While outdoor furniture is made from strong, water-resistant materials, your garden sofas, patio sets and wooden benches still require a little maintenance. Find out how to keep your outdoor furniture clean and looking its best with our helpful Garden Furniture Care Guide below.
Garden Furniture Care Guide
Thanks to the high-quality designs and hardwearing materials of 21st century garden furniture, outdoor tables, seating and accessories require minimal maintenance. With the correct care, your garden furniture can be enjoyed for seasons to come and summers well into the future!
In this Guide, you'll find:
General Garden Furniture Care Advice
How to Look After Rattan Garden Furniture
How to Care for Aluminium Outdoor Furniture
How to Look After Wooden Garden Furniture
Outdoor Cushion Care
General Garden Furniture Care Advice
- Typically, a water-resistant cover is always recommended to protect your furniture when is it not being used.
- Spills should be removed immediately.
- Cleaning advice varies depending on what your furniture is made of. See below for guidance. Typically, most garden furniture can be cleaned with a non-abrasive sponge and lukewarm soapy water free of detergents.
- It is not recommended to use a jet or pressure washer to clean your outdoor furniture.
- Most outdoor furniture cushions are water-resistant and will withstand a light shower but should be kept in the dry when not in use or during periods of extreme weather.
- 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.
How to Look After Rattan Garden Furniture
Because of its nature, real rattan is not ordinarily used for outdoor furniture. Instead, brands like Bramblecrest and Pavilion Chic use synthetic rattan. This has the characteristic weave of natural rattan but is more hardwearing and water-resistant. Find out more in our Garden Furniture Buyers Guide.
COVER
Store safely under a cover when not in use, removing at regular intervals to allow any excess condensation to evaporate. You can shop our garden furniture covers here.
CLEAN
Clean synthetic rattan garden furniture with a sponge and detergent-free, soapy water. Remove algae using a brush and soapy water by scrubbing gently and rinsing with clean water. For guidance, check out the helpful video below from Bramblecrest.
How to Care for Aluminium Outdoor Furniture
Aluminium is great for outdoor furniture as it will not rust. Find out about other types of metal garden furniture here.
COVER
Store safely under a cover when not in use. You can shop our garden furniture covers here.
CLEAN
Use warm soapy water to remove surface dirt from your aluminium garden furniture, rinsing with a hose and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using a pressure or jet washer as this could cause damage.
How to Look After Wooden Garden Furniture
How you care for wooden garden furniture depends on whether it is made from hard or soft wood, as well as what kind of look you are going for. We explain the difference in our Garden Furniture Buyers Guide.
Caring for Hardwoods – Teak, Eucalyptus, Acacia
Hardwoods such as eucalyptus and teak require very little maintenance. In fact, many buy sturdy hardwood furniture for the silver-grey, weathered patina that it develops over time when exposed to the elements. For this reason, it is one of the only types of outdoor furniture that doesn't require covering. Alternatively, if you wish to maintain its original honey colour, the wood must be treated regularly.
Cleaning Hardwoods
Remove surface dirt from hardwood garden furniture using a stiff brush and wash down with warm soapy water that’s free from detergent. Rinse with a hose and allow to air dry.
Caring for Softwoods – Pine, Cedar, Spruce, Etc
It is much easier for water to penetrate softwood outdoor furniture so it must be protected with a stain or paint to prevent cracks and rotting. Apply at least once a year to keep your softwood furniture looking great for longer.
Cleaning Softwoods
Use a wood cleaning product to wash down at least once a year before treating with stain or paint.
Outdoor Cushions
Garden furniture cushions and outdoor scatter cushion covers are often made from water-resistant fabrics such as PET, a soft material made from recycled plastic bottles. This makes them water, stain and mould resistant, but not waterproof.
STORE
If your cushions get caught in a light summer shower, they should stay relatively dry thanks to their water-resistant fabrics. However, they are not designed to be out in more extreme weather, including direct sunlight which can cause the colour to fade. That’s why it's recommended to bring your cushions indoors or store them safely in a cushion box when not in use.
CLEAN
Many cushion covers, including those from Bramblecrest, can be removed and hand-washed in lukewarm water. If the internal filling should become wet, remove the cover and allow to dry through for at least 48 hours.
SPILLS
Remove spills immediately and blot with an absorbent cloth. Spray with soapy water and gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing and let air dry. For more stubborn stains, Bramblecrest recommend mixing a spray with 1 cup of bleach, ¼ cup of mild detergent and 3.8L of water. See their helpful video below.
How to Look After Your Outdoor Furniture
Thanks to modern innovation and specialist water-resistant materials, it has never been easier to look after garden furniture. Although, while the maintenance is minimal, it's still worth taking the time to properly care for, store and clean your outdoor furniture. Not only will this keep your outdoor furniture looking great, but it will extend its longevity meaning that you can enjoy your garden and patio furniture for summers to come.