IT MAY seem a long way off but it won’t be long before we’ll be sitting outside enjoying the spring weather.
However, there is nothing more disappointing than going to use your garden furniture to find that it’s covered in mould.
So if you have left your sunloungers to fester over the winter months, Lena Gierasinska has shared her expert tips with Barker and Stonehouse on furniture care and maintenance.
Lena says: “Garden furniture is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause significant wear and tear if not properly maintained.
“Rain, wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll on materials, leading to deterioration over time.
“Wooden furniture is particularly susceptible to moisture, which can cause rot, warping, or splitting, while metal pieces are at risk of rust and corrosion if they aren’t protected.
“Even synthetic materials like plastic or rattan can fade, crack, or become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight.”
Here Lena shares four jobs to get your furniture in top condition before Spring arrives.
Find time for a deep clean
Early spring is the perfect time to give your garden furniture a thorough clean, before the weather truly warms up and you start using it daily.
A deep clean with soapy water or specialist cleaner takes just an hour or two but will prevent mould, mildew, and dirt build-up, keeping your furniture looking its best all season.
For wooden furniture, use warm soapy water and a soft brush to lift dirt, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Metal furniture benefits from a wipe down with a damp cloth and rust treatment for any problem spots.
Rattan and plastic can be washed with a mild detergent and a hose, just avoid pressure washers, as they can weaken the material over time.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Stormy Weather: 7 Essential Garden Prep Steps” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6362999763112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Refresh wooden furniture
To keep your wooden garden furniture in top condition, regular care is essential and the best approach depends on the type of wood. Materials like polywood are the easiest to maintain, simply clean it with warm, soapy water as needed.
Teak should be washed occasionally with water and a soft brush to remove dirt, using a suitable teak cleaner once or twice a year and you should avoid power washers, as they can cause damage.
Acacia benefits from an annual light sanding and reapplication of a PU coating.
If your wooden furniture needs a refresh, aim to sand and re-coat it in March or April, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C but before the heat of summer.
Regularly tighten screws, and when not in use, protect the furniture with a weatherproof cover, ensuring it is clean, dry, and well-ventilated before covering. You must avoid storing acacia in artificially heated spaces, as temperature fluctuations can cause cracking and if left uncovered in extreme weather, it may fade over time.
For all wooden furniture, make sure to purchase protective mats for drinks or objects before the spring and summer months, which will help to prevent stains and damage.
Make repairs before the warmer months
Spring is the ideal time to check for loose screws, rust, or weather damage on metal and rattan furniture.
A quick maintenance check, taking no more than 30 minutes, can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs later in the season.
Tighten any loose screws and bolts to keep your furniture sturdy. For metal pieces, inspect for rust and treat it with a rust remover before applying a protective sealant.
Rattan furniture can sometimes unravel so use a strong adhesive to reattach any loose strands. Dealing with these small issues early means your furniture will be safe and comfortable when the warm weather arrives.
Protect furnishings from April showers
Investing in good-quality covers or storage solutions in early spring can save you time and money in the long run.
It only takes a few minutes to cover furniture when not in use, protecting it from April showers and extending its lifespan.
Choose breathable, waterproof covers that fit snugly but allow airflow to prevent condensation. If you have the space, storing cushions indoors or in a weatherproof storage box will keep them fresh and mould-free.