Cleaning and maintaining wooden garden furniture will help to preserve its appearance, longevity and durability so you can enjoy your outdoor space for years to come. While wooden garden furniture brings a natural, elegant and timeless feel to outdoor areas, it is also vulnerable to dirt, grime and exposure to the elements.
Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, grime and dust that tends to gather on the surface and cause discolouration and deterioration over time. Cleaning also help the wood from weather damage, including cracking, warping and rotting.
It is also essential to inspect your furniture during the cleaning process as it helps to detect any potential damage or wear, such as loose joints or splintered wood. Addressing these issues early on not only prevents further damage but also ensures the safety and functionality of your furniture.
Steps for regularly cleaning your wooden outdoor furniture
Before cleaning, gather all necessary materials, such as a soft brush or sponge, mild detergent or specialised cleaner for wooden surfaces, water, a bucket to hold the cleaning solution and a hose or a bucket for rinsing.
We recommend selecting a suitable cleaning space, preferably a large outdoor area, to ensure the furniture can be cleaned without harming nearby objects or surfaces.
Here is a comprehensive list of the items and steps for how to use them:
- Prepare a bucket of warm water to serve as your cleaning solution.
- To create the cleaning solution, mix a small amount of mild soap or detergent with warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the wood.
- A soft-bristle brush is recommended for scrubbing away dirt, debris and stains from the furniture surface. This type of brush is gentle yet effective in removing grime.
- Wipe down the furniture using a microfibre cloth to remove any remaining dirt or cleaning solution. Microfibre is ideal for cleaning wooden furniture as it is soft and non-abrasive.
- Use a bucket or a garden hose to rinse off the furniture to remove any loosened dirt and residue.
- If your wooden garden furniture has a protective coating, consider applying a wood sealer or protective finish after cleaning to help maintain its integrity and longevity.
- Allow the furniture to air dry.
How to remove stains
Before treating the stain, identify if it is a stain from food, oil, water or other sources.
- Combine warm water with a gentle detergent to make the appropriate cleaning solution. For tough stains, you can also try mixing equal parts of vinegar and water.
- Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous furniture area to ensure it doesn't harm the wood.
- Dip a soft brush or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the stain in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too roughly to avoid harming the wood.
- Once the stain has been scrubbed, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
- Allow the furniture to thoroughly air dry.
How to remove mildew
- Before treating the mildew, thoroughly inspect the wooden furniture for any indications of damage or decay. In cases of extensive damage caused by mildew, repairing or replacing affected parts may be necessary.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal amounts of water and vinegar in a bucket or spray bottle. Vinegar's acidic properties effectively eliminate and remove mildew and help break down stains.
- Using a sponge or soft brush, gently scrub the areas affected by mildew with the cleaning solution. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the furniture.
- After scrubbing, rinse the furniture with clean water to eliminate residue and vinegar scent.
- Allow the furniture to dry in the fresh air.
- To prevent the growth of mildew in the future, regularly clean and maintain your wooden garden furniture. Keep it properly covered or stored during heavy rain or high humidity.
