How To Look After Your Garden Furniture
Outdoor garden furniture can look very different after winter, even when it’s been stored away carefully. The reassuring news is that much of what you’ll notice is completely normal weathering. Most materials respond to moisture, temperature changes, and UV light, and a simple clean and dry-out often makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.
Garden furniture is an investment so it's important to try and maintain the pieces by protecting them from weather damage and general wear and tear to ensure it stays in excellent condition. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your outdoor pieces.
Clean Thoroughly
Before you write off any furniture, give everything a proper clean and let it dry fully. Winter grime can make furniture look permanently marked when it’s just a bit of dirt, algae, pollen, or trapped moisture. Cleaning first also helps you spot anything that might need closer attention.
Before you start cleaning, do a quick look over, brush away debris, check where water has been sitting on seats or tabletops and check if anything wobbles. If your furniture feels wobbly test it out in a different spot to check it.
For most garden furniture, the best approach is simple: a soft brush or cloth, mild soapy water, and a bit of patience. Focus on the areas that hold onto grime like textured weaves, rope detailing, corners of seats, and under tabletops.
If you’re seeing green patches, that’s often a sign of damp. Cleaning it early helps prevent build-up, and once everything is dry, you’ll get a much clearer view of any lasting marks. Remember to avoid abrasive pads or aggressive scrubbing that can scuff finishes. If you’re using any new cleaner or treatment, test a small hidden area first and allow time to dry, especially if furniture has been covered or stored somewhere cold and damp.
After cleaning and drying, it’s easier to distinguish between cosmetic changes such as surface marks or colour variation and issues that may affect safety. Structural concerns like instability, broken components, or mechanisms not working as intended should be checked before use.
Rattan Furniture
The most simple and low maintenance way to keep garden furniture looking as good for as long as possible is by investing in weather-resistant pieces. Opt for PE rattan garden furniture, which is designed to withstand the elements. This durable material is ideal for the unpredictable British weather and requires minimal maintenance.
Our rattan garden sets like the Aston firepit set are designed to be durable and hardwearing, however you can still maintain their appearance with regular dusting and cleaning. Synthetic weave can fade gradually in sunlight, and spring is often when it’s most noticeable. Due to the texture, dust and grime can sit in the weave and make it look dull until it’s thoroughly cleaned. Green patches can appear after damp weather or covered storage, and occasionally you’ll see small signs of wear around edges—especially if pieces were stacked closely. Clean spills straight away and clean glass tops and panels regularly with a gentle glass cleaner and soft cloth.
Wooden Garden Furniture
When it comes to wooden garden furniture exposure to the weather will naturally cause some fading. A slightly rougher feel can also appear, along with small hairline cracks in the grain or subtle movement at joints, wood movement is perfectly normal. Water marks and darker patches can show up where moisture or leaves sat for a while, and in shaded damp spots you might see a green tinge.
To maintain wooden furniture Laura James recommends regular dusting with a soft cloth and every few months cleaning the wood with mild detergent and a damp cloth. Try to clean up any spills straight away to prevent stains from food and drink. The same applies to our rope garden furniture which is often combined with natural acacia wood.
Our outdoor furniture comes with a protective finish that will last for around 6 months. If left, wooden furniture will naturally fade however you can keep maintain the natural wood tones by treating furniture with a protective outdoor furniture oil.
Rope Garden Furniture
Rope can soften in colour over time and may look a little paler after winter. You might also notice light fuzzing in high-contact areas, or green colouring where damp and shade linger. A gentle clean with a mould and lichen remover and allowing to fully dry are often enough to bring it back to life for the summer months.
Metal Garden Furniture
The finish on powder coated metal furniture can look a little dull after months of weather, and water spots are common. Storage can also leave scuffs where pieces rubbed together. If you notice small rust spots, they’re often linked to tiny scratches or chips in the coating. Any rust can be treated by purchasing a direct to rust metal paint such as Hammerite.
To prevent your metal garden furniture looking tired then simply clean it with a mix of warm water and mild detergent with soft sponge of cloth to get rid of grease and grime. Allow it to air dry, before placing any cushions back on seats.
Concrete Garden Furniture
Our collection of concrete and terrazzo garden tables are the perfect way to introduce character to your garden or interior space. If being used outside, we recommend treating concrete furniture with a wax based after care product, to help fill tiny pores in the concrete allowing water to run away easily and improving longevity.
Parasols
Faded canopy fabric is common over time, especially on top panels, and green colouring can show up along seams if a parasol was stored away before it was fully dry. Mechanisms can feel a little stiff after winter and may require some oil.
Storage During Colder Months
When the weather turns colder, it’s best to store your garden furniture in a dry, sheltered space such as a shed or garage for large furniture. For garden cushion covers or other soft furnishings, Laura James recommends storing these indoors, as a shed could still be quite a damp environment. Items like the Ryder dining chairs are stackable to save floor space making them easy to store. Our cube garden sets are compact and fit together in space saving a cube.
If storage space is limited, invest in high-quality furniture covers and covers for parasols to protect your pieces from rain, frost, and debris.
Remove & Wash Cushion Covers
For garden furniture with cushions, remove the covers and either hand wash them or gentle machine wash. This will keep them fresh and ready for use when the warmer months return. Always ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.
Keep Accessories Indoors
Garden accessories such as throws, outdoor cushions, and rugs should be brought indoors when not in use. This will help preserve their quality and prevent damage from moisture or fading caused by prolonged sun exposure.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your garden furniture looking stylish and functional, ready to enjoy when the sun shines again.
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Need Advice?
If you still need further advice on your garden furniture please contact our customer service team.