GARDEN FURNITURE CARE GUIDE

Caring for your garden furniture

Our garden furniture is designed to withstand the elements, but a little care goes a long way. To help ensure your furniture continues to look beautiful and perform brilliantly year after year, we’ve put together some key cleaning and maintenance guidelines for you to follow.

GENERAL CARE ADVICE

You’ll find detailed care information for each type of garden furniture material below, but these basic rules apply to all outdoor furniture:
  • REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Inspect and care for your furniture at least once a year. Regularly check all fittings, joints, and fixings, and re-tighten where necessary.
  • COVER FURNITURE WHEN NOT IN USE: Always cover all pieces (including coffee tables and side tables) when they’re not in use. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering to help prevent mould and water marks. Choose a suitable cover that is breathable and allows ventilation.
  • CUSHION STORAGE: Always remove cushions before covering furniture. Store them in a cool, dry, watertight and ventilated space, ensuring they are fully dry first.
  • WINTER STORAGE: During off-season periods, we advise that you store furniture in a cool, dry, ventilated, and watertight space, such as a shed or garage. Avoid damp environments and artificially heated areas.
  • FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Retain care documents supplied with your furniture and always check care labels before cleaning or treating any material.
  • EVERYDAY USE AND PROTECTION

  • PROTECT SURFACES: Use placemats, coasters, and protective mats, and mop up spills immediately to avoid staining or surface damage.
  • SEVERE WEATHER: Move furniture indoors or into sheltered storage during extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or even high temperatures.
  • MOVING FURNITURE: Always lift furniture when repositioning it – never drag it, as this can damage the joints, frames, and feet.
  • SAFE USE: Do not sit on the arms of chairs or sofas, and never sit or stand on tables. Contact with cigarette ashes or sparks should be avoided.
  • CLEANING: Always check that cleaning products are suitable for your furniture before use and test on an inconspicuous area first. Do not use silicone-based furniture polishes. We do not recommend the use of high-pressure hoses on your garden furniture.
  • Engineered Wood & Wood-Printed Finishes

    Your furniture can be cleaned with a damp soapy cloth, before being left to dry fully. We don’t recommend using any abrasive substances as these may scratch the surface.

    In order to prolong the life of your garden furniture, we recommend that you cover it when not in use, and store it away in a dry and protected area during off-season periods. Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.

    Synthetic Rattan, Wicker & Bamboo Furniture

    We recommend cleaning your rattan furniture every 1 to 3 months to avoid bacteria or mould building up. Dust and debris can be washed away as needed with a clean damp cloth, or soapy water.

    A soft non-abrasive brush or tweezers can be used to clean in between crevices, but take care not to damage the weave.
    Your furniture should be thoroughly rinsed and dried with a dry cloth. Alternatively, leave your furniture to dry in a well ventilated area.
    Please note:
  • We do not recommend using a pressure washer to clean rattan garden furniture.
  • Aggressive detergents or abrasive materials may scratch the surfaces of your furniture.
  • Reflective objects such as glasses or bottles can damage synthetic rattan when placed in direct sunlight.
  • Do not place extremely hot or cold items directly on to your furniture, instead use a trivet or placemat.
  • Most synthetic rattan furniture can be left outdoors throughout the year, but we recommend bringing it indoors during extreme weather such as high winds or freezing temperatures.
  • Leaving your furniture in freezing temperatures may lead to breakage, as the cold can cause plastic to harden.
  • Always cover your furniture when not in use, especially during periods of rain or extreme heat. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering to help prevent mould and water marks. Choose a suitable cover that is breathable and allows ventilation. Always remove cushions before covering.
  • Hardwood Furniture

    Wood is a natural material, and its appearance will change over time – even with the use of a furniture cover. Finishes will fade in places and may become grey in colour. To restore the finish, the furniture needs to be sanded and oiled at least once a year. You may wish to do this when you first bring your furniture out of storage for the new spring/summer season.
    Please note:
  • Rainwater will leave marks if wooden furniture is uncovered.
  • Sunlight may cause finishes to fade over time.
  • TEAK

