How To Look After Your Garden Furniture
Clean Thoroughly
Before dismissing any furniture, ensure it receives a thorough clean and is allowed to dry completely. Winter residue can often make furniture appear permanently stained when it’s simply dirt, algae, pollen, or trapped moisture. Cleaning first also allows you to identify any areas that may require closer inspection.
Begin by giving your furniture a quick once-over: brush away debris, check for water pooling on seats or tabletops, and test for any wobbling. If something feels unsteady, try repositioning it to see if the issue persists.
For most garden furniture, a straightforward cleaning method works best: use a soft brush or cloth, mild soapy water, and a little patience. Pay particular attention to areas prone to grime build-up, such as textured weaves, rope detailing, seat corners, and the undersides of tabletops.
If you’re seeing green patches, that’s often a sign of damp. Cleaning it early helps prevent build-up, and once everything is dry, you’ll get a much clearer view of any lasting marks. Remember to avoid abrasive pads or aggressive scrubbing that can scuff finishes. If you’re using any new cleaner or treatment, test a small hidden area first and allow time to dry, especially if furniture has been covered or stored somewhere cold and damp.
After cleaning and drying, it’s easier to distinguish between cosmetic changes such as surface marks or colour variation and issues that may affect safety. Structural concerns like instability, broken components, or mechanisms not working as intended should be checked before use.
Rattan Furniture
The most simple and low maintenance way to keep garden furniture looking as good for as long as possible is by investing in weather-resistant pieces. Opt for PE rattan garden furniture, which is designed to withstand the elements. This durable material is ideal for the unpredictable British weather and requires minimal maintenance.
Our rattan garden sets like the Aston firepit set are designed to be durable and hardwearing, however you can still maintain their appearance with regular dusting and cleaning. Synthetic weave can fade gradually in sunlight, and spring is often when it’s most noticeable. Due to the texture, dust and grime can sit in the weave and make it look dull until it’s thoroughly cleaned. Green patches can appear after damp weather or covered storage, and occasionally you’ll see small signs of wear around edges—especially if pieces were stacked closely. Clean spills straight away and clean glass tops and panels regularly with a gentle glass cleaner and soft cloth.
Wooden Garden Furniture
When it comes to wooden garden furniture exposure to the weather will naturally cause some fading. A slightly rougher feel can also appear, along with small hairline cracks in the grain or subtle movement at joints, wood movement is perfectly normal. Water marks and darker patches can show up where moisture or leaves sat for a while, and in shaded damp spots you might see a green tinge.
Regular dusting with a soft cloth and every few months and cleaning wooden furniture with a mild detergent and a damp cloth should help maintain it. Try to clean up any spills straight away to prevent stains from food and drink.
Rope Garden Furniture
Rope furniture can soften in colour over time and may look a little paler after winter. You might also notice light fuzzing in high-contact areas, or green colouring where damp and shade linger. A gentle clean with a mould and lichen remover and allowing to fully dry are often enough to bring it back to life for the summer months.
Metal Garden Furniture
The finish on powder coated metal furniture can look a little dull after months of weather, and water spots are common. Storage can also leave scuffs where pieces rubbed together. If you notice small rust spots, they’re often linked to tiny scratches or chips in the coating. Any rust can be treated by purchasing a direct to rust metal paint.
To prevent your metal pieces looking tired then simply clean it with a mix of warm water and mild detergent with soft sponge of cloth to get rid of grease and grime. Allow it to air dry, before placing any cushions back on seats.
Parasols
Faded canopy fabric is common over time, especially on top panels, and green colouring can show up along seams if a parasol was stored away before it was fully dry. Mechanisms can feel a little stiff after winter and may require some oil.
Storage During Colder Months
When the weather turns colder, it’s best to store your garden furniture in a dry, sheltered space such as a shed or garage. Store cushions or garden rugs indoors during the winter as a shed could still be quite a damp environment. Items like the Ryder dining chairs are stackable to save floor space making them easy to store. Our Rattan Direct cube garden sets are compact and fit together in space saving a cube.
If storage space is limited, invest in high-quality furniture covers and covers for parasols protect your pieces from debris.
Remove & Wash Cushion Covers
For garden furniture with cushions, remove the covers and either hand wash them or gentle machine wash. This will keep them fresh and ready for use when the warmer months return. Always ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.
Keep Accessories Indoors
Garden accessories such as throws, rugs and cushions should be brought indoors when not in use. This will help preserve their quality and prevent damage from moisture or fading caused by prolonged sun exposure.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your garden furniture looking stylish and functional, ready to enjoy when the sun shines again.
Shop all new in garden now at Rattan Direct.