Outdoor furniture care

Now is an ideal time to start checking outdoor furniture for the coming spring and summer. Get rid of any rickety old stuff and invest in sturdy weather-proof tables and chairs, or revamp your existing ones. Future-proofing is a sound investment so buy waterproof covers for outdoor furniture, regardless of the material. Or store it indoors during the harsher months.

Here are some ideas from Metropol to look after your outdoor furniture

WOODEN WONDERS
A cloth moistened with mild soapy water is recommended for light cleaning of wooden outdoor furniture. For a deeper clean – usually at the start or finish of each season – or for stains or mould, try scrubbing with a soft brush and a mix of water, detergent or bleach. Don’t overdo the latter. Sand and re-stain or paint for a fresh new look.

METAL MARVELS
Use a soft cloth and a mild exfoliant cleaner to remove dirt and scuff marks. Start with a quick wipe down, then deal with any rust by scrubbing with a metal cleaning material or a steel wool scourer, before brushing with a simple DIY mixture of vinegar and water. Paint over any paint chips and rust damaged areas, after cleaning.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Plastic and all-weather wicker furniture is low-maintenance, season-friendly for any climate, and cleaning is easy. Dust off and then wipe down with a mild detergent that is chlorine and bleach free. Lightly scrub tough dirt spots. Try WD-40 with a soft cloth to restore shine and make plastic look brand new.