Beautiful wooden garden furniture is vital for the functionality of your outdoor space and equally enriches your decor and sense of home pride. If you want to get the most out of your investment, you’ll need a little maintenance to keep everything in good shape. 

By doing so, you not only extend the lifespan of your furniture but also make a sustainable and environmental choice by preserving the Earth's natural resources. 

In this article, we will discuss the correct techniques for cleaning and treating your wooden garden furniture to keep it looking fresh. We'll also share some valuable tips to help prevent any future damage.

Timber Furniture Troubleshooting 

Furniture crafted from timber has been a staple of indoor and outdoor design for centuries – it’s durable, robust and surprisingly easy to maintain.

The species of timber that your furniture is made from will determine how you look after it. At Sustainable Furniture alone, you will find pieces in a wide range of options. The types of timber include the following:

  • Teak
  • Oak
  • Swedish Redwood
  • Douglas Fir

So, whether you’re purchasing a brand-new bench or a charming reclaimed table, here are the basics for keeping your furniture in its best condition all year round. 

How to Clean Garden Furniture

It's essential to clean your furniture twice yearly to keep it in good condition, ideally at the start of Spring and Autumn. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth to dust the surfaces for the rest of the year. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning your furniture:

Put down the pressure washer.

Although it may seem like an easy solution to banish all the dirt in one fell swoop, excessive force can harm the wood. It can cause cosmetic damage to the surface, affect the joints, and strip away the natural oils that preserve the timber.

Take a gentle approach to cleaning.

To clean your furniture, it's best to rinse any dirt or debris with a regular water hose or a bucket of water. You should avoid bleach or ammonia-based products. Instead, mix up a DIY garden furniture cleaner made of warm, soapy water, vinegar or baking soda. A soft-bristled brush should be used with the cleaning solution, as steel wool or abrasive cleaning pads can scratch the wood and damage its surface.

Treat stains and spills immediately.

When a stain or spill occurs, it's essential to act quickly. Blot the affected area with a kitchen towel or an absorbent cloth to remove as much moisture as possible. Allow it to dry thoroughly, and use a light sanding to remove any stubborn stains.

Treating Outdoor Garden Furniture 

Once you’ve mastered how to clean wooden garden furniture, the next step is to treat it correctly with the correct sealants and application equipment.

It’s not unusual for timber garden furniture, particularly items made of Teak, to weather to a silvery grey hue over time. At this point, you can let your furniture age gracefully or give it a complete refresh – either way, using the appropriate treatments is essential for its longevity. 

To enhance timber's natural shine and restore its vibrancy, apply an oil for outdoor furniture such as Osmo UV Protection Oil. This solution replenishes the natural oils in the wood and shields it from dirt and moisture. As well as improving the cosmetic appearance, it can provide UV protection and deter insect attack or fungal growth.

This product is versatile enough to handle many timber species, such as Douglas Fir, Swedish Redwood and Oak. It’s also a great Teak oil for your garden furniture, as it revives the organic, warm tones that may have faded with exposure to the elements. 

Another option that works exceptionally well with Teak is an industrial-strength Teak/Hardwood Sealer or Clear Garden Sealer. You can even use the latter to treat our gorgeous natural outdoor wicker furniture!

Applying Sealant 

To ensure the best application, clean your furniture, then let it dry naturally. Next, carefully follow the instructions on your chosen oil or sealant. For an extra helping hand, acquire our Application Kit, which has all the equipment to correctly apply your treatments while keeping your skin protected.

Preventing Your Outdoor Furniture from Damage

Even the most careful individuals may benefit from some extra safeguarding precautions. To prevent potential damage, here are some additional tips for maintaining the quality of your furniture. 

Firstly, it's essential to place your furniture in a suitable location, particularly if it will be stationed there for a prolonged period. Avoid setting your furniture on grass or in areas with high moisture levels, as this can cause the timber to degrade over time. 

Another option is to shield your furniture with a sheet or cover from the elements. Always ensure proper ventilation to prevent the timber from sweating and developing mould. Regular inspections can also help you catch and tackle any issues early on. 

If you're facing heavy spells of frost or rain, why not consider storing your furniture? At Sustainable Furniture, we offer a variety of folding garden chairs and tables for added flexibility and convenient storage options. In next to no time, your furniture can be safely stored indoors or tucked under shelter until the sun reappears.

More from Sustainable Furniture 

Considering these essential tips will help you maintain the charm and elegance of your wooden outdoor furniture for years to come. 

Explore our indoor furniture and home accessories to find ethically and environmentally friendly pieces to incorporate into your home. In keeping with the theme of this article, we also provide numerous indoor furniture treatments to keep your purchases looking their best. 

If you have any questions about our products, please contact us. Leave a message via our convenient online contact form or call us directly on 01726 884123, and our team will be more than happy to assist.