In the garden

Bring garden furniture back to life after winter

Published 26 May 2026 · Updated 15 June 2026

Garden furniture often looks worse than it is. Pollen, bird droppings, and green algae on rattan or plastic are surface problems — the structure underneath is usually fine if you act before mould takes hold in the weave.

Mix warm water with a small squirt of washing-up liquid and work in sections with a soft brush. Rinse with a hose on a gentle setting; pressure washers can strip paint from metal frames and force water into wooden joints. For teak or hardwood, a dedicated wood cleaner followed by a light sand on rough patches restores an even tone.

Once dry, apply the right protector: UV spray for plastics, teak oil for hardwood, or rust primer on chipped metal before touch-up paint. Stack or cover pieces before autumn storms — covers should breathe, or trapped moisture becomes mildew.

Regular wipe-downs every few weeks during summer cost far less than replacing a full patio set. If time is tight before guests arrive, book a one-off deep clean through CleanerPal and list each item type in your notes.