Tips and tricks on how to keep your garden furniture in best condition
 

With snow still on some people's lawns it may seem a strange time to think about your garden furniture, but spring will soon be upon us, really! It is around now then that you should be thinking about how lovely your garden is going to look this year and a huge part of the that is the furniture that compliments it. It's all fine and well having great looking garden furniture but it will not stay that way if you don't take good care of it. Here are a few tricks and tips that should see your stuff looking great for years to come.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Just because your tables and chairs don't really look dirty does not mean that they are not in need of a good cleaning. You should set yourself a cleaning schedule and stick to it. This is the best way to avoid unexpected surprises. You have to remember that garden furniture tends to stay outdoors year round so it is very easy for dirt to amass there which can be very difficult to get off once it starts to accumulate. By giving everything the once over every couple of weeks, even if it only takes a short time, you will be protecting yourself against having to do a bigger, firefighting job in the future. This persistent cleaning regime only really applies to objects made of plastic or PVC and those with smooth, weather strong surfaces. Wood and other painted items are a whole different ballgame.

Make it Shine Glass seems to be more and more popular on outdoor garden furniture these days. It can look great but it is also prone to getting dirty easily. If it looks dirty or smeared, it just looks bad. Glass surfaces need to be cleaned more regularly than anything else. If you put candles on them you're likely to find that they get splashed with melted wax. It's best to remove this by using a hairdryer and then gently scraping away the pliable wax. Don't worry if any residue is left behind, simply wipe it away with a little rubbing alcohol. Finish off the job by wiping the table down with glass cleaner and a clean paper towel.

Oiled Wood Pieces

Oiled wood pieces of furniture need to be re-oiled every six months to keep them in optimum condition. The oil helps to prevent decay and fading, which can occur if exposed to harsh weather environments. Your local home and garden store will have many options from which to choose. Oiled wood furniture should also be cleaned once a year. Mix one tablespoon of bleach, five tablespoons of a gentle dishwashing liquid and a 3 litres of water, and softly rub the surface of your wood furniture with a soft bristle brush. Wash the solution from the furniture, and allow it to dry completely in the sun.

Keep Rust at Bay

There are not many more unsightly things than a beautiful piece of garden furniture covered in ugly brown rust. The best way to avoid this serious issue is for you to use paste wax on all metallic surfaces. This should be applied soon after purchasing your furniture and reapplied after all cleanings. It may be quite a chore but you will be thankful for having taken the time to do it when your most treasured piece of furniture keeps on looking sturdy and new for many a year.

By Alisha Webb. Alisha is a blogger, an interior designer of her own home and a fan of Kitstone.

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