Once you’ve brought your garden furniture back out into the daylight after a long winter, it might be looking a little worse for wear. But fear not. With a little love and care, you can freshen it up just in time for long days whiled away in the sun…
• For wooden furniture, start by dusting off any excess debris that has built up. Then, clean the furniture with soapy water and a scrubbing brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before lightly sanding down rough areas. Protect the wood and preserve the colour by treating it with a sealant. This should be done every couple of years to keep the wood looking its best.
• Metal furniture can be prone to rust and oxidisation, so taking extra care of it is of the utmost importance. Grab yourself a cloth and some mild soapy water and wipe down to clean before rinsing. Avoid abrasive scrubbers as they can easily scratch the surface. If your furniture is wrought iron, it’s a good idea to give it a fresh lick of specialist metal paint and finish off with a protective coat of wax.
• To clean wicker furniture, use a bristle brush attachment to vacuum the furniture and remove excess dust. Use a toothbrush or even tweezers to target any hard-to-reach areas that are trapping dirt. If your wicker is synthetic, you can wipe it down with water and detergent, but be careful if it’s painted as the water may strip the paint off. Dry with a hairdryer, fan or outdoors if it’s a sunny day.
• Don't forget - while treated wooden and metal furniture can be left out during the winter, wicker furniture should be brought indoors or covered as bad weather can eventually cause the fibres to rot.
For more tips on refreshing your outdoor space, check out our ideas for preparing your garden for summer. Why not add a summerhouse, plant some trees, or just give your shed a lick of paint.