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Top 7 Garden Furniture Spring Cleaning Tips
Lifestyle
After months of rain and cold winter nights, it’s time to focus on your garden furniture as spring arrives. With better weather, longer evenings, and more days spent outdoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your garden. So, to help you get things spick and span, we’ve put together 7 spring cleaning tips that will have your outdoor furniture gleaming in no time. Whether it’s by placing your refreshed garden furniture under a lovely veranda, gorgeous pergola or sheltered carport, breathe some fresh air into your outdoor spaces this spring with our top tips.
Why you should clean your outdoor furniture
Keeping your garden furniture in ‘good nick’ is more important than you might think. A deep clean helps prevent damage and decay, keeping your furniture in top condition for longer. As a result, you’ll enjoy better longevity and spend less on replacements.
More than this, your garden is an extension of your home and deserves the same care as any other room. Architect and TV presenter George Clarke explains, “A building’s connection to the outside is incredibly important, and if you’ve got a beautiful garden, then of course you want to connect your interior space with the outside.” Properly maintaining your garden furniture allows you to make the most of your outdoor spaces, just as you do with your indoors.
Top 7 Garden Furniture Spring Cleaning Tips
1) Start by inspecting your garden furniture
Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to inspect your garden furniture. If it hasn’t been in use for a while, the harsh winter may have caused some wear and tear. Taking the time to check for damage now can help you avoid larger issues later. Look out for loose screws, dents, cracks, rust, or any other signs of damage. If you find anything, addressing it now will prevent small problems from developing into bigger ones. With aluminium furniture, scuffs and marks may be harder to spot, but it’s still essential to identify and clean them where necessary.
2) Remove dirt and debris
It may seem obvious, but removing leaves, stones, and twigs that accumulate around your garden furniture is crucial to the cleaning process. Clearing these away will make the rest of the deep clean much easier. A leaf blower can help but be cautious not to blow dirt onto fragile items. Your outdoor dining table, being large and centrally positioned, tends to gather grime, so be sure to clean it thoroughly.
If possible, also clean your roof and gutters; there’s nothing more frustrating than having all your hard work undone by a gust of wind that dumps a winter’s worth of dirt onto your freshly cleaned furniture. To avoid this, consider adding a pergola to your outdoor space. A bespoke aluminium pergola not only offers reliable shade and shelter for entertaining throughout the year but it also helps protect your garden furniture from the elements. With its robust, weather-resistant design, it will reduce the amount of debris falling onto your furniture and keep your outdoor area looking tidy for longer.
3) Use a pressure washer gently
Powerful, fast and efficient, a pressure washer is brilliant at removing mud and muck quickly, so it seems ideal to wash your garden furniture with, right? Well yes but, be careful, as the powerful jets can damage softer materials like rattan, glass, and certain types of wood. Aluminium, on the other hand, can withstand a moderate jet wash, as can decking and concrete. Just to be safe, use a wide spray nozzle to ensure the pressure is distributed evenly and not concentrated on one spot.
4) Refresh with a coat of paint
It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! If your outdoor furniture is chipped, faded, or simply in need of a refresh, grab your paintbrush and get started. Be sure to use weather-resistant paint, as it will significantly extend the life of your furniture and save you money in the long run. Before you begin painting, make sure your garden furniture is thoroughly cleaned, and remember to let the paint dry completely before placing it back under your aluminium veranda or pergola.
5) Deep clean your Rattan
Rattan furniture is the obvious choice when it comes to fitting out your outdoor spaces. It looks great on patios, decks and under beautifully bright garden pergolas. It’s stylish and elegant but also very practical, thanks to its flexibility, durability, and water resistance. However, this also makes it a bit more difficult to clean, with dust and dirt finding its way into every crevice. To combat this, simply use a soft brush to sweep away any surface grime, before wiping it down with a damp cloth and some mild detergent.
6) Outdoor furniture covers are key
Once your garden furniture is cleaned, it won’t stay spotless for long without the right protection; this is where outdoor furniture covers come in. These covers protect your furniture from rain, leaves, pollen, and other natural stains, so you won’t need to clean as often. We recommend choosing covers that are both strong and breathable to avoid moisture buildup, which could cause long-term damage.
But not everything can be covered, which is where outdoor structures like aluminium pergolas and carports really shine. These structures offer reliable shelter and are built to last, standing up to the weather while keeping your furniture in terrific condition throughout the year.
On top of that, aluminium pergolas and carports are a fantastic investment. Properties with ample parking or sheltered storage are always more attractive to potential buyers. Here at Exterior Spaces, our bespoke aluminium pergolas and carports not only protect your furniture but also give your exterior a significant upgrade. Whether you choose a fixed or bioclimatic pergola, or a single or double carport, we have over 200 colour options and fantastic upgrades like built-in heaters, LED lighting, and sound systems, meaning there is something to suit all preferences. Built to withstand the elements, these structures provide durability and shelter, all while giving your home a polished, modern look that’s sure to impress.
7) Keep your greenery tidy
All it takes is one blustery day for your garden to be filled with leaves and plant debris, so staying on top of tree and hedge maintenance is essential. By trimming everything early, before it gets out of control, you can avoid a lot of hassle and help protect your garden furniture from unnecessary damage. A helpful tip is to check for broken branches before you begin, as these can be easily removed and disposed of. Don’t forget to prepare for the upcoming spring growth, and keep your green fingers busy with these important gardening tasks.
Why You Should Invest in Quality Garden Furniture
Investing in quality garden furniture ensures your outdoor space is both comfortable and durable, ready to stand up to the unpredictable Great British weather. Materials like aluminium, teak, and synthetic wicker are excellent choices for long-term use outside. In larger spaces, deep-seated sectionals or a spacious dining table create a welcoming setting for gatherings, while compact, multi-purpose pieces are ideal for smaller areas. At our Leeds showroom, we showcase Garden Trading’s collection of natural-material furniture, renowned for its durability and comfort. This exclusive range offers luxury options that withstand the changing seasons, bringing a refined touch to your outdoor space.
Final thoughts
Spring may not stick around for long in the UK, so it’s important to make the most of it while it’s here. Giving your garden furniture a thorough spring clean is a simple but effective way to breathe new life into your outdoor space. If you’re looking to take things a step further, why not consider adding a bioclimatic pergola from Exterior Spaces? Our top-quality pergolas, carports, and verandas are built to last and designed to withstand whatever the British weather throws at them.
If you’re near Leeds, why not pop into our showroom, just minutes from the M62 and M621? Our expert team is on hand to help you explore a range of outdoor structures, including premium aluminium pergolas and verandas, all designed to improve your outdoor living experience. With the right care and investment in quality furniture and structures, your outdoor space can be enjoyed year-round.
