Protecting your Garden Furniture Over Winter

With the colder months coming up, the chances are you’ll be spending less time in your garden. However, your garden requires care and attention in the winter, too.

This extends to your garden furniture, which when exposed to cold weather for days on end, can suffer from considerable damage. You may even have to consider replacing it ahead of next summer.

As specialists in garden maintenance services, we feel we are well placed to explain to you how to go about protecting your garden furniture over winter. Read on to learn more, or if you have any queries, feel free to give us a call on 07477 968735

Cleaning and protecting your furniture varies on the material

Even if you’re planning to stow your garden furniture inside a shed or storage space, or leave it outside for winter, it’s worthwhile cleaning and protecting it from the elements so that it will last longer and stay looking its best.

The methods for cleaning and protecting your furniture does vary, depending on what it’s made from. We have outlined specific care methods for all material types of garden furniture below.

How to protect wooden garden furniture

As wooden outdoor furniture requires the most maintenance, we have devised this simple three step plan to help protect it for the cold climate.

Step 1: Clean

A thorough clean annually is recommended to remove all types of unwanted debris which left alone could cause damage to the wood (as moisture and damp can decay). Look to clean and get rid of all dirt, algae, bird droppings and lichens with warm soapy water and a brush. Once dry, finish off the cleaning process by giving it a light sandpaper.

Step 2: Treat

Softwoods (like pine) require treatment in the form of a preservative, wood paint or oil to protect the wood. Don’t forget to treat the legs of your furniture too, and remember to let the first coat completely dry before adding a second one.

It’s worth noting that hardwood (like oak) doesn’t necessarily need treatment beyond a good clean, but you can apply teak oil once a year to help maintain its original colour.

Step 3: Fix

This is also a good opportunity to check for any missing or loose screws. If replacements are needed, we advise using brass screws as they won’t rust.

How to protect wrought iron and steel furniture

An annual clean with warm soapy water allows you to discover any rust which can be dealt with before it worsens.

To treat any rust spots:

1. Sand the rust off with a steel wool of hand sander
2. Clean the area again
3. Fill any holes with epoxy filler
4. Sand again
5. Prime and paint the metal furniture to protect and restore it to its former beauty

How to protect aluminium garden furniture

Whilst aluminium garden furniture won’t rust, it still needs maintenance over winter. It’s key that you don’t use anything abrasive as this will damage the surface of the aluminium. To clean aluminium garden furniture, we recommend:

1. Remove dirt and leaves with a soft-bristled brush
2. Use hot soapy water to remove any remaining dirt and stains
3. Rinse with clean water
4. Apply water and vinegar to a cloth to polish the metal
5. For extra protection, apply a coat of car wax

How to protect plastic garden furniture

Whilst plastic furniture has many benefits – it’s inexpensive, easy to move and durable – it can still look grubby if not properly looked after. Follow these steps to clean your plastic garden furniture (and note do not use anything abrasive as it can damage the surface):

1. Clean with hot soapy water
2. Bleach any stains
3. Apply car wax to bring up a shine

How to protect rattan and wicker garden furniture

Due to the woven nature of rattan and wicker garden furniture, it will require extra cleaning care. To protect rattan and wicker garden furniture:

1. Vacuum to remove dirt and dust from the weaves
2. Use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or mildew

Rattan and wicker furniture is best stored indoors and should not be left uncovered outside all year round.

How to store your garden furniture

Having cleaned your garden furniture, it’s time to work out where you’ll store it over winter. Your options are:

1. Storing inside a shed or garage
2. Protecting it with special furniture coverings
3. Relocating the furniture where there’s shelter

We always recommend storing your furniture indoors if at all possible, checking it regularly to make sure it’s still dry.

Specialist Gardening Maintenance Services

To learn more about Bonsai Landscapes, including our range of specialist maintenance and garden design and build services that we offer, feel free to get in touch via our website, email, or contact a member of our friendly team today on 07477 968735