Here’s how to care for your garden furniture

If you invest in quality furniture for the garden, you want it to last as long as possible. That means protecting it from moisture, dust, and other elements that can damage it. Longevity is also why you need to pay attention to the maintenance of your furniture.

The good news is that whether you have a wooden or metal garden bench, the same steps can help you get the most out of them. Here are some tips that you’ll find really useful.

Wooden Garden Furniture

Here’s what you need to do to care for wooden furniture

Cleaning Wooden Garden Furniture

Cleaning wood garden furniture is quite easy and you can perform cleaning with basic items around the house. The good thing is that wood produces natural oils so it protects itself up to an extent. It’s your duty to do the rest.

For general care, you can use hardwood cleaning fluid to wipe down the furniture, including the edges. If that’s not available, use warm soapy water. If you find that the wood is particularly dusty (this is common in summer), some light brushing should do the trick.

Use advanced cleaning for longer life

If you want your wooden furniture for the garden to last longer, you’ll have to apply some oil coat. This will preserve the furniture for about a year. You may also need to sand the surface and brush away any dust before beginning the application.

You’ll need a can of wood oil for best results. These are available in most hardware stores. Before application, store the oil to avoid any color variations; you want a smooth, even coat. Apply your first coat with a long-haired natural-bristle brush along the grain.

Sometimes, you need to apply a second coat of oil to the wood. In this case, it helps to let the first coat dry. That will usually take about an hour. After applying the second coat, let it dry for 48 hours, and voila! Your furniture is protected for another year.

Metal Garden Furniture

Metal garden furniture usually doesn't require a lot of attention. However, here are some basic maintenance you can do to prevent rust and extend the longevity

Cleaning Metal Garden Furniture

Basic cleaning with metal furniture is as simple as using hot soapy water with a non-abrasive cloth. Then, be sure to dry the moisture to prevent rusting.

If you have steel furniture, you want to make sure that all scratches are treated to prevent oxidation and rust. In cases where rust has already set in, don’t worry because removing it is quite easy.

Use steel wool to polish the area and then apply some metal paint of the same color to blend everything together.

If you own any aluminum furniture, you’re in luck because aluminum doesn't rust. However, it can undergo oxidation which will change its color gradually without affecting its strength or durability.

Unfortunately, this color change isn’t appealing to most people since the furniture’s color is a huge part of its appeal. You can prevent aluminum oxidation by cleaning the furniture regularly. Like other metal furniture, it should also be covered or stored away in the winter.