Outdoor furniture is an essential part of any garden or patio, but to maintain its beauty and functionality, proper care and maintenance are crucial. Whether you're dealing with rattan, wood, or aluminium pieces, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your furniture remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
General Cleaning
To keep your furniture looking its best, we recommend regular dusting with a soft cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with a mild, bleach-free detergent solution. Always dry surfaces with a lint-free cloth afterward to prevent watermarks.
Removing Spills from Cushions
Spills on garden furniture cushions should be addressed immediately. Use a clean, dry, white cloth to blot the spill, working from the outside toward the centre. Avoid rubbing or using abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the fabric. We do not recommend putting cushion covers into the washing machine or tumble dryer unless stated otherwise.
Cleaning Removable Surfaces
If your furniture includes glass tops or other removable surfaces, food and debris can sometimes get trapped underneath. Disassemble the piece and wipe down all surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth and a mild detergent solution. Again, be sure to dry the surface with a lint-free cloth.
Care and Protection
Storing Furniture
During extreme weather conditions, it’s best to store your furniture indoors. A garage, shed, or storage box is ideal. Alternatively, a protective cover will shield it from the elements when not in use.
Preventing Damage
To keep your furniture in top shape:
• Use placemats and coasters to prevent heat marks.
• Protect delicate flooring with felt pads or caster cups on furniture legs.
• Avoid leaning on two legs or dropping furniture onto hard surfaces to prevent weakening of the frame.
Avoiding Contact with Chemicals
Keep your furniture away from harsh chemicals like haircare products, insect repellents, and household cleaners, as they may affect the finish. To help you clean your set with a safe solution, we offer specialised cleaning kits for different materials.
Special Care for Specific Furniture Types
Wooden Garden Furniture
How you care for wooden furniture depends on whether it's made from hardwood or softwood:
• Hardwoods (Teak, Eucalyptus, Acacia): These require minimal maintenance and naturally develop a silver-grey patina over time. If you prefer to maintain their original colour, treat the wood regularly. To clean, use a stiff brush and warm, soapy water.
• Softwoods (Pine, Cedar, Spruce): Softer woods need protection with a stain or paint to prevent cracks and rotting. Apply treatments at least once a year.
Aluminium Furniture
Aluminium is a fantastic choice for outdoor furniture since it doesn’t rust. During the winter months you will find your aluminium frames will collect dust and dirt if exposed outside or kept in storage. Our frames can easily be cleaned with warm soapy water and a sponge and will dry within an hour.
Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture is durable and can withstand outdoor conditions year-round. However, prolonged exposure may alter its appearance, so for long-term care, store it indoors during harsh weather or cover it when not in use. You can easily clean your rattan furniture when you take it out of storage by simply using a hose pipe and sponge to wash the dirt and dust away.
Outdoor Fabric Furniture
Our Outdoor Fabric range is made to be left outside all year round, you may find after the winter months, your set has become dirty or mouldy from the changes in weather. You can simply clean your whole set using a jet washer on a soft/low setting (not too close) and then use our cleaning kit to bring your set back to life.
Additional Tips for Outdoor Furniture Care
Protect Against the Sun
Direct sunlight can cause furniture to fade over time. If possible, place furniture in shaded areas or use outdoor covers to protect it from UV rays. Pergolas are a great way to protect your furniture as they are UV resistant and provides added protection for your garden furniture sets.
Waterproof Cushions
Outdoor cushions are typically showerproof, but heavy rain can penetrate the seams. Store them in a dry environment during prolonged downpours or winter months.
Use Protective Covers
A protective cover is always a good idea when furniture is not in use. It shields against moisture, dust, and UV rays, extending the life of your pieces.
Drying
Allow your furniture to air dry after cleaning or after rainfall. There is no set drying time, as this depends on various factors such as weather conditions, humidity, and exposure to sunlight.
Moving, Assembling, and Adjusting Furniture
Furniture should always be placed on level surfaces to avoid tipping. If the ground is uneven, use wedges under the feet to stabilise the piece. When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor to avoid damage. For large or self-assembled items, ensure they're moved with care and that fixings are regularly tightened to prevent squeaking and looseness.
The Rundown
Proper care and attention can greatly extend the life of your outdoor furniture. By following these tips—whether it’s for cleaning, storing, or protecting your pieces—you can enjoy your garden furniture for many seasons to come. And always be mindful that All garden furniture is different. Be sure to check and follow any cleaning and maintenance instructions included with your garden furniture carefully. Our guide is for advice only.
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