Mix one part warm water, two parts white vinegar and three heaped tablespoons on bicarbonate of soda. 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.

Synthetic rattan on the other hand is made of much tougher stuff. It will not fade in the sun and can be left outdoors. However, grime can build up between the woven rattan, so it does need to be kept clean.Chemical Free- If you would like to avoid using chemicals in your garden due to concerns about harming wildlife, create a chemical free solution. Don’t use a pressure washer for cleaning wooden furniture - wooden garden furniture can be damaged by pressure washers stripping away some of the timber itself as well as the dirt. 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:

Depending on how much rust is on your furniture, this may require some elbow grease. Once you’ve sanded everything off that you need to, either hose the furniture off again or wipe off any dust with a damp cloth.Make sure you clean your garden furniture before winter. Dirty wooden furniture holds far more moisture than clean wooden furniture so you ill be helping to keep it dry over winter. This video shows how you can touch up and chips in your Lazy Susan cast aluminium furniture. This can occur on the feet if you have a stone patio... We've posted a few bits and pieces over on Facebook etc about cleaning garden furniture over the past couple of weeks. However, what a lot of people don't realise is that different types of garden furniture require slightly different types of cleaning products and maintenance. To clean take a soft scrub brush, and then remove any dirt or debris from your furniture with a little washing up liquid and warm water. Make sure to scrub all parts of the furniture, including the top, bottom, sides and legs. Cleaning your Rattan furniture only when it is necessary will help to protect the weave from wear and tear. When washing the rattan itself always use a soft cloth that has been dampened with furniture polish or a mild washing up liquid/warm water mix.

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. Conditions for mildew are generally warm damp areas where the spores get caught and bloom. Although it will not harm oak, it can leave unsightly marks that require bleach-based cleaning products to wash off. While bleaches do not harm oak, and most other timbers, they can cause discolouration - so it’s best to test it on a small area first before applying to the whole area. Mix some washing-up liquid with warm water and use a sponge or clean cloth to dab and wipe down the furniture. This should get rid of the majority of mud and dirt before leaving it to dry naturally. Repeat if necessary. Once dry, you might notice a few harsher pieces of dirt. Feel free to repeat these steps as many times as necessary to get your furniture clean.’ Rinse the furniture using a hose pipe to remove any excess dust and mould particles. (DO NOT use a pressure washer, as it can damage the wood) Most people think it’s the way forward, and although it might seem satisfying as you watch it change colour we’ve seen lovely furniture destroyed by the powerful jets stripping away timber along with the dirt. Instead, I recommend cleaning it all over with a wood cleaner, giving it light sand, and then applying a saturating wood oil. This will keep your wooden seats and tables strong and looking their best for decades.’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. Then just rinse with the hose (and if you do use a pressure washer, make sure its set as low as it will go) to remove any leftover soap or any dirt the brushing has missed. If you’re satisfied with allowing the the elements to ‘bleach’ your wooden garden furniture, then this is all you’ll need to do.