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By its very nature, outdoor furniture is made to last and to survive the elements – quality furniture, for instance, is treated so that it can sustain heat and moisture resistance. However, after a few seasons on the terrace or in the garden, your outdoor furniture may start showing signs of stress.

With some basic maintenance, you can ensure that your chairs, tables, loungers and cushions look beautiful for the summers to come. Of course, it depends on the material used as wicker, wood, fabric, wrought iron, steel, resin and aluminium all require different maintenance methods.

Wicker

To clean wicker furniture, simply dry brush all surfaces on a weekly basis. For more thorough cleaning, you can spray off dirt and spills using a hose or a pressure washer. If the furniture has experienced a particularly wild party or has been held hostage by a bunch of wild kids, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash.

After washing, allow the furniture to dry completely. Then apply wax to keep the wicker shiny and water-resistant.

Wooden

Most wooden outdoor furniture is coated with varnish, which means that it can be cleaned using soap and water. After washing, make sure to completely rinse the furniture with clean water. If your wooden furniture has seen its fair share of summers, it might be a good idea to sand and varnish it. To sand it, use fine sand paper. Once the sanding process is finished, oil or stain the furniture. Leave the oil or stain to set and reapply. The number of coats to apply depends on how much care your furniture requires and the amount of grain you want to show through.

Higher quality timber requires less frequent maintenance – A-grade teak, for instance, contains more natural oil and higher grain density than other timber. In winter, most wooden furniture, except that made of teak and cedar, should be stored indoors.

Resin

Outdoor furniture made of resin requires little care. Simply spray off any dirt with clean water and allow to dry. If the furniture shows any scuff marks, remove with a gentle abrasive.

Steel, wrought iron and aluminium

Before buying your outdoor furniture, make sure that the fittings and joints are made of good quality iron or steel – thus, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture for longer. To clean the actual furniture, just wipe with a damp cloth or wash.

Many modern metals used for outdoor furniture are rust-resistant – if yours isn’t, then you need to use wax to protect from rusting and corroding. To clean, use water and mild soap.

Fabric

Items made of fabric, such as cushion covers and hammocks, should be machine-washed on a gentle cycle.

Hang outside to dry. In the case of hammocks and chair covers, before they dry completely, stretch back over the frame to avoid shrinkage. Store indoors in winter.

For umbrellas, you can wash the cover with a soft-bristled brush, mild soap and cold water. For a wire-frame umbrella, spray lubricant on the joints – if the frame is wooden, use wax to restore its shine.