    It’s advisable to wash your teak garden furniture occasionally with only water and a soft brush. Any accumulated dirt should be washed away once or twice a year using a suitable teak cleaner, such as the Pacific Hardwood Cleaner we have available to purchase in our stores and online.
    Please note:
  • Teak furniture should not be cleaned with a power washer.
  • Teak wood requires ventilation, so a watertight shed or garage is preferable if you intend to store your furniture away.
  • Always cover your furniture when not in use, especially during periods of rain or extreme heat. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering to help prevent mould and water marks. Choose a suitable cover that is breathable and allows ventilation. Always remove cushions before covering.
  • Teak wood may become sun bleached if not stored away during scorching weather.
  • We recommend the use of protective mats for any drinks or objects placed upon your teak furniture.
  • ACACIA

  • Always cover your furniture when not in use, especially during periods of rain or extreme heat. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering to help prevent mould and water marks. Choose a suitable cover that is breathable and allows ventilation. Always remove cushions before covering.
  • We do not recommend storing your acacia furniture in an artificially heated space.
  • Acacia wood may become sun bleached if not regularly covered or stored away during scorching weather.
  • Outdoor Fabrics & Cushions

    Aluminium Furniture & Frames

    Dust your aluminium furniture with a clean cloth before washing with warm soapy water. The solution can be left to work for a few minutes if needed, then rinsed well. When left to dry naturally, your aluminium frames should be dry within an hour.
    Please note:
  • Aggressive detergents can ruin the surface paint of your aluminium garden furniture.
  • Aluminium should be covered or stored away when not in use. Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.
  • If your furniture will be placed in a highly saline environment, such as by the sea, a specially treated paint may be required to protect it.
  • We advise storing your furniture inside during periods of harsh weather.
  • Outdoor fabrics are designed to withstand the elements. We advise cleaning your fabrics with water and mild soap regularly to wash away any dirt and keep it looking fresh, but do check care labels first as fabrics treated with stain-resistant coating may only be cleaned with water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.

    Most outdoor cushions are not suitable for machine washing or tumble drying. They should be spot cleaned only. Please refer to specific care instructions.

    Always treat spillages immediately with a clean damp cloth. Do not rub spills into the fabric. Instead, blot the liquid. Gel based spills such as ketchup should be left to solidify, so you can then carefully scrape it from the surface.
    Tough stains may require treatment with a mild bleach solution, but please do seek professional advice beforehand.
    Please note:
  • Bird droppings should be removed from your furniture immediately to avoid staining.
  • Aggressive detergents or abrasive materials may damage your furniture.
  • We recommend storing outdoor cushions away when not in use. A suitable cushion bag is ideal, but polythene bags should be avoided as they can cause mould.
  • Always remove cushions before covering furniture to avoid water stains. Store them in a cool, dry, watertight, and ventilated space, ensuring they are fully dry first.
  • Rope & Crochet Furniture

    You may wish to treat rope garden furniture or crochet materials with a fabric and upholstery protector for added resistance against stains. For spot cleaning, apply soapy water and use a soft cloth to gently work the solution in. Rinse thoroughly, blot away any excess moisture, and leave to air dry.
    Please note:
  • Excessive scrubbing or harsh tools can permanently damage rope and crochet.
  • We do not recommend using a high-pressure hose on your furniture.
  • Always cover your furniture when not in use, especially during periods of rain or extreme heat. Ensure furniture is completely dry before covering to help prevent mould and water marks. Choose a suitable cover that is breathable and allows ventilation. Always remove cushions before covering.
  • We recommend that you move your furniture indoors for the winter, or during periods of adverse weather.
  • Glass

    To keep your glass tabletops looking their best, simply spray with a suitable glass cleaner and buff with a soft cloth. Use a separate damp cloth to polish, then leave to dry.

    Always protect your tabletops with placemats or trivets, and never sit or stand on them. Please note that under intense sunlight, glass tabletops can act as a magnifying lens, focusing sunlight into a hot spot that may damage nearby materials. This can be avoided with the use of furniture covers or a parasol, or by keeping your furniture in a shaded area.

    As with all outdoor furniture – we recommend keeping it covered when not in use, and bringing it indoors during extreme weather.

    Faux Stone, Concrete & Glazed Surfaces

    The following care information applies to items featuring faux stone (including sintered stone, faux travertine and faux marble), and glazed tiles.

    To keep your furniture looking its best, clean surfaces gently using a soft cloth and a solution of mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and never use a pressure washer, as these can cause damage.

