As the weather changes, you may be starting to consider how to keep your garden furniture in good condition. In this blog post, we will share some helpful suggestions and information on how to care for and maintain all of your furniture throughout the seasons.
Our tips will apply to outdoor furniture materials (e.g. rattan, aluminium, wood). We will go over how to keep all your items clean and the many treatments you can apply to keep them look good while also increasing their longevity.
How This Article Can Help You
- Material-specific cleaning tips - Offers guidance on cleaning wood, rattan, rope, and metal furniture safely without causing damage
- Protective treatments - Recommends oils, sealers, and fabric/rope protectors to extend furniture lifespan and maintain appearance
- Maintain strategies - Suggests using covers and storage solutions to protect furniture from weather and dirt
- Seasonal care advice - Provides tips to keep furniture in good condition year-round, adapting to different weather conditions
- Longevity and appearance - Helps people preserve the look, comfort, and durability of their outdoor furniture with minimal effort
Garden Furniture Care
Wooden Garden Furniture
While outdoor tables and chairs come in a variety of materials, wood has a timeless look. Here are some benefits of owning this remarkable style of garden furniture:
Create a Traditional, Long-Lasting Look: Not only can wooden furniture create an English country atmosphere in gardens, but it is also designed to survive for years if properly cared for. If you want long-lasting garden furniture, wood is a wonderful choice.
Unique Designs: Wooden garden furniture is available in a variety of forms that will great in all kinds of outdoor living spaces, ranging from ergonomically designed benches to built-in tables in all shapes.
Suitable for Gardens of All Sizes: Wooden garden furniture works well in large outdoor spaces, whether placed on a patio or in the middle of your garden. With so much space, you'll be able to position your furniture outside where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. It also works well in smaller outdoor spaces since its natural appearance does not overrun the space.
There are two types of wood used to build garden furniture: softwood and hardwood. They are generally painted or treated, and care usually entails keeping all areas clean and applying garden furniture treatment every season.
Even though wooden garden furniture can be stylish and complement green spaces, it requires maintenance and the occasional clean to keep all pieces in good shape. Cleaning wooden garden furniture can be done by using two techniques.
You can clean your furniture with warm, soapy water and a scrubbing brush. Allow the water to soak in tough areas for a few minutes before removing the dirt with the brush. After that, use a hose pipe to remove the soap (rather than a pressure washer, which could strip away the timber and the dirt) and let all of your furniture dry.
Rattan Garden Furniture
A popular option for many, Rattan Furniture creates a great impression in gardens of all shapes and sizes.
However, just like any other type of outdoor furniture, it needs to be cleaned sometimes to keep the material dust-free and clean, so you and your loved ones can enjoy it for many years to come. But how often should your rattan furniture be cleaned?
For weekly cleaning, use a duster of vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to eliminate dust and a soft toothbrush to tackle difficult places. If you discover food and drink stains, gently remove them as soon as possible.
To remove any hard spots from the rattan, use a spoon or dull knife. A toothbrush can be used to remove substances or other stains from the weaving. After they've been removed, wipe the afflicted areas with a damp cloth soaked in a little washing-up liquid, then wipe again with a towel dipped in fresh water, and then let your rattan furniture dry.
If you would rather clean your outdoor furniture set once a month, use warm and soapy water to wash your rattan (use a mild dishwashing liquid; avoid using bleach) and wipe everything down with a cloth.
Check all your rattan furniture pieces for any changes in the fibres or the growth of mould and mildew once a year if you leave it outside all the time. Make sure all of the cushions are removed before beginning any cleaning.
Look out for any cracks or rifts. If you see any mildew, use a mixture of water and chlorine bleach, and use a gentle cloth to clean your furniture while wearing gloves for safety. After you have cleaned off any stains or mildew you find, leave your rattan furniture outside to dry before replacing the cushions.
