It’s that time of year when your Garden Furniture will make all the difference to those outdoor parties, family BBQs and playdates, weather permitting!

Make your garden furniture and outdoor living accessories last even longer! We’ve compiled some care tips to help you get the most from your garden furniture.

Caring for your garden furniture is essential, especially given Ireland’s ‘four seasons in one-day’ climate, and Irish garden furniture spends most of its time in storage.

Why Bother? The Irish Climate Comes with Complications

Ireland’s weather patterns are variable pretty much all year round, and even as the trends point to higher average temperatures, the reality is both extremes can be experienced within one season, one week and even one day. The damp, moist climate that is Ireland, the wind, and occasional sunny spells can exert stress on most outdoor furniture.

Irish Weather takes its toll on furniture materials in the following ways:

• Wood, an organic, biodegradable material, can be susceptible to rot and warping from prolonged and excessive moisture. Regular treatment with sealant will be needed to maintain its durability.
• The Metal used in garden furniture is generally coated to be rust-resistant, but lighter metal furniture could be prone to damage if blown around in strong winds.
• Rattan: There are newer, synthetic rattan-like materials that can hold up well, but older natural rattan is organic, so it will naturally be prone to rot or mildew with constant dampness.
• Plastic Furniture is always more affordable, but some plastic can become brittle and crack over time with sun exposure and temperature changes, especially at high temperatures.

General Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips

Check for Minor Repairs

In Spring, do a quick inspection for any damages incurred over the winter. Quickly repair it with simple DIY techniques to prevent more significant breakages later. Why not try recycling and Upcycling ideas for repurposing your older garden furniture, too?

More protective measures, such as sealants, may be required before you store your furniture in late autumn.

• Gorilla Brand Wood Glue is a hand-resistant glue for indoor and outdoor use. It bonds stronger and requires a shorter grip time—only 20 minutes. It will dry naturally, with no orange ‘afterglow’.
• Ronseal Multi-Purpose Wood Filler can be used on any minor wood repairs inside and outside. It’s flexible so that it won’t crack and leaves a substantial repair.

Give it a General Clean.

Generally, it is wise to regularly clean and wipe down all types of garden furniture to maintain their appearance and longevity.

If made of synthetic materials, cushions may be laundered, dry cleaned, or even wiped down with a general-purpose cleaner.

Preparing furniture for the summer should be part of your springcleaning routine. During summer, maintain cleanliness during peak usage or after significant outdoor events.

Try to use eco-friendly cleaning products and methods that are available.

Use Furniture Covers

• Use durable waterproof covers designed explicitly for your Garden Furniture, primarily when not in use during autumn and winter. These are essential even during our stormy summer to protect against the elements.
• Sun Protection is also necessary during the summer months if there are prolonged heatwaves and sun exposure. UV protectant sprays are on the market to prevent sun damage and fading.
• You can also get a Parasol Cover to keep your parasol safely stored and dry. For example, the Kinzo Hanging Parasol Cover is suitable for parasols with a diameter of 2.5 to 3m and comes with a drawstring to help it stay closed.
• Hero Heavy Duty XL Black Refuse Sacks can also help cover smaller items for shorter periods.

Furniture Storage in Winter

When winter arrives, you could find reactive ways to use your garden furniture indoors, especially if you have an open-plan den/ kitchen area looking out into your garden, conservatory, or studio in the back garden.

• Remove any dirt, debris, or food particles that could attract pests or mould growth. Let it dry completely before storing.
• When it comes to wooden furniture – Apply a fresh coat of oil or sealant to nourish the wood and provide extra protection against moisture and cracking.
• Use a light coat of furniture polish for furniture with metal components to prevent rust.
• Disassemble if possible: Disassemble the furniture for more compact storage and reduced stress on joints.
• The most common option for creating storage is to invest in a roomy garden shed to secure and protect your prized pieces. Consider the Toomax Storaway Outdoor Storage Shed—a heavy-duty large outdoor storage solution with an integrated floor and 842L capacity. This shed is ideal for storing extensive garden tools and equipment, lawnmowers, bikes, or 2 x 120L wheelie bins. It has two front-opening doors for easy access, and a piston-fitted lid enables access from above. It is water—and UV-resistant, which makes it suitable for all weather conditions. The storage unit can be locked for added security (lock not included).
• Invest in an Outdoor Garden Storage Box 322L for storing smaller plastic and resin furniture.
• Use moisture absorbers in the storage area to prevent condensation and mould growth.
• Cover the furniture with breathable materials like dust sheets, furniture covers, or old linens. Avoid using plastic sheeting, which can trap moisture and promote mould growth.
• Leather cushions should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can condition them before storage for added protection.

