Garden furniture grotty after eight months in the garage (or just a few weeks of a British summer)? Decking so slimy it’s a health and safety hazard? Follow our top tips for cleaning up your garden ready for a summer full of al-fresco fun.
By Kerry Young
Whether it’s been left out in the elements all winter, stored in a cobwebby garden shed or just battered by the rotten summer weather, chances are your garden furniture is looking less than lovely in the spring sunshine. Luckily, sprucing it up for summer is a straightforward job – choose a sunny day to clean it so the furniture will dry off quickly.
Scrub down any grubby areas of wooden garden furniture with a nail brush and warm soapy water then rinse well. If it’s really dirty, you could try blasting off the grime with a high-pressure sprayer, but use the gentler setting and avoid this option if the furniture is painted or not sturdy enough to take it. You can also buy dedicated cleaning products, such as Cuprinol Garden Furniture Cleaner, around £3.47 for 500ml, which contains wax and orange oil to provide some conditioning and protection against the elements. For a store-cupboard fix, try washing wooden furniture in a solution of water and a cup of distilled white vinegar.
The modern materials used in all-weather outdoor woven furniture make it practically maintenance free, but if it is looking a bit dirty, rinse it over with a hose, pressure washer (set to a low pressure) or simply pour over a bucket of warm water.
Easy to maintain, most plastic furniture can be cleaned pretty quickly with warm soapy water and a bit of elbow grease – add a splash of bleach for stubborn stains, or try rubbing them with a piece of cut lemon. Alternatively, use a specialist cleaner, such as HG’s Powerful Garden Furniture Cleaner, around £3.25 for 750ml. Steer clear of abrasive sponges or cleaners as plastic can scratch.
Wash down your metal garden furniture with warm water, using a brush to get into any awkward nooks and crannies. Inspect the furniture for any rust patches, which should be rubbed back with wire wool. If the rust is extensive, it may be worth treating it with a hardcore rust treatment such as Hammerite Rust Remover Gel, around £5.91. Once rust is removed, seal the area to stop it coming back – repaint where appropriate, or try a coat of clear nail varnish.
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