How do you clean wooden garden furniture?

Cleaning your wooden garden furniture doesn't need to be complicated, and that's why we like to make it even easier. Here you can find our top recommendations, and also some things you probably want to avoid.

Recommendations

Our first recommendation is to clean your wooden garden furniture regularly to avoid a large build up of dirt and debris. In a similar way to that of indoor cleaning, it's best to clean little and often to keep on top of it, as this will in turn benefit the wood in the long term.

Secondly, using the right products; when it comes to cleaning wooden garden furniture, stronger doesn't always mean better. Gentle cleaners, such as mild soapy water, are the best way to clean your wood without damaging it's natural qualities.

In order to care for the longevity of the wood, it is also a good idea to protect your wooden garden furniture from the elements; this can be done both physically, by placing your furniture under cover in the colder seasons, or by using oil based preservers, to nourish the wood from the inside.

To Avoid

Wood is strong, but just like anything else, it does have its limits. The first thing you should avoid is any form of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the wood. Similarly, if you are going to use a pressure washer, you should do so with extreme care and caution, as the extreme pressure can be damaging for the surface of the wood.

Frequency

There are a number of factors which will influence how often you need to clean your wooden garden furniture.

Not to point any fingers, but some members of the family can have a tendency to be a little messier – we're looking at you little ones, and those with paws. If you have children or pets, it's likely that you'll need to wipe down your furniture more frequently.

The type or function of the wooden furniture will impact how often you need to clean it down. For example, any furniture which is likely to get food, dirt or debris on it will need cleaning more frequently than any wooden furniture where you simply sit and relax.

Similarly, how often you use your wooden furniture will impact how often you need to clean it. For example, if you frequently enjoy your mealtime outside, you will need to wipe down your table and chairs after every use. Whereas if you have a wooden bench or swing seat that you occasionally relax on, this will need cleaning down much less frequently.

Cleaning your wooden garden furniture is vital for taking care of the wood from the inside out. By keeping your wooden garden furniture clean, you are in turn prolonging it's lifespan.