Garden Furniture Care Guide

How to clean, treat & store patio furniture

If you look after your garden furniture properly, it can last for years. Get the most out of your outdoor tables and chairs by taking care of them – especially over the colder months.

Garden furniture sets have different needs depending on the materials they're made from. Read on to find all the information you need to clean, treat, and store your furniture, whether it's wooden, metal, rattan, or plastic.

How to care for wooden garden furniture

Wooden furniture is usually available in softwood and hardwood, with each needing different care so they last as long as possible.

How to clean and treat softwood garden furniture

Wash your furniture down with a wood safe cleaning product such as Jeyes Fluid at least once a year. Then apply a wood stain or paint that contains a preservative, as and when needed. Always try and treat your furniture in dry weather.

How to store softwood garden furniture in winter

Space permitting, it's always best to move your garden furniture indoors when you've finished using it for the year. In many cases this isn't possible, but there are steps you can take to make sure your furniture is protected if it's left outside for the winter.

When packing away garden furniture for autumn and winter, you should remove any cushions and ideally store them indoors, or in a cushion box. If possible, you should try and move your furniture to a particularly sheltered area of your garden. Investing in some specially made garden furniture covers will help to protect your furniture from wind, rain, and snow. Make sure you cover your softwood furniture when it is completely dry to prevent any moisture from being trapped and damaging the wood over the colder months.

How to clean and treat hardwood furniture

Hardwood furniture is usually more durable than its softwood counterpart – all you’ll need to do is wash it down once a year using a soft-bristled brush and soapy water. This helps remove any build-up of algae or lichens.

Although hardwood furniture can stand up to the elements on its own, it will discolour if it's left out for long periods of time. If you prefer your garden furniture to retain its original colour, it's best to apply a wood treatment such a clear oil or UV protection oil. If you have teak furniture then teak oil is perfect. This kit is great for restoring and protecting teak furniture.

How to store hardwood furniture in winter

Hardwood garden furniture can be left outside all year round, however if you would like to keep it in the best condition possible, don’t leave your furniture on grass as this creates more moisture.

Ideally cover your furniture too, just to give it that extra bit of protection from the elements. As with the softwood - make sure you give your furniture a good clean and leave everything to dry thoroughly before attaching any covers.

How to care for metal garden furniture

Most metals used in the making of garden furniture (except aluminium) are susceptible to rust. So, if you don't take good care of your metal furniture, it's bound to look worse for wear after a spending a few months outside.

How to clean and treat metal garden furniture

The key to keeping your metal furniture in good condition is to clean it on a regular basis. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, but most metal garden furniture is safe to clean with a combination of mild washing-up liquid and warm water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean every surface with the solution you've made. Then rinse all of the soap off with cold water and dry everything thoroughly. To add a little bit of extra protection, you can then apply a coat of quality car wax with a lint-free cloth. This helps the water to run straight off without causing any damage.

Every so often, check your furniture for signs of wear and tear. If you find that any paint is peeling off, or any rust is starting to appear, you should lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. Then, you can apply touch-up paint to add a new protective layer.

How to store metal garden furniture in winter

As with softwood furniture, moving metal garden furniture inside for the winter is always the best option, but if you don't have the space to do this, just make sure it is protected with a breathable garden furniture cover.

How to care for rattan garden furniture

Rattan furniture is available in natural and synthetic. Natural rattan furniture is made from the woven stems and cores of rattan lianas. Synthetic varieties are made by weaving artificial materials in the same way.

How to clean and treat rattan garden furniture

Ideally give your rattan furniture a good check over for signs of wear and tear twice a year - in the spring when you bring it out of storage, and in autumn when you put it away it for the year. It's worth turning each piece over and checking for any damage to the feet or underside. Plus, you should check all the screws and ties to make sure everything is in order, so you can fix any issues before use or storage.

At least once a year, you should give your rattan furniture a thorough clean. Start by using a soft brush to remove dirt and oil. Then you can use a soft cloth and a solution of warm water and liquid soap to clean between the weave. Make sure you rinse off the soap using clean water, and leave everything to dry. Remember - If your furniture set comes with storage, you should clean inside of these pieces, too.

How to store rattan furniture

Synthetic rattan furniture is generally safe to leave outdoors all year round, but it's always best to invest in garden furniture covers for a bit of extra protection from the weather (plus dirt, UV rays and any bird waste which could lead to damage and colour fading.)

Natural rattan furniture should be moved indoors when you aren't using it, as long-term exposure to rain, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures can cause a lot of damage. If you don't have space to store your furniture inside, then store it under rain- and UV–proof covers.

How to care for plastic garden furniture

The perfect low-maintenance and affordable garden furniture - easy to clean, move, and store!

How to clean and treat plastic garden furniture

The great thing about plastic garden furniture is it’s so easy to clean - just give it a quick wash down with soapy water. If you find that some stains are particularly stubborn, try wiping the stained area with a wet sponge that's been dipped in baking soda. This method should be abrasive enough to remove tough marks, but won't scratch or dull the plastic.

How to store plastic garden furniture in winter

Plastic furniture is fairly robust and should be able to withstand the elements if left outdoors all year round. However, it's ideal to always leave your furniture in a sheltered area of your garden to help to prevent your tables and chairs from being blown around and getting damaged.