All you need to care for your wooden garden furniture is a soft brush and a special cleaner. Remember to rinse and dry them well before staining or refinishing. After removing all the dirt, rinse the surface with a garden hose. Ditch the pressure washer, which can remove the existing finish. Check out how to professionally care for garden chairs, tables and sofas in the winter.
Give your wooden furniture a good wash once a year to rid it of algae and bird droppings. Remember this, especially if you have placed them under a tree. Dirt holds moisture much longer than a clean surface. It is worth remembering that moisture leads to rotting of wooden furniture. It also creates favorable conditions for the growth of fungi and mold. Oak furniture shows the greatest resistance to harsh winter conditions. So, they don’t need complicated maintenance procedures. You do not need to apply a layer of tung oil, or use special chemicals
How to care for garden chairs in winter? Store your iron or steel furniture in a shed or garage before winter arrives. If you don’t have this option, put special waterproof covers on them. After removing all the cushions, clean the furniture with soap and water. Rinse them with clean water from the hose. If you notice any rust stains, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible
Aluminum furniture doesn’t rust, but that doesn’t mean you can skip maintaining it. Remove any dirt and leaves with a nylon bristle brush. Then use hot soapy water. This will get rid of even stubborn stains. Remember to thoroughly rinse, polish and protect each piece. Avoid sandpaper, as it can damage the surface of your furniture. Finally, apply one or two coats of car wax to give your furniture extra protection.
You can easily clean plastic garden equipment with hot water mixed with soap or detergent. If you use stronger cleaners, be sure to wear rubber gloves, a ventilation mask and goggles. Do not use steel wool or sandpaper.
Cleaning wicker or rattan patio furniture is a little more complicated. Start with a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle equipped with a soft brush. This will get rid of dirt and dust from hard-to-reach places. Next, wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth and see if it needs any more work. You can sand down the pieces and then refinish or paint them. This will protect them from the elements. Remember to clean wicker and rattan furniture regularly to prevent mold from forming. While such furniture looks beautiful, you may want to store it in the garage, gazebo, shed or guest room during the winter. This way you can enjoy them for many years
If you have cushions with removable covers, read the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Make sure you can take them off and put them in the washing machine. Set a gentle cycle to avoid damaging them. Read the label information carefully. See if you can add bleach to kill mold. If you can’t machine wash your pillows, use a dry cloth and a sturdy brush to apply a mild detergent. Be careful not to damage the seams and fabric
Even if the manufacturer suggests you can put the covers in the dryer, it’s better to let them dry outdoors. Then place them on your pillows and lay them loosely in a clean, dry place (not on the floor). For winter, put the pillows in a waterproof bag or plastic box. You can wrap them in old blankets or sheets beforehand to reduce the risk of mold.
If you have a hammock made of linen or fabric, you can put it in the washing machine and then pour in washing liquid. Or you can use warm soapy water, a brush and liquid detergent. Later, you need to lay it on a flat surface such as concrete or patio. When it dries, fold it carefully and store it indoors
