As the UK’s warmer seasons end and winter begins to creep into our lives, we must consider how to protect our garden furniture and ensure we can enjoy it year after year when summer rolls back around. 

It may seem like a job for the bottom of the to-do list, but we assure you that these quick and simple tips will save you time and energy in the long run. While there may be some slight differences depending on the material of your furniture, most of our recommendations are universal when it comes to keeping your garden seats and tables looking fabulous.

Safety First

Fasten your larger items, such as benches and tables, to the ground with a fixing kit to ensure they don’t get blown away during strong winds. We stock hard and soft ground kits to cover all bases and keep your furniture safe and secure.

Pop outdoor cushions into sheds, take down your parasols and store them indoors and cover anything susceptible to warp or rust with a tarp or furniture cover. 

Covering won't be necessary if you have teak furnishings, as the natural oils in the wood will protect your pieces. As a result, your teak will develop a beautiful silver patina over time due to the elements, and you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.

Top Tip: Remember your garden is still a place of calm and reflection during the winter months, so opt for a customised cover that suits your decor tastes.

How to Prepare Wooden Furniture for Winter

Before the autumn rain sets in and your furniture is too wet to clean and prepare, take advantage of this in-between season and keep your outdoor wooden furniture looking fantastic by following these simple tips.

1. Brush away any leaves, dirt or debris with a stiff brush.

1. Give your furniture a wash-over with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.

1. Optional: A quick, fine-grit sand will remove hard edges and grooves. 

1. If you decide to sand, give your furniture another quick wash with soapy water. Avoid pressure washing, as this can strip the furniture's paint and wood.

1. Add a colour protectant to help your furniture maintain its colour through the winter months.

1. Finally, provide a protective treatment to the wood to ensure it keeps its shape and durability. 

Don’t forget to ensure your furniture is dry if you intend to cover it during the winter; if you cover it while damp, you may leave it susceptible to mould and rot.

How to Prepare Rattan Furniture for Winter

Rattan furniture can require a little less maintenance than its wooden counterpart, but it’s always a good idea to do a yearly deep clean for longevity. 

Sweep or hoover away any dirt or debris, then take a damp cloth and some mild dish soap to clean your table and chairs. Use an old toothbrush to get in between the cracks of your rattan furniture to ensure no dirt is lodged there.

Protecting the fabric cushions and furnishings by bringing them in over the cold season, and there you have it — this is all the work necessary to keep your furnishings looking spick and span. 

Top Tip: Remove covers to give them a run-through in the washing machine and have them gleaming and ready for summer; always adhere to the labels and care for your furnishings.

Preparing Metal Garden Furniture during Winter

Rinse your furniture with a hose or damp cloth; you can also use a pressure washer on metal furniture, but remember that this is the only garden furniture material suited to a pressure washer.

After this, if you notice any rust spots, soak a cloth in white vinegar and leave it on the area for at least 30 minutes; return with some aluminium foil and give it a good scrub, and it should come up as good as new. 

Next, add a protectant to your metal furniture, such as lithium grease, to ensure it doesn't suffer any rusting or corrosion over the winter months. 

As a last optional step, polish your furniture with car wax to keep your metal furnishings sparkling next summer. 

Winter Preparation for Recycled Plastic Furniture 

One of the many benefits of recycled plastic furniture is that recycled plastic requires minimal maintenance and it will not discolour or rot, even if left outside during the cold and wet winter months. 

As it is a non-absorbing material, our recycled plastic is resistant to the elements so it will not degrade over time due to weathering and it is not susceptible to rot. A quick wipe down of your recycled plastic furniture with warm soapy water and a cloth is all that is required to keep it looking like new.

Unlike its wooden counterparts, there is no need to sand, paint, varnish or treat the timbers of your recycled plastic products.

Check out our other blog posts with tips and tricks to keep your garden looking beautiful, whatever the season. Need help? Don’t hesitate to contact us; our friendly team are always happy to assist.