Rope Garden Furniture
Outdoor furniture with rope gives any area a sense of carefree beauty. Even though it's made to be durable and weatherproof, a little upkeep keeps it new and welcoming. It's easy to take care of your rope furniture; you just need to follow a few basic guidelines to maintains its style and longevity.
Use a gentle bristle brush and a small amount of soap to clean the rope. Before usage, rinse it well and give it enough time to dry completely.
If spills occur, immediately wipe the area with a fresh cloth and a mild soap solution, then give the area a thorough rinse.
Use caution when moving or altering furniture to avoid putting undue strain on the rope. Check the rope occasionally for any small damage, and take quick action to fix it before it gets worse.
Steer clear of using powerful chemicals to clean the furniture at all times. They could jeopardise the integrity of the rope. The majority of cleaning tasks may usually be completed using a mild soap solution.
Keep hot items away from directly touching the furniture and make sure it is positioned far from heaters or other sources of direct heat.
Metal Garden Furniture
Metal Garden Furniture is great for livening up your outdoor living area and can be used throughout the year. There are ways you can maintain your furniture to keep it all in excellent condition for a long time.
To remove dirt and stains, scrub and wash your furniture with warm soapy water. Soak your metal furniture and apply the cleaning solution to all areas.
Thoroughly clean away any dirt or mildew with a sponge. Use a garden hose to wash the cleaning solution and debris.
If persistent stains continue to appear on your furniture, combine warm water and soap and test the cleaning solution carefully on an affected area to see if this clears away the stain.
If there are negative effects, allow the solution to lay on the surface of your furniture for at least 15 minutes, so it interacts with the dirt. Remove left-over dirt and stains with a soft brush and clear away the cleaning solution and remnants using a garden hose.
Once you have cleared all dirt and stains, allow your metal garden furniture set to dry in the sun after cleaning it.
Garden Furniture Treatment
Treating garden furniture is essential, because it protects materials like wood, metal, or rattan from weather damage such as rain, UV rays, and temperature changes. Regular treatment helps prevent issues like rust, fading, cracking, or rot, significantly extending the furniture's lifespan. It also keeps the furniture looking clean and well-maintained, preserving the overall appearance of your outdoor space.
Treating Rope & Fabric Garden Furniture
Rope & Fabric Garden Furniture can indeed bring a modern, stylish and practical touch to your outdoor space. With the right care and maintenance, it can last for years while retaining its aesthetic appeal. Here are some great products that will help you maintain your rope and fabric furniture.
Bracken Outdoors 0.5 Litre Fabric & Rope Protector
This Fabric & Rope Protector is a great solution for maintaining your garden furniture and accessories (e.g. cushions, parasols). Given its water-repelling qualities, it will help extend the life of your outdoor furniture by preventing stains from food, drinks, and dirt.
This garden furniture treatment will remain translucent and invisible throughout the cleaning process, while providing water and direct repellence means it won't alter the look or feel of the fabric on your garden furniture set. This makes it a perfect source of outdoor furniture treatment for maintaining the aesthetic of your items. The inclusion of a mould and mildew inhibitor is especially important for preventing growth in damp environments and allowing moisture vapour to flow helps fabrics breathable, which is great for comfort so you and your guests will be able to relax on your furniture for hours.
Bracken Outdoors 0.5 Litre Fabric & Rope Cleaner
This Fabric & Rope Cleaner is an essential companion to the protector for this furniture style. The water-based solution is gentle on fabrics while still being effective at lifting dirt and grime off your outdoor furniture.
It's great that it works on all fabrics, so you don't have to worry about using it on a variety of other outdoor items (e.g. parasols, chairs, cushions). Regular cleaning with it should definitely help maintain that "brand new" look for longer. It is a simple and effective way to keep your outdoor furniture looking great! By dampening the fabric first and giving the cleaner time to work, you'll get a deep clean that helps remove dirt and stains without harsh scrubbing. Rinsing with fresh water afterward ensures no cleaner residue is left behind, and letting the fabric dry properly helps keep it fresh and ready for use.
