The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Garden Furniture

There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors with family and friends, but before you fire up the barbecue or settle in for a sunny afternoon, it’s important to give your garden furniture a little TLC. Over time, outdoor furniture can gather dust, dirt and mildew, leaving your patio set or garden sofa looking tired and worn. A good clean not only freshens up your outdoor space but also helps extend the life of your furniture, keeping it looking its best year after year.

Here at ATM Living, we believe your outdoor space should be as inviting and comfortable as your home’s interior. That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you clean and care for all types of garden furniture. From weathered wooden benches to modern metal bistro sets and cushioned loungers, whether you’re preparing for a garden party or just freshening up your patio for everyday use, these easy tips and tricks will have your furniture sparkling clean in no time.

How do you clean dirty garden furniture?

Due to the nature of outdoor furniture, it is often difficult to avoid dirt from accumulating over time. Although you can choose to use garden furniture covers or store pieces indoors to prevent prolonged exposure to the elements, it is still likely that your furniture will get dirty at some point.

Knowing how to effectively clean different types of garden furniture is key to prolonging the life and look of your pieces, to keep your outdoor space looking its best.

How to clean wooden garden furniture

Wooden garden furniture brings a beautiful, natural look to your garden, but it can weather and fade quickly if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning and the occasional treatment of your wooden furniture will keep it looking warm and inviting for years to come. The best way to clean wooden garden pieces is to use a damp cloth, then treat with an appropriate oil or wood preservative.

Before cleaning, make sure to dust off any leaves, dirt and cobwebs, then gently wipe down the furniture with a damp cloth, following the wood grain. Leave to air dry in the shade to prevent any sun damage. We advise against using any detergents, abrasive brushes or a pressure washer. 

London 4 Seat Square Folding Dining Set 

How to clean rattan garden furniture

Rattan furniture, both natural and synthetic, adds rustic charm to your outdoor space but requires gentle, regular care to prevent dirt from building up in its woven design. To effectively clean this type of furniture, you will need a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment, a cloth or sponge, and clean water.

First, start by removing any fabric cushions from the furniture - these pieces can be cleaned separately, which we will outline below. Then, use a soft brush or vacuum off as much dust and dirt from the rattan as possible, this will be easiest if you use a brush attachment to help you get into all of the crevices effectively.

 

Wipe down the rest of the furniture with a warm, soapy cloth, using a soft small brush if necessary to reach between the woven areas. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth afterwards, being careful to avoid soaking natural rattan as it can warp. Leave to air dry completely before using.

Winchester Royal U-Shaped Sofa Set with Fire Pit 

How to clean aluminium garden furniture

Aluminium furniture is generally low-maintenance and very easy to clean, making it a great addition to any outdoor space. We recommended cleaning this type of furniture using warm soapy water and a sponge. A soft cloth can then be used afterwards to dry the area, or you can leave to air dry for an hour. 

Manhattan 8 Seat Dining Set

How to clean fabric on outdoor furniture?

Whether you have a full set of fabric garden furniture or cushions on your rattan, wooden and metal styles, knowing how to properly clean fabric is vital to keeping your outdoor sets looking their best for a long time. 

Outdoor cushions are designed using fabrics that are made to handle the elements, however, they still need regular cleaning to stay fresh, colourful, and free from mildew. In some instances, if you are in an area of extreme wet weather, it may be necessary to store your cushions and fabric items indoors or in a waterproof storage box when not in use to keep them cleaner for longer. For cushions that are not made from outdoor fabric we recommend keeping them indoors when not in use, and cleaning with warm soapy water and a cloth when necessary.

When it comes to cleaning the fabric, make sure to always check the care label for specific washing instructions. In general, to clean outdoor fabric furniture, use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any dirt or dust first. Then, you can use a jet washer on a soft or low setting to tackle any tough dirt, but keep in mind not to use it too close to the furniture so as not to cause any damage.

Maintain your outdoor space with ATM Living

If you’re looking to extend the life of your garden furniture to help maintain a pristine outdoor space, we’re here to help. Browse through our full range of outdoor furniture covers, dining sets and lounge furniture to find the perfect pieces to curate a relaxing outdoor area.