Caring for Garden Furniture: How to Keep It Looking Great for Years

Garden furniture is what makes your outdoor space truly inviting – but sun, rain and dust take their toll. With the right care, your garden furniture will stay beautiful and fully functional for many seasons. In this guide, we show you how to clean, protect and overwinter wood, polyrattan, aluminium and cushions properly.

Caring for Wooden Garden Furniture

Garden furniture made from acacia, teak or eucalyptus looks natural and elegant, but needs a little attention. Clean it with lukewarm water and a soft brush and treat it once or twice a season with a suitable care oil – this protects it from drying out and turning grey. Avoid harsh cleaners and pressure washers, which roughen the wood.

Cleaning Polyrattan

Polyrattan is low-maintenance and weatherproof. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soapy water; a soft brush works well for the gaps in the weave. Steer clear of the pressure washer – the powerful jet can loosen the weave. Then let it dry thoroughly.

Caring for Aluminium & Metal

Aluminium is rust-free and particularly easy to look after: a damp cloth with a little washing-up liquid is all it takes. With painted metal, take care to avoid scratches and dry the furniture off after rain so that no water collects.

Caring for Cushions & Seat Pads

The covers of many seat pads can be removed and washed at a low temperature – check the care label first. Always let cushions dry out thoroughly after rain to prevent mildew stains and mould. Ideally, store them somewhere dry overnight and over the winter.

Overwintering Garden Furniture

Garden furniture lasts longest when it spends the winter under cover. A dry spot in the basement, garage or garden shed is ideal. If the furniture stays outside, protect it with a breathable cover – this keeps moisture out and prevents condensation from forming.

General Tips for Long-Lasting Garden Furniture

• Dry off or let drip-dry after heavy rain.
• A breathable cover protects against rain, leaves and bird droppings.
• Clean regularly so that dirt never gets a chance to settle in.
• Don't leave the furniture standing in waterlogged spots for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can garden furniture be left outside in winter?
Polyrattan and aluminium can cope with mild winter weather under a cover; wood and cushions are better stored dry indoors.

What is the best way to clean polyrattan?
With a damp cloth and mild soapy water, plus a soft brush for the gaps. No pressure washer.

How often should wooden garden furniture be oiled?
Usually once or twice a season – this keeps the wood supple and stops it from turning grey.

Conclusion

With a little care, your garden furniture will be with you for many summers to come: oil wood occasionally, wipe polyrattan and aluminium down with a damp cloth, keep cushions dry and store everything under cover over winter. That way your outdoor space looks inviting year after year. Discover new garden furniture for your patio, balcony and garden now.