simple tips for cleaning garden furniture

Cleaning garden furniture can transform the look of your outdoor space as well as helping your pieces last longer. If you’re looking to clean up any green or dirt that has found its way onto your outdoor furniture before having guests over, our guide will show you how. Whether you have wooden, plastic, metal, or rattan tables and chairs, they’ll look good as new in no time!

Table of Contents:

6 Tips to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture

When it comes to garden furniture, wooden pieces are a popular choice. The natural material fits with ease into any garden space but it does require upkeep to look its best. Here are our top tips for cleaning wooden garden furniture:

  1. Begin cleaning your garden furniture gently with a brush, loosening any moss or other dirt that may have accumulated.
  2. Using a mild and warm soapy solution, use a sponge or scrubbing brush to remove dirt. It is best not to use harsh chemicals on your garden furniture when cleaning.
  3. Rinse your wooden furniture using a hose - do not use a pressure washer as this could damage your dining set or chairs.  
  4. Leave your wooden garden furniture to dry.
  5. For stubborn dirt or stains you may wish to lightly sand the area. 
  6. As an extra step, some wooden pieces can benefit from being painted - giving them a fresh new look.

To keep your wooden garden furniture clean in the future, you can protect it when not in use using garden furniture covers.

6 Steps for Cleaning Teak Furniture

Teak garden furniture should be given extra care when cleaning so as to not damage the wood. With these simple steps for cleaning garden furniture made of teak, it will look spick and span ready for hosting BBQs:

  1. Start by brushing your bench, chairs, or table with a stiff brush to remove moss, lichen, and loose dirt.
  2. Use a garden hose to soak your furniture..
  3. Apply teak cleaner to the furniture with a sponge. Wear rubber gloves & safety goggles for your own safety.
  4. Leave the teak cleaner to soak for 4 or 5 minutes.
  5. Use a scouring pad to remove dirt - keep the sponge wet when doing this.
  6. Rinse off cleaner & leave to dry.
  7. Once dry, enjoy your freshly cleaned garden furniture.

How to Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic patio furniture is some of the most simple to clean, and due to the material you can use a variety of cleaning methods. From bleach solutions to vinegar mixtures, there are many options! The easiest way to clean this type of garden furniture is by using dish soap:

  1. Create a soapy mixture using dish soap and warm water.
  2. Use a sponge to clean your plastic furniture. Focus on removing dirt and debris.
  3. For dirt that is difficult to remove, you may wish to opt for a harder brush, such as a toothbrush to clean your garden furniture. 

Best Ways to Clean Rattan Garden Furniture

For those trying to create a super comfy outdoor space, rattan furniture is an excellent choice. Keeping rattan garden furniture clean is vital for ensuring you can relax on your daybeds and sunloungers.

  1. Remove furniture cushions before cleaning your rattan pieces. Follow instructions on your garden cushions to wash their covers.
  2. Use a stiff brush to remove any mud or dirt. The stiff bristles will help to loosen dirt from the texture of your rattan furniture.
  3. Use a vacuum to remove mud from tricky spots.
  4. Using a soapy liquid and a sponge, wipe away any build up of dirt. 
  5. Take your garden hose and rinse the suds away from your rattan furniture. 

When cleaning rattan garden furniture you should avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach as they can cause cracks in your pieces over time.

Clean Metal Garden Furniture in 4 Steps

Metal garden furniture gives a classic look to your outdoor space, and it can be made to look even better when cleaned! 

  1. Use dish soap mixed with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
  2. Using a soft brush or sponge, wipe away any dirt that’s on your metal furniture. 
  3. Use your hose to gently rinse the garden furniture after cleaning.
  4. To remove rust, you can cut a potato in half and use the raw edge as a scrubber. This naturally helps to remove rust. 

Be the Perfect Host with Clean Garden Furniture

Now your garden furniture is as clean as can be, it’s time to share your beautiful patio with friends and family. With comfortable furniture sets, you’ll be able to impress your guests with your cooking skills on a gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ as they relax on your clean furniture. 

Introducing Van Hage

We have over 60 years in the leisure and gardening industry. Transform your outdoor space into a calming oasis with our range of cocoon chairs, terracotta pots, and outdoor heating.