As we emerge, battered and soaked, from the UK’s winter months, sunnier days are on the horizon. Spring brings warmer temperatures, meaning those lucky enough to have gardens or patios will be able to stretch their legs and enjoy the springtime fresh air from the comfort of our garden chairs and loungers. Without proper storage, you may find that your garden furniture needs a little TLC before it’s fit for the Spring sunshine. 

Proper cleaning of your wooden garden furniture can not only give it a refresh, but it will also prevent structural deterioration and help it to last as long as possible. In just a few minutes, you’ll save time and money in the long run and restore your pride in your garden. We have included a comprehensive guide for cleaning your wooden garden furniture for Spring. The best way to protect your furniture is to find a secure, dry, and climate controlled storage location. Easistore’s household storage can help. Get a quote to see how you can offer your garden furniture the best protection possible in Autumn and Winter.

How to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture

Cleaning wooden garden furniture is vital to ensure the structural integrity of the tables and chairs in your garden remains intact. While wind and damp may not have an immediate effect, damp and dirt can work away joins and screws until furniture breaks or becomes unusable. It’s also good to clean wooden garden furniture to maintain the colour and pattern in the wood.

 

Step 1: Brush

Once all soft furnishings are safely out of the way, you can begin to do a thorough brushing of your wooden furniture items. Cobwebs, dirt, leaves and more are bound to have collected your chairs and tables, particularly when left outside during Winter. This can be done with a sturdy brush or even with a hoover. Removing this debris and dust will make the rest of the cleaning process much more efficient and ensure none of this is caked to the wooden planks and beams when it comes to washing said furniture items.

 

Step 2: Scrub

Using warm water and soap, it’s time to get to work on the tougher stains and mud that might have worked their way into the wooden grain. Soaps with a neutral pH, such as washing up liquid, are ideal for cleaning and not damaging your wooden garden furniture. With a finer brush, you can get into all the smaller gaps and cracks where dust and dirt will collect to ensure these areas are well maintained. Pay special attention to joints and screws, as these could become problematic if weakened by the weather. 

After you are sure that all areas have been cleaned, hose down all areas of the table or chair. If soap suds are left to sit, this could make existing damp even worse, so it’s vital you are thorough with this step. 

Step 3: Dry

Dry furniture is just as important as clean wooden furniture when it comes to protecting your items for the future. Whether in the sun or in an indoor location, drying your furniture out will ensure no damage is caused by dampness within the material. 

Step 4: Treat

Hardwood furniture should also be protected using treating oil, like teak oil. This oil acts as a shield from the elements, keeping your furniture looking as good as new and avoiding any damage to the material. You’ll need a scrap of fabric or a rag to apply the oil, being careful to apply it in the same direction as the grain. One coat should be enough for most hardwoods, but if you want to apply two, ensure the first has dried beforehand.

How to Clean Algae off Garden Furniture

A big concern for wooden garden furniture that is left to the elements during Winter is algae. If furniture items are left damp and in shade, green algae has the ideal conditions to grow and cover large areas. These organisms attach to surfaces and make them extremely slippery, not to mention ruining the appearance of your expensive hardwood furniture and even leading to decay if not treated.

Algae is normally removed using the method described above, however, there are some alternative methods that ensure that the algae won’t return to your furniture.

• Baking Soda & White Vinegar: A solution of baking soda, white vinegar, and water can be applied and left to soak into your wooden garden furniture. Applying more solution, scrubbing at the algae, and rinsing the wood will banish the algae.
• Bleach: If adding bleach to your cleaning solution, make sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from this harsh chemical. Letting the bleach sit on the surface of algae-stained wood will ensure it can be scrubbed away with ease.
• Pressure Wash: If you don’t wish to use any chemical solutions, using a pressure washer will also remove any algae stains from your furniture. Be careful with weaker and more fragile pieces of garden furniture.

If you’re turning your eye to the rest of your garden, why not take a proper look at your garden shed? Our blog has a variety of tips on organising your garden shed ready for use in Spring and Summer.