Garden furniture takes a beating from weather, dirt and algae. Regular cleaning keeps it looking good and extends its life.
Wooden furniture
Hardwood (teak, oak, eucalyptus):
- Brush off loose dirt and debris.
- Scrub with warm soapy water and a stiff brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.
- Apply teak oil or furniture oil once or twice a year if you want to maintain the colour.
- Alternatively, let it weather to a silver-grey – this does not harm the wood.
Softwood (pine, spruce):
- Clean as above.
- Check for flaking paint or stain and touch up as needed.
- Reapply wood preservative or paint every 1-2 years.
Metal furniture
Aluminium:
- Wipe with warm soapy water.
- Rinse and dry to prevent water spots.
- Aluminium does not rust but can oxidise – use a specialist cleaner if needed.
Steel and iron:
- Clean with soapy water.
- Check for rust spots – sand back and touch up with rust-resistant paint.
- Wax or oil to protect from moisture.
Plastic and resin furniture
- Hose off loose dirt.
- Scrub with warm soapy water or a mild bleach solution for stubborn stains.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- For white plastic that has yellowed, try a paste of bicarbonate of soda.
Rattan and wicker
Natural rattan:
- Vacuum or brush out dust and debris.
- Wipe with a damp cloth – do not soak.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent mould.
- Store indoors or under cover in winter.
Synthetic rattan (PE rattan):
- More durable and can be hosed down.
- Scrub with soapy water.
- Rinse and dry.
Cushions and fabric
- Check care labels for washing instructions.
- Most covers can be machine washed or hand washed.
- Treat mould with a mild bleach solution (test first).
- Dry thoroughly before storing.
- Store cushions indoors or in a dry place over winter.
General tips
- Clean furniture at the start and end of the season.
- Cover or store furniture in winter to reduce cleaning needed.
- Avoid pressure washers on wood – they can damage the surface.
- Check fixings and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
A quick wipe-down after rain prevents dirt building up and makes deep cleaning much easier.
Written by Dave Thompson
Professional Gardener & Founder
Dave has over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance across Staffordshire. He founded Hedge Cutting Staffordshire in 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners create and maintain beautiful gardens. When he's not out trimming hedges or advising clients, he's testing the latest garden tools and sharing practical tips on this blog.
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