Following a study into the UK’s biggest garden trends for 2023, retailer Next uncovered that over half of Brits (59%) planned to invest in new garden furniture this year, but with the continued unpredictable weather, protecting rather than using outdoor furniture is likely to be top of the agenda.
To ensure Brits’ optimistic garden furniture purchases don’t get damaged or ruined in the summer showers hitting the UK, a spokesperson at Next, has shared guidance on how to protect and maintain garden furniture, to ensure a longer lifespan.
The spokesperson’s tips include:
1. Removing soft furnishings
“This may seem obvious but it’s an easy thing to forget. While outdoor cushions and other soft furnishings are showerproof, during prolonged periods of wet weather it’s best to bring them inside.
“Exposure to heavy rain can result in water soaking into the cushion interior resulting in mildew growth. If you are looking to dry wet outdoor cushions, simply squeeze out all of the excess water and leave to air-dry on its side.
“To clean outdoor furnishings you can either use a small amount of diluted vinegar and water or warm soapy water to hand wash. Do always cross-reference any washing instructions that may be included on the inner cushion before attempting to clean them.”
2. Investing in outdoor covers
“For any soft furnishing that cannot be removed or for entire furniture pieces outdoor covers are perfect for keeping garden furniture protected from the elements.
“When storing the covers make sure they are fully clean and dry, you don’t want any mildew to grow or insects to nest. Also make sure they are folded away and not just strewn up and tossed into storage as this means they could lose their shape.
“To clean outdoor furniture covers, it’s best and safest to use warm soapy water and a damp cloth to wipe down the material surface. Make sure to fully air-dry the cover before packing away.”
3. Keeping items out direct sunlight
“This may seem strange when talking about garden furniture, but direct sun exposure can cause damage to furniture items if left for a prolonged period of time. An easy method to prevent this is to introduce shade to your garden either by planting or by investing in patio umbrellas and shades.”
4. Anchoring down furniture
“Particularly in cases of bad storms, it’s wise to anchor down any outdoor furniture. This doesn’t necessarily mean investing in straps or weights; it can be as simple as stacking any chairs into one another or moving large furniture items back against a wall. Any umbrellas or parasols should also be lowered.”
5. Keeping on top of cleaning
“This goes for soft furnishings, furniture covers and the furniture items themselves. During heavy downpours garden furniture can become quite dirty so it’s always best to give it a clean on the next sunny day.
“For rattan and wooden garden furniture you can simply use a bowl of warm, soapy water with a cloth to remove excess dirt and debris. For any mildew spots, distilled vinegar and a soft sponge works wonders.
“For metal furniture, it’s best to use a stiff brush to remove any excess dirt first – ensure whichever brush you use will not scratch the surface. Warm soapy water and cloth can then be used to remove the leftover debris.
“For glass table tops, extra care should be taken to avoid scratching the glass surface. A clean cloth with warm soapy water should be used to remove any initial dirt/debris. Afterwards glass cleaner can be used to give your table an extra shine or even a squirt of white vinegar”
For more detailed information on this summer’s most popular garden trends including furniture, plants, and styles see the full report here: https://www.next.co.uk/edited/homeware/garden-trends-report