6 minute read -
Cleaning Garden Furniture: Method and Care for Each Material
Clean garden furniture with lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft brush, then rinse it well and let everything dry. Wood, plastic, metal and wicker each need a slightly different approach and aftercare. A pressure washer can help, but only on low pressure from a distance, and never on natural rattan.
Below you will find how to go about cleaning garden furniture for each material, how to deal with mould on cushions and how to get your set ready for winter.
What will you learn in this article?
- What do you need to clean garden furniture?
- Can you use a pressure washer on garden furniture?
- How do you clean plastic garden chairs?
- How do you clean wooden garden furniture?
- How do you clean metal garden furniture and keep it rust-free?
- How do you clean wicker and rattan?
- How do you wash garden cushions and remove mould?
- How often should you clean garden furniture?
- How do you get garden furniture ready for winter?
- Frequently asked questions about cleaning garden furniture
- In short: cleaning garden furniture
What do you need to clean garden furniture?
- A bucket of lukewarm water
- A mild, biodegradable detergent or a cleaner made for the material (wood cleaner, plastic cleaner)
- A soft brush, a sponge and a microfibre cloth
- A garden hose or a pressure washer with adjustable pressure
- If needed, a green algae remover
- Gloves
Put the furniture somewhere the dirty water can do no harm, for example on the lawn or on a patio you are going to clean afterwards anyway. Ideally work on a dry, overcast day, so the cleaner does not dry on in bright sunshine.
Can you use a pressure washer on garden furniture?
That depends on the material:
| Material | Pressure washer? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Yes, on low pressure | Not too close, or you get rough patches |
| Powder-coated aluminium or steel | Yes, on low pressure | Do not aim at damaged coating |
| Hardwood (teak, eucalyptus) | Limited | High pressure makes the wood rough and furry |
| Synthetic wicker | Carefully, on low pressure | Avoid loose strands of weave |
| Natural rattan or cane | No | Too much water makes it swell and split |
Start on the lowest setting and keep well back. Check the effect on an inconspicuous spot first. With a cordless pressure washer such as the Batavia Nexxforce you can adjust the pressure to suit the material. Often a garden hose and a brush are enough.
How do you clean plastic garden chairs?
- Brush off loose dirt and cobwebs.
- Wash the chairs with water and a mild detergent, using a soft brush or sponge.
- Remove green algae with a green algae remover or a solution of soda crystals; leave it to work for a while and rinse.
- Rinse well and let the chairs dry.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. They roughen the surface, so dirt gets into it more easily. White chairs that stay grey have often been weathered by UV light. A plastic cleaner or polish can help, but they rarely become truly white again.
How do you clean wooden garden furniture?
- Brush off dry dirt.
- Use a wood cleaner as directed on the packaging and scrub along the grain.
- Rinse with the garden hose and let the wood dry for at least a day.
- Lightly sand any wood that has gone rough with 120 to 180 grit.
- Then apply oil or stain to protect the wood.
Teak and other hardwoods turn silver-grey on their own. That is not dirt but a natural patina, and it does no harm. If you want the original colour back, use a teak cleaner followed by teak oil. Softwood such as pine needs a protective coat regularly, or it will rot.
How do you clean metal garden furniture and keep it rust-free?
- Wash aluminium and coated steel with soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Rinse and dry with a cloth to avoid water spots.
- Check the coating for damage. Lightly sand small rust spots with fine sandpaper or a small wire brush.
- Touch up the spot with a rust-inhibiting primer and paint in the right colour.
- A coat of car wax or metal wax helps water bead off.
Wrought iron and steel without a good coating rust quickly. The sooner you treat a spot, the smaller the job. For larger patches, our guide on how to remove rust from metal goes through the options.
How do you clean wicker and rattan?
On garden sets, wicker is usually synthetic weave. Vacuum or brush it first, then wash it with soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse with the garden hose and let it dry thoroughly.
Natural rattan and cane are more delicate. Use as little water as possible: a damp cloth with a mild soapy solution, then let it dry quickly in the shade. Natural rattan is not meant to stay outside all year round.
How do you wash garden cushions and remove mould?
- Check the care label first. Removable covers can often go in the washing machine on a delicates programme.
- Brush off cushions that cannot be washed and clean them with soapy water and a cloth.
- Treat mould spots with a product suitable for outdoor fabrics. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Let cushions dry completely before you store them. Storing them damp is the main cause of mould.
How often should you clean garden furniture?
A thorough clean is usually needed twice a year: in spring when you put the furniture back out, and in autumn before you store it. In between, wipe it with a damp cloth, especially after a spell of heavy pollen or bird droppings. Furniture under trees needs cleaning more often.
How do you get garden furniture ready for winter?
- Clean everything and let it dry thoroughly.
- Treat wood with oil or stain if needed.
- Store cushions dry and well ventilated, preferably indoors.
- Put the furniture in a shed or garage. If that is not possible, use a breathable cover and do not stand the furniture directly on wet ground.
- Fold and stack chairs so that water cannot collect in them.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning garden furniture
What is the best product for cleaning garden furniture?
For most furniture, lukewarm water with a mild detergent is enough. Use a wood cleaner for wood and a dedicated product for green algae. Choose a biodegradable product where you can, because the rinse water ends up in your garden.
Can I use bleach on white garden chairs?
Better not. Bleach can damage plastic and is bad for the plants and soil life in your garden. A plastic cleaner or a solution of soda crystals usually works well enough.
Do I need to oil teak garden furniture?
You do not have to. Untreated teak turns grey but stays strong. If you do oil it, you keep the warm colour, but you will need to repeat it every season.
How do I get green algae off wooden furniture?
Brush the algae loose, use a wood cleaner or green algae remover and rinse well. Let the wood dry, lightly sand rough patches and then protect it with oil or stain.
In short: cleaning garden furniture
Lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft brush will clean most garden furniture. Adapt the aftercare to the material: oil or stain for wood, a touch-up and wax for metal, and very little water for natural rattan. Use a pressure washer only on low pressure, and store everything clean and dry for the winter.