How to Clean Different Types of Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden garden furniture is a popular addition to any garden, especially during the British summer when days grow longer and sunshine is plentiful. You want to be outside spending quality time with your family and friends, making the most of the warm weather, whether for summer BBQs, dinner parties, or outdoor cooking. But this means you will probably need to plan ahead and spend some time getting your wooden garden furniture in the best shape possible since they are exposed to all types of weather. From extreme heat, wind, rain, and snow, different weather elements can lead to your outdoor furniture needing to be cleaned to maintain its condition.

Cleaning your wooden outdoor furniture is not a difficult task. However, different types of wooden furniture will require different cleaning techniques at different times of the year to keep them in good shape. With a few simple steps and the right products, you can have your garden furniture back to its original lustre in no time. Below are a few tips on how to clean different types of wooden garden furniture:

Hardwood garden furniture

Hardwood garden furniture is made of wood that has been harvested from deciduous trees such as teak, ash, oak, maple, mahogany, and so on. As well as being very durable furniture, most hardwoods contain high levels of natural oil, making them water and weather resistant as well as less prone to insect damage. As a result, hardwood outdoor furniture is usually more expensive than softwood furniture, even reclaimed ones harvested from old, unused structures. They are also much easier to clean and maintain, which can be done once a year.

1. To clean hardwood garden furniture, start by sweeping it with a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Next, wipe the surface with a sponge or cloth soaked in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. If there are any stubborn stains, you can try scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush dipped in soapy water.
3. To avoid wood rotting, keep the feet off the wet ground and dry them with a soft cloth or let them dry naturally.

Good quality hardwood can last for many years without being treated. But if you want better peace of mind, you can apply a wood protector or sealer to the surface for extra protection. This will also restore the original colour of hardwoods, such as teak which naturally ages to a silvery-grey

Softwood outdoor furniture

Softwood garden furniture is made of wood that has been harvested from conifer or evergreen trees such as pine, cedar, redwood, and so on. They are more flexible, lightweight and versatile than most hardwoods. They are also readily available, which makes them easier to source and cheaper than other types of furniture. Softwood outdoor furniture can be cleaned once a year or more often depending on its age, usage and condition.

1. Wipe down surfaces with a sponge dipped in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. You can also clean it with a wood cleaner if you prefer using products designed for cleaning garden furniture.
2. Dry the furniture with a soft cloth or let it dry naturally.
3. If the surface is rough after drying, gently rub some fine sandpaper over it for a smoother finish.
4. Treat your furniture with a wood stain, oil, or paint for long-lasting colour and protection from all weather conditions.

During step 4, pay special attention to surfaces that will come in contact with water or pooling water, such as furniture feet and legs.

What is the best cleaner for teak furniture?

A water-based teak cleaner is one of the best products for cleaning teak furniture. It contains no abrasives or harmful chemicals, and it is also much more effective than soapy water at removing dirt and stains, as well as restoring the teak's natural colour. Simply brush the teak cleaner to the surfaces of the teak, then rinse it to bring back its natural, rich golden-brown colour.