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.
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 furniture (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 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.
Timber Sealer is a multi-purpose, protective sealant that allows the base layer of the wood to breathe whilst also reducing weathering, dirt, and moisture absorption. It also aids in the prevention of black fungal growth and mould.
It can be used alongside Timber Treatment to seal in the treatment and extend the life your wooden garden furniture as well as enhance its appearance, giving a rich colour and finish. This high-quality timber treatment is suitable for use on all timber furniture such as Mahogany, Teak, and Pine. Water repellent is included in Timber Sealer to keep moisture out and also provides UV protection.
Before you put this treatment on the timber, make sure all furniture is completely dry and cleaned thoroughly (do not apply to wet or damp wood).
Use a fresh cloth to apply the sealer on all areas of your wooden furniture in equal amounts (over application could encourage black fungal growth). Then, use another cloth to remove any excess oil.
Please allow 2 days drying time.
For best results, we recommend you sand down any old dirty furniture before applying the sealer.
One application of Timber Sealer per year is advised.
This timber treatment not only acts as a water & moisture repellent, but it is also specially formulated to provide an invisible barrier to help stop stains caused by food & drink, mildew growth, and dirt build-up penetrating into your Teak garden furniture.
It contains no chemicals and is water-based, making it environmentally-friendly and also easy to use.
Whilst helping to maintain the grey patina colour of Teak furniture, it provides protection for up to 12 months.
To apply the Teak Shield:
- Check that the wood is free from any kind of dust, soil, water and oil or grease.
- Before using, shake the bottle for 1 minute.
- Use a soft cloth to apply the treatment and then let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Apply a second coat of Teak Shield after letting the first one dry for 4 hours. Once you have put on the second coat, leave the wood to dry for a day.
Applying this treatment to garden furniture made of Teak once a year is recommended.
Revive the colour of your wooden garden furniture with Alexander Rose Teak Colour, which will help get rid of stains and blackening problems hardwood experiences when exposed the elements, plus eliminate the impact of the weathering process.
It can be used on Teak, Mahogany, and Pine garden furniture.
This cleaner for teak garden furniture has a concentrated, water-based formula designed to clean and brighten weathered timber in easy steps. Fast and easy to apply, it is not an oil, so it is not greasy. When applied to wet furniture, it easily removes atmospheric dirt that accumulates over time.
To apply Teak Cleaner:
- Shake the cleaner before use.
- Apply the cleaner to the timber with a sponge or soft cloth and allow it to soak for 3 minutes.
- In the direction of the grain, clean the furniture with a scrubbing pad.
- Rinse your furniture with water.
- Leave the furniture to dry and apply Teak Protector for colour retention; if you're not working with Pine, you could apply Timber Treatment Oil to restore the wood's rich brown colour.
It is recommended that Teak Cleaner should be used once a year.
Alexander Rose Timber Treatment Oil
Hardwood furniture's natural beauty can be enhanced, preserved, and be protected from the aging effects with multi-purpose Alexander Rose Timber Treatment Oil, which nourishes and re-moisturizes the wood. It can be used on Teak and Mahogany, plus other hardwoods (do not use on Pine).
To apply:
- Make sure the wood is completely dry and all surfaces have been cleaned thoroughly with Teak Cleaner before applying.
- Apply with a cloth very lightly (surplus use could lead to fungal growth).
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away extra oil.
Allow a minimum of 2 months before you add another coat of this oil for garden furniture and apply the treatment when it is distilled.
Use Timber Sealer afterwards as a finishing touch 7 days after you apply the Timber Treatment; it will act as a strong shield so you will only need to use both treatments once per season. If you decide not to use Timber Sealer, you will need to apply Timber Treatment 3 - 4 times each season, but you must wait 2 months before each application.
Alexander Rose Cornis Wood Oil
Suitable for Cornis timber, this oil is a protective coating that allows the base of the timber to breathe and will enhance the appearance of your wood furniture, giving it a rich colour and finish.
This product can be used after the furniture has weathered to restore the wood to its original state.
Prior to treatment, thoroughly clean all surfaces of timber with Timber Cleaner to remove all traces of dirt, stains, or fungal growth.
Sanding down heavily weathered furniture may be necessary to restore the appearance of the original surface.
Use a cloth to apply the oil uniformly. Excessive application may promote black fungal growth. Never apply to damp or wet wood and always let it dry completely. Allow at least 2 months between coats.
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.