    We recommend keeping your furniture covered when not in use, and bringing it indoors for extra protection during extreme weather conditions. Always remove cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.

    Fiberglass

    Fiberglass garden furniture should be cleaned regularly to get rid of any accumulated dirt. Use a simple solution of warm water and mild soap, and wash with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly to finish. Bird droppings should be removed immediately to avoid staining

    In order to prolong the life of your product, we recommend that you cover your furniture when it’s not in use, and store it away in a dry and protected area during off-season periods. Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.

    Glass-reinforced concrete

    We recommend that you apply a natural wax twice a year to preserve the concrete’s finish and weather resistance.

    For tough stains or surface dirt, use a mild household cleaner or liquid soap free from abrasive chlorine, bleach, or ammonia. To remove chalk, dust, or debris from fibre cement cladding, simply rinse with water and a soft clean cloth.

    In order to prolong the life of your product, we recommend that you cover your furniture when it’s not in use, and store it away in a dry and protected area during off-season periods. Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.

    Plastic

    This information applies to plastic materials such as polypropylene, resin and recycled plastic.

    Plastics can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a non-aggressive detergent diluted in water. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials or equipment. Rinse with plenty of water and dry with a dry cloth.

    When not in use outdoors, it is advisable to cover your furniture to protect it from sun, wind, rain, frost, tree sap and bird droppings. During harsh weather conditions, we recommend bringing your furniture indoors for extra protection.

     Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.

    Parasols & Parasol Bases

    To keep your parasol looking its best, wash the fabric occasionally with a sponge, mild soap and lukewarm water. Dirt and dust can be cleaned away with a soft brush as needed. Aluminium parts should be wiped down with a damp cloth.

    Your parasol base should be regularly maintained to ensure optimum performance. Any rusting to stainless steel tubes can be removed with a suitable stainless steel cleaner.
    Please note:
  • Screws and fixtures should be tightened regularly.
  • You must ensure the parasol is clear of obstructions when opening or closing it.
  • We recommend closing your parasol when not in use, and during high winds.
  • Once wet, your parasol should be left open and allowed to dry fully.
  • Your parasol should be covered and stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. Always ensure your parasol is fully dry before covering.
  • We recommend covering your parasol base during winter months, or bringing it indoors for better protection.
  • Parasol bases require at least 2 adults to move.
  • Handles are not intended for lifting the bases off the ground.
  • We advise lifting your parasol base, rather than dragging it, across any bumpy areas to avoid damage.
  • Brakes should always be applied when your parasol is in position.
  • Fire Pits

    Proper care and regular maintenance will keep your fire pit furniture in top condition and ensure it lasts for many years to come. You can find more info in our handy guide on how to use a fire pit.

    As with all outdoor furniture, we recommend covering it when not in use (once fully cooled) and bringing it indoors during extreme weather conditions. Always remove any cushions before covering, and ensure you use a breathable cover that allows ventilation.
    To clean exterior surfaces:
  • Use warm soapy water, never use flammable/corrosive cleaning agents.
  • Make sure you keep the area around the burner dry.
  • Do not submerge the control valve in water, if this occurs do not use it as it must be replaced.
  • FIRE PIT SAFETY

  • You must wait until your fire pit is fully cooled before cleaning, storing or covering it.
  • You must always place a lid or protective cover on the heating element when not in use.
  • You must make sure the stones are dry before lighting.
  • You must not leave the fire pit connected to the gas bottle when not in use.
  • For any in-depth maintenance, damage, or repairs, we recommend you seek professional advice from a qualified gas engineer.
  • Watch out for:
  • Gas odour with extreme yellow tipped flames.
  • The firepit not reaching the desired temperature.
  • The firepit making popping noises.
  • Obstructions to the burner or air vents.
  • Spiders or insects nesting in the burner.
  • Furniture Covers

    We recommend covering your garden furniture with a suitable cover whenever it isn’t in use, to protect it from premature aging from the elements.

    Your outdoor furniture covers should be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft sponge. Please allow the cover to dry before using it or storing it away. Make sure you check your cover regularly for tears to ensure your furniture is properly protected. Covers must be fastened securely, especially in high winds.
    Please note:
  • Furniture covers should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use.
  • Covers must be removed before using your furniture.
  • Fire pits and heaters must be cooled completely before being covered