How To Care For Your Garden Furniture

We’ve all been there: you’ve spent hours (or days or even weeks) looking for and purchasing the perfect garden furniture for your outdoor space. You’re eager to get it out into your garden and enjoy more time outside with your family and friends, whether it’s for a cup of coffee or hosting a large dinner party. But after a few weeks of use, you realise that the initial charm has faded and your garden furniture is starting to look a tad bit worn and weathered.

While garden furniture can add a sense of style and comfort to your outdoor living space, it also gets exposed to all-weather conditions, resulting in natural wear and tear over time. Hence, outdoor furniture requires care and attention from time to time, some more than others, since not all garden furniture is made equal. Some are more durable than others, while some are better suited to certain types of weather.

The best outdoor furniture is usually the kind that will last through the seasons and its elements, be it the sun, wind, rain, sleet, or snow. So, whether you own garden furniture or are thinking about purchasing one, it’s important to know how to care for your outdoor furniture so you can enjoy it for many summers to come. Caring for your garden furniture doesn't have to be hard. So we’ve put together this guide to help make sure that it looks its best all year round:

Clean it once in a while

Most of the dirt, grime and stains on any garden furniture can be simply wiped away with a wet cloth or soap and water. However, you may have to clean your outdoor furniture more frequently or differently depending on the material type and its age.

You can clean wooden furniture with a soft brush and wood cleaner, and then rinse with warm water to remove all the grime, including bird droppings and tree residues. For metal and wicker garden furniture, a simple wipe-down with a wet cloth and soapy water should be enough. For any stubborn stains or moulds on furniture surfaces, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar or an all-purpose cleaning solution.

Treat your garden furniture with sealer or wax

Wood is a beautiful, natural material that is durable, but it needs to be cared for in order to keep it looking great. Cleaning a piece of wooden furniture with soap and water may fade its appearance over time, so applying a wood sealer every few years will help to maintain its appearance, while also protecting the wood from cracking and fading. Depending on the type of wooden furniture, a layer of natural oil can also be applied to protect it from moisture and insect damage.

You can apply wax to metal garden furniture for added protection and to restore its natural lustre. However, if you notice any peeling paint or rust on your metal furniture, it is best to address it as soon as possible before it worsens. You can do so by gently sanding the spot with fine-grit sandpaper and applying touch-up paint to create a corrosion-resistant coating.

Protect it with a weatherproof cover when not in use

Some outdoor furniture needs more protection than others. So, in order to keep your garden furniture looking new, it is a good idea to cover it with a weatherproof cover when not in use. This can also be done throughout the summer or winter months, or even if you are going away on a holiday.

Hardwood and wicker furniture are more resistant to different weather elements and can be left outside all year round. However, metal, mesh or softwood furniture will require extra protection from cold temperatures. So you may want to store it in a dry, well-ventilated space for the winter months. Also, make sure your garden furniture is clean and dry before storing it to avoid the growth of lichens, fungal spores, or mildew.

Get a garden umbrella for your outdoor furniture

You can prevent sun damage to your outdoor furniture by putting it in a shaded area of your garden. Although, for many homeowners, a garden umbrella may be a better option because it can be placed on top of your outdoor furniture to protect it from the sun. Besides, it is a wonderful garden decor that will enhance the appearance of your garden while also providing you with outside shade and protection during those long, hot summer afternoons and evenings.

How do I keep my garden furniture looking new?

Garden furniture is an outdoor decor item that should be seen as a long-term investment. Once you purchase it, the maintenance costs should be minimal and it should last for years while providing value to you and your garden space. Hence, regular care and maintenance are usually the best approaches to maintaining the appearance and durability of your garden furniture. Below are some tips to keep your garden furniture looking new:

• Deep clean your garden furniture as needed—some types of garden furniture need more care than others.
• Apply sealer, wax, or oil to your garden furniture for extra protection. This helps to preserve its natural appearance and avoid fading and cracking.
• Cover it with a protective sheet when not in use, or store it in a dry, well-ventilated space for the winter. Also, make sure it is clean and dry before storing it to avoid mildew growth.
• Place your outdoor furniture away from direct sunlight or shade it with a garden parasol to protect it from sun damage.