusting, there is still hope. One simple and effective solution is to use white vinegar. Pour the vinegar evenly over the surface of the furniture and let it sit for about an hour. Then, use a cloth to wipe away the rust, repeating the process if necessary. It is important to wear gloves while doing this to protect your hands. Shop gardening gloves here.
If the surface is also covered in grime, you can add some salt to the vinegar solution and gently scrub with steel wool or a metal bristle brush. This will help remove dirt and debris while also getting rid of any remaining rust.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your metal garden furniture stays looking great and lasts for years to come. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent rust and corrosion from taking hold, and using the right products and techniques can help remove any existing damage. With a little bit of effort, your metal garden furniture can continue to provide you with a comfortable and stylish outdoor space for years to come.
Rattan Furniture
If you have rattan garden furniture, it’s important to clean and protect it properly to ensure that it lasts for many years. Rattan is a natural material, and exposure to harsh elements such as UV rays and moisture can cause it to wear and tear over time. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can keep your rattan furniture looking as good as new.
First, it’s important to only clean your rattan furniture when necessary to prevent wear and tear. When it’s time to clean, use a soft cloth that has been dampened with furniture polish or a mild washing-up liquid/warm water mix. Be sure to avoid using too much water or soap, as this can fade the appearance of natural rattan. Use a natural bristle brush to get into all crevices and grooves and prevent grime from building up, which can split the rattan weave.
If you have synthetic rattan furniture, it won’t fade in the sun, but it still needs to be kept clean. To remove loose dirt, use a handheld vacuum or brush attachment, and for difficult-to-reach places, use a toothbrush in soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth that has been dampened with warm soapy water to clean the rest of the furniture, being careful not to oversaturate the rattan. Allow the furniture to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
To protect your rattan furniture from cracking and to add shine, you can rub some olive oil onto the product. This will also help to reduce cracking and keep your furniture looking as good as new. Be sure to pay special attention to any metal parts on your rattan furniture to prevent rust and treat them properly.
Top Tips
Cleaning Cushions & Fabric Furniture
Cleaning garden furniture cushions are an essential part of keeping your outdoor seating area looking its best. Here are some tips for cleaning your garden furniture cushions:
- For a basic clean, remove the cushion covers and place them in the washing machine. It’s essential to use a mild cleaning detergent on a low cycle. Avoid washing the foam inner part of the cushion, as this can lead to the buildup of mildew and mould. Once the cycle has finished, ensure your covers are entirely dry before replacing them onto the foam inners.
- If your cushion covers are not removable, create a solution of warm soapy water with a mild detergent. Scrub the solution into the cushion with a soft brush, then wipe it away with a soft, wet cloth. Squeeze any remaining water out of the cushion by pressing it in between two towels. Allow the cushions to air in the sunshine to ensure they are entirely dry.
- For a hard clean, absorb your cushion covers in a balance of washing up liquid and Vanish Oxi-action powder with a litre of warm water. Apply the solution liberally to the cushion covers using a spray bottle, concentrating on particularly dirty areas. Let the solution work for 15 to 35 minutes, and re-spray if necessary. Then use a garden hose to blast away the cleaning solution and dirt. Repeat the basic clean (step 1) to ensure your cushions are as good as new.
- To prevent dirt build-up in the first place, consider using an outdoor fabric protector that forms a protective barrier. This will make your cushions easier to clean in the future and keep them looking their best for longer.
There are many ways to store your cushions when not in use, we recommend using a storage box or putting them into a garage where they will not be damaged.
Using Furniture Covers
Protect your garden furniture, particularly rattan furniture, by using furniture covers when there are chances of rain or when the furniture is not in use. This stops any debris from falling onto the furniture or from rain causing erosion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning your garden furniture is a vital step in maintaining a beautiful and comfortable outdoor space. Neglecting to clean your garden furniture can lead to a variety of issues such as discolouration, damage, and even mould growth, which can be both unsightly and harmful to your health. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow expert tips and tricks for cleaning different types of garden furniture materials, including wood, metal, wicker, and cushions/fabric. The best time to clean garden furniture depends on factors such as the material of the furniture and the weather in your area. Cleaning garden furniture may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a quick and easy process. By following the step-by-step guide to cleaning different types of garden furniture provided in this article, you can transform your dull, dirty furniture into sparkling pieces that are ready to impress your guests.