Treating Wooden Garden Furniture
Wooden furniture is a solid material that will naturally change to a grey colour after a long period of time with fractures likely to become visible in the wood, but it can be treated with high-quality oil for garden furniture to prevent natural alteration to the colour of the timber and avoid any stains. Here is a selection of the different garden furniture treatments we sell that will help you to enhance your wooden garden furniture's appearance.
Before you put treatment on your wooden furniture, make sure you are wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses, and your working area is well-covered underneath your furniture and the timber is free from moisture or liquid.
Bracken Outdoors Teak Cleaner
This type of treatment works by deeply cleaning the surface of the wood, removing built-up dirt, grime, and organic growth like mould or mildew that can weaken and stain it over time. By stripping away these contaminants and reversing weathering effects such as greying, it helps restore the wood's natural condition and prevents further deterioration caused by moisture and outdoor exposure.
By keeping the surface clean and free from damaging residues, it also prepares the wood to better resist future wear. Regular use maintain the material's strength and appearance, reducing the risk of long-term issues like discolouration, surface breakdown, and staining caused by the elements.
Bracken Outdoors Teak Protector
Using teak protector on your outdoor timber pieces creates a shield that slows down the way light and wet weather affect the surface, helping preserve the wood's original look instead of quickly fading or weathering. The formula penetrates the fibres and reduces the chances of discolouration and dark patches from forming, which means the natural tones of the wood stay more even and pleasing for longer.
It also makes the surface less likely to absorb water and dirt, which helps prevent mould or staining from everyday outdoor use. Because it dries without leaving a greasy finish, you won't have to worry about it rubbing off onto cushions or clothes while you relax outside.
Bracken Outdoors Teak Shield
Using teak shield on your outdoor wooden set creates a protective layer that slows down the effects of weather and surface contaminants. This clear formula repels moisture and reduces the chances of damp patches and mould developing, helping the wood keep its colour and texture longer even when exposed to sun and rain. It also makes it much harder for spills to soak in, so marks from food and drinks wipe away more easily rather than staining.
Because it's a water-based and non-toxic option, it won't leave a greasy feel and makes ongoing upkeep simpler. Regular applications help the wood resist the elements, keeping it looking fresher and easier to clean through the seasons compared with leaving it untreated.
Garden Furniture Covers
Frequent cleaning of exposed patio furniture is crucial, but it can be challenging to remember and time-consuming. Covers for outdoor furniture make maintenance easier by lowering the amount of time and work needed to clean.
By shielding your furniture from weather-related damage, you can preserve its original look and make sure that your outdoor living area always seem well-kept and welcoming. Your furniture can be kept outdoors and protected from potential damage and deterioration by utilising covers for extended periods of time during the cooler months, bad weather, or for an overnight stay.
Garden Storage Boxes
Storing garden furniture cushions and other garden supplies while not in use or during the winter to protect them from the elements, a Garden Storage Box is the perfect tool for this.
An outdoor storage box has a tonne of advantages, such as:
- Easy Access: Instead of having to carry your outdoor cushions from your garage all the time, you can keep them safe in a storage box when you are done with them. This way, you can easily grab them without having to worry about them getting dirty or wet from sudden downpours.
- Filth Free: Leaving your cushions free in the shed or garage invites dirt, cobwebs, and spiders to settle in; not to mention being difficult to get in and out! They will remain tidy in a storage box.
- Keeps Your Garden Clean & Tidy: You may maintain a neat appearance in your garden by keeping cushions and tools in storage boxes.
- Dry Cushions: Keeping your cushions completely dry and safe can be achieved by placing a storage box in your garden, provided you have a good amount of space.
We hope these tips will assist you in cleaning and maintaining your garden furniture this winter. If you have any questions about the various materials discussed in this article, please contact our Customer Service team at 0118 3800 381 or help@gardentrends.co.uk. Alternatively, you can come to our Moss End Garden Village showroom to see our most recent garden furniture collection and our staff will be happy to provide you with further advice on how to keep your furniture set in top condition.
