Summer is almost upon us and as the weather starts to get warmer, there is no better place to relax and spend time with friends & family than in your garden, which means we will all be getting out our garden furniture and BBQs. To make the most of the time you spend outdoors, you want your garden furniture to look clean and tidy.
Whether it is metal, wooden, or rattan, here are some tips on how to get your garden furniture summer-ready, which you can turn a maintenance routine every year and keep your furniture looking as good as new.
Metal Garden Furniture
At Garden Trends, we sell a selection of traditional and modern metal garden furniture from leading brands (e.g. Alexander Rose, Kettler) designed to be left outside and require little maintenance, but there are ways you can maintain its quality.
No matter what type of metal garden furniture you have, you can start by applying a simple, gentle cleaning solution. The easiest cleaner for metal garden furniture will be warm, soapy water. Mild dishwashing soap can also be used on all types of metal garden furniture, such as wrought iron and cast iron. With the use of a soft brush or clean cloth, you will be able to scrub away any general dirt and debris.
Make sure you check any narrow areas. If you come across an increasing amount of dirt or sticky elements on your metal furniture, use a garden hose to gently rinse these areas.
Even though applying proper care to your metal garden furniture can limit most issues, it is possible that rust could occur and this is why knowing how to clean rust is another important part of maintaining the quality of your furniture.
One method you can try is sanding down the layer on the surface of the metal using baking soda, which is a light abrasive on outdoor furniture with an average amount of rust.
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it is thick enough to put on the metal. Apply it to the rusty areas and then leave it to soak for about 20 minutes. Then, use a scrub brush to remove any leftover marks. As soon as you have finished, wipe the baking soda with a wet cloth and leave the furniture to dry.
Wooden Garden Furniture
From benches to companion sets, Wooden Garden Furniture can be stylish and will fit well in its natural environment but like metal garden furniture, it needs to be cleaned and restored in order to prepare it for the summer months.
We sell a selection of multi-purpose timber treatments and sealers, which you can apply to protect and enhance the quality of your wooden garden furniture.
Ensure all surfaces are cleaned prior to using the timber treatment to clear any dirt or debris. It is possible that heavily weathered timber will need to be sanded down to refresh the furniture's appearance and surface finish.
Apply the timber treatment lightly with a cloth and clear any excess oil quickly with a clean cloth. Please note that overly applying the treatment could result in the coating looking garish and dirt pick-up. Do not apply timber treatment to wet or damp timber and allow it to dry out completely.
Rattan Garden Furniture
Everyone will be looking forward to enjoying the sunshine on their garden furniture this summer. Before you start using your rattan garden furniture, we would recommend checking it after you have brought it out of storage or taken their protective cover(s) off for any signs of damage or abrasions and clean your furniture using warm, soapy water. Leave it to dry naturally after it has been cleaned.
Accessories are an excellent way to make your rattan garden furniture look smart and stylish. For instance, you can use scatter cushions to add colour as well as additional comfort. Parasols not only offer protection from the sun, but they help create a comfortable seating area with plenty of shade. You can also put plants on your garden table to give your furniture extra style.
To avoid weather damage and maintain the quality of your garden furniture, you can protect it with a cover.
So there you have it: our top tips on how to keep your garden furniture looking spotless this summer. If you follow these steps, you can keep everything as good as new no matter what outdoor furniture you use in your garden; this includes everything from garden cube sets to stylish wooden benches.
