How To Clean Garden Furniture

During the Spring we often give our homes a good spring clean. The first couple of weekends in April/May often sees us rolling up our sleeves and giving kitchens, lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms a thorough clean from top to bottom. Sometimes we might do that ourselves, although increasingly people will choose to get a cleaner in to help out.

Once that job is complete and we start to look forward to lazy days in the sun and barbecues we go looking for the garden furniture. Perhaps it has sat in the corner of the patio since last summer, or maybe hidden in the shed. Either way, it often doesn’t look its best!

The cold, damp, windy autumn and winter has taken its toll on your lovely swing chair, garden table and sun loungers. Time to get new ones? No! You only got them last year, or was it the year before? In any case you haven’t had that much use out of them yet.

Spend an hour or two giving them a good clean up and you will be surprised how quickly they can come back to nearly new. Save yourself some money and give your garden furniture a good clean. But where to start?!

The best way to clean garden furniture will depend on the material it is made of. So the first job is to decide what your furniture is made of. Generally speaking they will be primarily made on one of the following materials: wood, plastic, and metal.

Cleaning wooden garden furniture

Start by brushing off any loose bits and pieces, cobwebs and dirt. Then wash the furniture with warm, mild soapy water. Avoid using strong chemicals as these can damage some wood. Use a soft cloth and plenty of elbow grease! Rinse afterwards. If there are stubborn stains remaining then gently sand them away. Finish with a protective coating of paint, oil or stain to your taste. Make sure you brush in line with the grain of the wood. Give it a couple of coats and allowing drying between coats.

Cleaning plastic garden furniture

The key with keeping plastic garden furniture clean is regular cleaning. Clean when you first get the furniture out in the Spring and then mid way through the Summer, and again just before you put the furniture away for the Winter. Don’t leave your furniture out during the Winter. To clean use warm, soapy water. Then rinse. For stubborn stains use a damp cloth with white vinegar on and rinse off.

Cleaning metal garden furniture

Begin by removing any loose bits of dirt and cobwebs with a brush. Then wash down with warm, soapy water. If you’re left with areas of rust you can use some sandpaper and a wire brush to scrub off the rust. Then recoat with paint or sealant following the manufacturers instructions.

Some of our local offices offer gardening services.

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