Garden Furniture Care
Introduction
Garden furniture can be made from a variety of materials including wood, natural stone, metal, rattan, glass and wicker. All have their specific care needs. Following some simple rules will keep your furniture looking good and lasting longer.
General Advice
If possible, store your garden furniture indoors during the winter. If this is not possible, make sure it is covered (garden furniture covers are generally available in garden centres, retail outlets etc.).
Remove furniture from standing water and avoid direct contact with damp soil for long periods of time. Read and follow the manufacturers care instructions.
TEAK & EUCALYPTUS GARDEN FURNITURE
Teak and eucalyptus are extremely dense, course grained hardwoods used for centuries in furniture making. They are naturally oily and require little treatment for use indoors or outdoors. The use of teak oil or other products will not increase the life of the timber.
However the application of Teak Oil or Tung Oil will deepen the colour a little and will prevent stains from seeping into the timber grain. The application of Teak Oil or Tung Oil will also slow down the greying effect caused by ultra violet rays
Teak and eucalyptus can be effectively cleaned using a typical kitchen cleaning sponge and soapy water (nothing astringent) and then wiped over with teak oil.
The use of varnish or any type of polyurethane finish or sealers should be avoided as both woods are oily and urethane sealers don’t stick well, resulting in the need to refinish the wood in the future.
HARDWOOD GARDEN FURNITURE
Hardwood garden furniture is very easy to maintain and should be wiped down as often as possible with a damp cloth dipped in water or dipped in a safe cleaner. If any liquid spills are noticed they should be removed immediately.
There are a number of care products on the market that will improve the look of the furniture including our own Maintenance Kit for Hardwood Garden Furniture.
NATURAL STONE GARDEN FURNITURE
This includes marble, ceramics and other natural stone furniture.
Natural stone is porous and will have a certain level of absorbency. Liquids and dirt can penetrate the surface and leave stains, by protecting and correctly maintaining the surface the majority of stains can be avoided, maintenance will be significantly reduced and the stones beauty will be maintained for a long time. It is also very important to keep this furniture covered during winter as it is not frost-proof.
Using Lithofin impregnators (sealers) and cleaners will maintain the look of the furniture and avoid common nasty spillages such as red wine and fruit juice from spoiling the appearance of these beautiful tables.
ALUMINIUM & WROUGHT IRON GARDEN FURNITURE
Aluminium garden furniture whether it be extruded, wrought or cast, has the advantages of being lightweight and rust-proof and can be left out in the garden all-year long. Simple cleaning with a soapy cloth or sponge is all the maintenance required.
Although it has great longevity, wrought iron furniture should be brought indoors during the winter, or at least covered, as it is prone to rust particularly in coastal areas where sea spray or salt air will have an adverse affect. Some simple touching up will be required from time to time. A liquid wax polish can be applied to prevent rusting.
WICKER, RATTAN & TEXTILENE GARDEN FURNITURE
Modern garden furniture made with or incorporating these materials is tough, resin-based and weather resistant. Generally they can be wiped down with soapy water as and when necessary. It is important to avoid using sharp objects on them. Using a vacuum cleaner will remove dust and unwanted particles.
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