Treating your Garden Furniture this Winter!

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As the weather gets colder and the nights get shorter, sadly it’s time to retire our garden furniture for the winter.  There are a few things you have to do before storing it away to ensure that it is in the best condition for next year. All garden furniture needs some love from time to time to keep it in prime condition for years to come.  The team at British Garden Centres has put together some advice on how to prepare and care for your furniture over the coming weeks.

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When to clean

We all know that the British weather can be unpredictable but choose a dry and calm day before the frost comes in, preferably with some sun so your furniture can dry once you’ve cleaned and treated it.

Brush and wipe down

To start, sweep down furniture with a soft brush to get rid of general garden debris that may have gathered over the seasons such as leaves, moss and seeds.  If you own a rattan set, make sure that you brush between the weaves to clear any build-up that may have occurred.

Next, clean down with a soft cloth and a bowl of warm, soapy water. We recommend using natural cleaning products, not harsh cleaning chemicals to avoid discolouration. For iron or aluminium garden furniture, white vinegar is a good aid to clean rust and polish the metal.

Leave in a sunny spot to let it dry completely.

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Cushions

Remove the cushion covers for washing. Brush off any debris that may have collected before washing on a delicate cycle to remove any marks or stains.  Leave to fully dry before putting it back on your cushions.  Store them inside your shed or garage during autumn and winter to ensure they stay in the best condition.

Check and Treat

If you own a wooden set of furniture, look out for when the water no longer beads on your furniture set. This means it is time to treat it with a quality garden furniture treatment such as teak oil to help extend the lifespan of your furniture set and protect it from the elements. Before putting your furniture away for the winter, carefully check for any hairline cracks and treat to prevent any further damage to the wood. If you have a rattan set, check that the weave is intact and tight before storing away.

Cover

If you can't store your garden furniture sets in an indoor space invest in a waterproof furniture cover. These are available from your local garden centre and are designed to fit a multitude of furniture from dining sets to bistro sets, benches and barbecues. If you do use a cover, be sure to regularly lift and waft the cover to allow air circulation and prevent mould and condensation.

By following our tips, your garden furniture set will last for years and be the perfect social space for friends and families for many summers to come.

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Thank you for reading

garden furniture, garden shop, garden tools