Enjoying the outdoors becomes easy with lounging furniture in the backyard. Have a seat on your garden furniture and you are all set to relish nature’s bounty, so long as you are taking good care of it.

Although outdoor furniture is designed to hold its own against the elements, it’s still important to protect it against mould, dirt, dust, insects and animals. Moreover, as winter draws closer and harsher conditions set in, it’s important to take care of your garden furniture to ensure they stand the test of time.

Here are our top tips to care for your outdoor furniture during the winter months.

Clean

Every piece of wooden furniture will do well with a good annual clean to get rid of bird droppings, algae, dirt and lichens.

If you prefer leaving the furniture outside during the winter, it’s even more important to clean them during the wetter months to ensure they don’t stay damper all year long.

The first step is to sweep your garden furniture using a soft-bristle brush. Next, rinse it with water and follow these steps to wash the surface:

• Mix a quarter cup of mild dish liquid with 4 litres of water.
• Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub the surface meticulously.
• Rinse it thoroughly and then pat dry using a lint-free cloth.
• Avoid power-washing or using pine oil, chlorine bleach or abrasive cleansers.

If you detect the presence of mould, begin with the above steps before scrubbing or sanding the surface to get rid of the mould.

Treat

Hardwood such as oak, teak, acacia and eucalyptus do not need any treatment other than a thorough clean. It will weather to a silver shade with time. However, if you want to retain its original colour, it’s a good idea to treat it with teak oil every year.

Softwoods such as pine should be treated with wood paint, preservative or oil for protection. Paint your choice of product over the piece of furniture. Be sure to treat underneath the legs by tilting the furniture.

Fix

When cleaning or treating the furniture, if you notice loose or missing screws, consider replacing them. Brass screws are longer lasting as they don’t rust.

Contact Dalesway for landscaping services

Dalesway Paving can help redesign your garden with our professional landscaping services. Whether you are looking to add a driveway or a patio, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation and quote.