2. Match your Garden Furniture To These Specific Care Tips

Our garden furniture comes in a variety of new materials, and these days, more and more of them come coated and resistant to outdoor conditions. Nevertheless, there are specific care tips for extending  the lifespan of certain furniture components:

Wooden Garden Furniture

• Clean regularly to prevent mould and mildew with Wooden Furniture Cleaner.
  • The AXUS Wood Finishing Mini Roller Kit includes two rollers, a tray, and a frame. It’s perfect for painting smooth wood and metal and has an ergonomic soft grip to minimise hand strain. The kit is reusable, easy to clean, and compatible with standard mini handles.
  • Frogsuit Wood Restorer is a potent gel for cleaning and refreshing weathered exterior timber. It is suitable for Hard and Soft Wood, works in 20 Minutes and removes surface grey.
• Use a Sealant: Over time, you may need to reapply a wood sealer to protect against moisture and prevent the wood from cracking or warping – even if the furniture was purchased with the initial sealant and stain in place. Here are some useful options:
  • Bartoline Raw Linseed Oil is formulated to replace the natural sheen that wood can lose through wear and tear and is ideal for all wood types, including softwood, hardwood, veneered surfaces, etc. The oil is quick and easy to apply after wiping it with a lint-free cloth and leaving it to dry for a natural satin finish.
  • The Cuprinol Wood Preserver Clear is a colourless general-purpose preserver for interior or exterior use before painting, staining or varnishing. It gives deep penetrating protection to sound wood against decay, mould and blue-staining fungi.
  • Froguit Wood Protector is an easy-to-use maintenance spray for garden furniture, accessories, and all wood. It contains UV filters, natural oils, and water-repellent waxes. It provides a satin finish to nourish timbers.
  • Arc Universal Wood Preservative & Woodworm Killer kills, prevents woodworms, and protects against wet and dry rot. It is suitable for interior and exterior use and is over-paintable.
• Avoid damp conditions when storing wooden furniture during the colder months. Bring furniture inside a shed, garage, or conservatory during winter.
• Secure furniture during strong winds: Use weights or tie furniture down to prevent it from blowing over.

Metal Outdoor Furniture

Modern metal garden furniture has a pre-applied coat of weather-resistant paint or powder coating, which acts as the first line of defence against rust.

• Routine cleaning is necessary to keep your metal furniture looking new. You can use an All-Purpose Cleaner to regularly clean your metal furniture to remove dirt and debris that can cause corrosion if left to fester.
• For furniture with moving parts like hinges or joints, apply a light coat of a lubricant like WD-40 to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
• Rust Prevention is Key: Metal outdoor Furniture is prone or susceptible to rust if not coated with the appropriate protective substances. Don’t let moisture linger after rain or periods of high humidity. Wipe down your furniture with a clean, dry cloth to remove any water droplets.
• Protective Barriers are key.
  • Rust-Oleum Sprays: For extra protection, consider using a rust-oleum spray specifically designed for outdoor furniture. These sprays create a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and moisture.
  • Reapply paint or protective coating as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Coatings extend the life of metal furniture.

Plastic and Resin Furniture

Do you need some practical ways to clean plastic and resin furniture? Depending on the level of grime, here are some options

• For light cleaning, use water and mild soap. This is the simplest and most gentle option. Mix a few drops of dish soap or all-purpose cleaner in a bucket of warm water. Use a Sponge and wring it out well to avoid soaking the furniture. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth. For a natural cleaning alternative, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
• For more arduous cleaning, use baking soda paste: If you have stuck-on grime or sap, create a paste using baking soda and a little water. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
• For mould or mildew removal, use a mild Bleach solution: Mix one part bleach with ten parts water in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and eye protection for safety. Dip a sponge into the solution, wipe down the mouldy areas, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely in the sun, if possible. Important note: Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, as it can create toxic fumes.
• Avoid cleaning plastic furniture in direct sunlight, as the heat can make the plastic more susceptible to warping.
• Use microfiber cloths, a sponge, or a soft brush to clean plastic and resin furniture and avoidd scratching the surface.
• Protect your furniture from sun damage by applying a UV protectant spray.

We’re Here to Help with All Your Outdoor Furniture Queries!

These products and tips will help you maintain the beauty and functionality of your existing garden furniture.

Don’t forget you can visit Homevalue.ie for all your extra garden furniture care needs and explore the range of products available in person if you wish to expand your outdoor living space.

We are on-site to provide Customer Support and advice on caring for your furniture and can direct you to a range of repair and cleaning options.