Essential care tips for your outdoor furniture
Do you struggle to maintain a regular garden cleaning schedule? We understand. With a busy life, sometimes outdoor furniture maintenance falls to the bottom of the to-do list. But leave it too long, and you won’t have any furniture to come back to!
Whitakers Garden Centre is here to help. We’re here to tell you exactly why it’s so important to clean your furniture (at least on a semi-regular basis). We’ll also tell you how to clean based on different materials, like rattan-effect, metal, and plastic.
Stick around to find out more!
Why do you need to clean your outdoor furniture regularly?
There’s nothing worse than neglecting your garden through the winter, only to return in summer to find your furniture in a sorry state. There are plenty of reasons to keep on top of your furniture maintenance, including:
1. Environmental condition
If you keep your furniture outside all year round, it’ll have to contend with sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes. Exposure to these natural elements can cause an accumulation of grime, particularly if your furniture is constantly exposed.
Over time, you may notice unsightly discolouration and staining. So, if possible, keep your furniture inside or underneath a shaded area during unfavourable weather conditions.
2. Rust/corrosion
When exposed to air and moisture, metal furniture, including those made of steel or iron, can rust and corrode. Homeowners can remove moisture-retentive dirt by adding garden furniture cleaning to their regular to-do list!
Go one step further by applying a protective coating: this should safeguard against corrosion, but it must be inspected regularly.
3. Fabric fading
The kinds of fabrics used in outdoor furniture (e.g., acrylic, polyester, textilene) are prone to fading. Keeping cushions and upholstery looking their best requires treatment with a mild soap solution or even a garden hose to remove debris!
4. Lengthen lifespan
When you’ve invested a significant amount in garden furniture, of course, you want to get your money’s worth. Consistently caring for your outdoor furniture can lengthen its lifespan significantly.
Why do different materials need different care?
The cleaning requirements for some materials (e.g., metal or plastic) may be lower maintenance than others (e.g., plastic/fabric). It all comes down to how the material is made and how quickly it degrades when exposed to the environment.
Here’s a breakdown of the care routines you need to keep in mind:
How to care for wooden garden furniture
When cleaned correctly, the UK’s variable climate is no match for wooden furniture!
- Cleaning: Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Clean the surface with a mild, soapy solution, then rinse with clean water and allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Protection: Apply a suitable wood preservative or oil annually to protect against moisture and UV damage; this treatment helps prevent cracking and discolouration.
- Storage: During prolonged periods of non-use or harsh weather, consider storing wooden furniture indoors or under a waterproof cover to prolong its lifespan.
How to care for metal garden furniture
Metal furniture, including aluminium and wrought iron pieces, is known for its durability but still benefits from regular maintenance.
- Cleaning: Wipe down metal surfaces with a solution of mild detergent and water to remove dirt and prevent corrosion.
- Rust prevention: Inspect for any signs of rust or paint chipping. Sand down affected areas and apply touch-up paint or a rust-resistant primer as needed.
- Protection: Use protective covers during wet conditions to minimise exposure to moisture, which can lead to rusting.
How to care for plastic garden furniture
Due to its lightweight and low-maintenance nature, plastic furniture is a popular, low-cost option for gardens:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean with a non-abrasive detergent and water to remove grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
- Sun protection: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading and brittleness. Whenever possible, place plastic furniture in shaded areas or use UV-protective sprays to mitigate sun damage.
How to care for rattan effect garden furniture
With Rattan effect, or synthetic rattan furniture, homeowners get the natural appeal of rattan with greater durability.
- Cleaning: Clean synthetic rattan garden furniture with a sponge and detergent-free, soapy water. Remove algae using a brush and soapy water by scrubbing.
- Protection: While synthetic rattan is more resistant to the elements, it's advisable to cover or store the furniture during adverse weather conditions to maintain its appearance.
Shop for supplies with Whitakers Garden Centre!
Now you’re on your way to a freshened garden, why not stock up on supplies?
Our garden shop is bursting with great deals on soil and compost, tools and, of course, garden furniture. Shop from our beautiful collection of high-quality parasols and daybeds, lounge chairs, and storage boxes: we’ve got it all!
For the best gardening furniture in Liverpool, shop with Whitakers today.
- Daniel Corlett