Brit summers wreak havoc on patios: Here’s how experts wish you didn’t treat your furniture

Few delights in life feel as good as looking and experiencing the comfort of new patio furniture. Yet, amidst an ongoingly problematic economic situation and the difficult weather conditions putting Brit patios to the test, it’s safe to say that your furniture’s upkeep requires some extra effort. Studies show that this year may register the highest temperatures on record, causing heat that can wreak havoc on British courtyards. And with increasing focus on wildlife preservation and the push to transform Brit gardens into greener spaces, you likely have a lot on your plate as the hot summer approaches.

Enjoying a patio that always looks brand new is just as challenging as rewarding. Fortunately, garden experts have spoken up about the commonly occurring upkeep mistakes and accidents that harm patio sets. Overlooking the upkeep of your furnishings can trigger declines in appearance and expensive damages, so let’s learn everything there is to know about maintaining your patio sets.

Don’t neglect the materials

Patio furnishings made from various materials necessitate various specific treatments, meaning there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Metal furniture that makes your garden look fancy and well-kept must be regularly cleaned with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge and soapy and warm water. For wooden furnishings, on the other hand, you may need a similar water mixture and a rigid bristle brush or sponge to eliminate caked-on grease, mildew, and grime, among other sticky buildup.

Regularly tidying up after your patio has been used and an annual cleanup of your patio furnishing will prolong your holdings’ life. Ensure your upholstery is relocated in a well-ventilated and dry space for a longer lifespan and immaculate appearance.

Stay away from pressure washers

Pressure washers are a blessing. Yet, they should never be used on some specific types of patio furnishing, as the power and humidity can trigger fungi and mould formation. Ratan, despite its wild popularity, needs careful cleaning given that it can’t bear the massive power of pressure washers as teak, oak, or bamboo do. Wood is the last material you’d want to subject to such intense treatment because even the lowest setting can have the coating or top layer dispersed from the piece’s surface. 

There is an exception when you can safely leave your wooden furniture exposed to humidity, and that’s when a coat of first-rate wood oil is applied, the product designed to keep outdoor and indoor wooden furniture in top shape. Otherwise, you must limit water from touching the surface of your furnishing’s surfaces as much as possible, completely excluding pressure washers if the material doesn’t cope with this technique.

Never leave your furniture unoiled

With homeowners realising the benefits of spending time outdoors, the exterior furniture market revenue has boomed. This year, the figures are about to rise to US$52.10bn, with a substantially enormous contribution coming from the wooden furnishing niche.

Options abound when it comes to exterior furnishings, from plastic to metal, but nothing can improve the value and aspect of a garden as much as wood does. Wood, including cedar, teak, pine, and acacia, is a staple in furniture manufacturing as it remains one of the longest-lasting and precious materials in this area. And since a layer of wood oil prevents your outdoor furniture from decaying, it’s equally necessary to resort to the proper upkeep methods when your woody pieces are relocated or introduced inside. Depending on the type of wood used in your furnishing, you can confidently rely on a wood furniture varnish layer to shield your wooden fittings from water damage and the worn out aspect that the passage of time would otherwise produce.

Don’t overlook your upholstery

Assuming your set has upholstery like scatters or cushions, the best you can do is learn how to care for them correctly to ensure their longevity and tip-top shape. Patio furnishing sets frequently comprise cushions made of specific exterior material, meaning that you can easily leave them out under the clear sky if you’ve thoroughly followed the care label indications.

To clean such products, use a soft brush and an immaculate dustpan to remove debris buildup. Afterwards, hoover your upholstery to eliminate any possible grime accumulation.

Some upholstery types don’t resist washing machines, meaning you must gently wipe them with lukewarm, soapy water and ensure they’re completely dried when you reuse them. Specific upholstery cleanup products exist for stains that don’t seem to vanish after multiple attempts.

Relocate cushions when they’re out of use

Upholstery doesn’t always come with instructions. You may have acquired it from outlets or second-hand deposits, since thrift stores are in such high demand these days, ending up with some perplexities regarding your newly purchased cushions. Suppose you’re among the 37% of people who slashed their furniture expenditure or rank among the 19% of Brits who underwent upcycling projects last year. In that case, there is a high likelihood of coming across upholstery lacking care label instructions. As such, you should always take precautionary measures regarding such pieces, especially if they’re irreplaceable. Keeping these pieces in safe, humidity-free spaces when they’re not in use is the first step to maintaining them impeccable. The usual outdoor grime and bird lime that wreaks havoc on patio furniture will no longer be a stressor for you.

Remember that you’ll want to sink into the allure of impeccable upholstery years from now, the same way you enjoyed your neatly looking upholstery this summer. Keeping your holdings clean and readily usable is easier than you think, so make the right choices.

Last thoughts 

As you can see, prolonging the life of your patio furniture is child's play when you use the right products and techniques. You won't sweat blood or break the bank to enjoy a well-maintained garden that always looks good, as the key ultimately lies in knowing your furnishings well and offering them the proper and regular upkeep treatment. So, how do you feel your furniture will look years from now, now that you know what it takes to maintain your furnishings in tip-top shape despite challenging British weather conditions?