Getting Your Garden Furniture Ready for Summer

As the days get longer, the garden or patio slowly becomes an extra room again. After a damp winter, though, outdoor furniture often needs a little attention before it is ready for long lunches and evenings outside. A few hours of cleaning and checking in spring will help your pieces look better and last longer.

Start with a check-over

Before you start scrubbing, take a look at each piece in good daylight.

• Look for loose screws, bolts and wobbly legs, and tighten anything that has worked loose.
• Check for rust spots on metal frames and for cracks or splits in wood.
• Inspect woven or rattan-effect furniture for loose strands.
• Open parasols fully and check the ribs, fabric and base.

Small repairs are much easier to deal with now than in the middle of summer, when you want to use the furniture every day.

Cleaning by material

Different materials need slightly different care, so it is always worth checking the manufacturer's instructions first.

Wood. Brush off loose dirt, then wash with warm water and a mild soap using a soft brush, working along the grain. Rinse and leave it to dry fully. Hardwoods such as teak naturally fade to a silver-grey outdoors. If you prefer to keep the warmer colour, treat the wood with a suitable oil or protector once it is dry.

Metal. Wash with soapy water and dry with a cloth. Light rust can usually be removed with a fine wire brush or sandpaper, then touched up with a paint made for outdoor metal.

Rattan and synthetic weave. Use a soft brush or a vacuum attachment to remove dust from the weave, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid high-pressure washers, which can damage the strands.

Glass and ceramic tabletops. Clean with warm soapy water or glass cleaner and dry well to avoid streaks.

Cushions and textiles

Cushions are often the first thing to show signs of a wet winter. Remove covers and wash them according to the care label, and let the inner pads dry thoroughly in the sun if they feel damp. Bring cushions inside or put them in a storage box when rain is on the way, as this keeps them fresh and stops mildew from forming.

Protecting your furniture through the season

Even in summer, the weather can change quickly. A few habits help protect your investment:

• Use fitted covers when the furniture is not in use for a few days. A cover like this outdoor sofa chair cover keeps rain, leaves and bird droppings off.
• Choose breathable covers, so moisture does not get trapped underneath.
• Place furniture on a level surface, and lift wooden legs slightly off wet grass or soil if you can.
• Close and tie parasols when you are not using them, especially on windy days.

Time for something new?

If your old set is past saving, spring is a good time to plan a replacement before you start using the garden more. Think about how many people you usually seat, how much space you have and whether you prefer dining or lounging. A compact set such as this four-seat round garden dining set suits smaller patios, while larger gardens can take a corner sofa or a long dining table. You can see more options in our outdoor furniture range.