The Heatwave Has Arrived – Here’s How To Refresh Your Garden Furniture
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3 hours ago
Dust off those patio chairs...
This is not a drill: spring has officially arrived, and temperatures are set to soar this week. But before you relocate from the sofa to the garden and set up for some serious sunbathing, you’ll need to restore your outdoor furniture to its former glory. Here are some top tips…
How To Restore Garden Furniture
Whether your outdoor furniture has spent a few chilly months in the shed or it’s been left to battle the wind and rain at the back of the garden, it’s time to give it a new lease of life – but you might need to do more than just brush away the cobwebs. Looking for some guidance? We’ve enlisted the help of Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle.
Keep The Covers Off
While furniture covers are ideal for protecting pieces during the colder months, it’s important to set them aside as soon as the weather warms up – even if you don’t plan on using all your garden furniture just yet.
‘Over the winter, we protect our outdoor furniture with covers, but forgetting to remove these when the sun is strong can lead to costly damage,’ Andrew explains. ‘Most covers are made with weatherproof materials like PVC, which are brilliant in the rain; under direct sunlight, however, they can soften or even melt, resulting in unrestorable damage like marks and residue.’
Further protecting your furniture from sun damage might also require some long-term investment. ‘In lower quality furniture sets, plastics can become brittle in direct sunlight,’ says Andrew. ‘For peace of mind, choose designs with fade-resistant materials, or position your furniture in the shade when the temperature rises.’
Start With A Deep Clean
Once you’ve removed your furniture covers, you’ll want to give everything a good clean.
‘Sweep away leaves and dirt using a soft brush, then follow up with a bucket of warm soapy water and a sponge,’ Andrew advises. ‘Whether you’ve got wooden, rattan, or metal pieces, a little elbow grease will make a big difference – but make sure to avoid anything too abrasive, especially on coated finishes.’
Check Your Cushions
‘If your seat pads or cushion covers have been in storage, check them for mildew or unpleasant smells,’ says Andrew. ‘Many can go straight into the washing machine – just be sure to check the label first. Once clean and dry, pop them outside for a few hours to air out.’
Give Wood A Once-Over
When it comes to preserving wooden pieces, you might want to invest in a few specialist products.
‘Wooden furniture can often benefit from a light coat of protective oil or wax, especially if it’ll be facing strong sun or spring showers,’ Andrew states. ‘This helps it to maintain its colour, while also slowing the appearance of surface cracks. For older wood, gently sand back rough patches before applying your finish.’
Don’t Forget About The Shade
Refreshing your seating might be essential for basking in the sun, but you’ll also need a few shaded spots, too – and if you don’t happen to have the luxury of a large tree or a sheltered terrace, a parasol could be the key.
‘Cantilever parasols are an ideal way to create a cooler corner, and they can rotate to follow the sun throughout the day,’ says Andrew. ‘Plus, when the sun dips, they double as a stylish backdrop to an evening gathering.’
Featured image courtesy of Atkin & Thyme. atkinandthyme.co.uk
