General Care Advice & Everyday UseUpdated 5 hours ago

General care advice

Your garden furniture is an investment designed to bring years of enjoyment outdoors. With a little attention and the right care routine, it will stay looking beautiful through every season.

Regular cleaning

A simple routine clean is the single most effective thing you can do for your garden furniture. Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to wipe down frames, tabletops, and surfaces after use. Avoid abrasive scourers or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can strip finishes and damage materials. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry naturally.

Spills and stains

Deal with spills as soon as they happen. Blot — don't rub — liquid spills with a clean, absorbent cloth. For food residue, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush. The longer a stain is left, the harder it becomes to remove. We recommend spraying any furniture cleaner or protector directly into the cloth, not directly on the furniture.

Protecting surfaces

Use placemats and coasters to protect tabletops from hot dishes, cups, and glasses. Even weather-resistant materials can be marked by prolonged contact with heat or acidic food and drink. Don't leave empty glasses or vases in direct sunlight as it can cause heat damage or fire risks.

Checking and tightening fixings

Check all screws, bolts, and fittings at the start of each season and again mid-summer. Garden furniture is subject to temperature changes and frequent use, both of which can loosen fixings over time. A quick tighten with the correct screwdriver, allen key or spanner keeps everything safe and sturdy. We do not recommend using power tools for garden furniture as it can over tighten the fixings and damage the furniture. This would inevitably void your warranty.

Moving your furniture

Always lift furniture when repositioning it rather than dragging it across paving or decking. Dragging puts stress on joints and legs, and can scratch both your furniture and your outdoor flooring. For heavier pieces, ask for a helping hand.

What to avoid

Everyday use and protection

Good daily habits make a real difference to how long your furniture lasts and how good it continues to look.

Using furniture covers

Invest in quality, breathable (air-vented) well-fitting furniture covers for every piece in your garden. Even in summer, covering furniture overnight and during periods of non-use protects against dew, pollen, bird droppings, and unexpected showers. During winter months, covers are essential to shield against frost, ice, and prolonged wet weather. Make sure covers are fully dry before fitting, and always secure them properly — an unsecured cover in high winds can cause more damage than no cover at all. It is natural over time for covers to fade in colour due to excessive weather conditions.

UV protection

The British weather may not always be scorching, but UV exposure is still a significant factor in fading and material degradation. Many furniture finishes, fabrics, and weaves will fade over time if left in direct sunlight without protection. Where possible, position furniture in partial shade, or use a parasol during peak sun hours.

During adverse weather

Close and store parasols when not in use and always when winds pick up. Bring in lightweight pieces such as scatter cushions and outdoor rugs if strong winds or storms are forecast. If you have furniture with glass tops, consider removing and storing the glass during the winter months.

Seasonal storage

At the end of the season, clean your furniture thoroughly before storing. Even a small amount of dirt or moisture left on surfaces can lead to mould, staining, or corrosion over winter. Store cushions and fabric pieces indoors in a dry, well-ventilated space. Wherever possible, store furniture cushions indoors or in a garage, shed, or under a quality waterproof cover.

Seasonal care reminders

Spring

• Inspect all pieces for signs of wear, rust, mould, or damage that developed over winter
• Check and tighten all fixings, screws, and bolts before the furniture gets regular use
• Clean and re-treat materials that benefit from seasonal treatment — hardwoods, rope furniture
• Inspect furniture covers for tears or worn patches; replace any that no longer offer full protection

Summer

• Position furniture in partial shade or use a parasol during peak sun hours to slow UV fading
• Wipe down surfaces and frames regularly — pollen and bird droppings build up quickly
• Check fixings again mid-season — heat and frequent use can loosen joints
• Cover furniture overnight and bring in scatter cushions if showers are forecast

Autumn

• Clear fallen leaves and debris from around and under furniture regularly to prevent mould
• Always close parasols and secure lightweight items before autumn storms arrive
• Begin bringing in cushions, rugs, and scatter items as temperatures drop
• Clean glass table tops and consider removing them for indoor storage before the first frost

Winter

• Clean all furniture thoroughly before covering or storing — never put away dirty or damp items
• Store cushions and fabric pieces indoors in a dry, well-ventilated space
• Fit properly secured furniture covers to all remaining outdoor pieces
• Brush off snow or ice promptly — don't leave it sitting on surfaces or in weave

Start-of-season checklist

Work through this checklist at the start of each season.

• Inspect all furniture for damage, rust, mould, or worn weave
• Check and tighten all screws, bolts, and frame fixings
• Clean all surfaces with warm soapy water and allow to dry fully
• Oil or treat any hardwood furniture (teak, acacia, eucalyptus)
• Inspect furniture covers for tears or worn patches and replace if needed
• Re-proof any all-weather fabric if water no longer beads off the surface
• Check parasol mechanism and tighten any screws or pole fittings
• Bring out cushions and check for mould, odour, or damage