How to Clean and Store Garden Furniture Properly

A little care goes a long way

Getting your garden furniture out of storage is one of the more satisfying signs that better weather is on the way. But how long it lasts, and how good it continues to look, depends largely on how well you clean and care for it before you put it away each winter.

This guide covers what to do before storing your garden furniture, how to store it properly, and what to check when you bring it back out in spring.

Before storage: give it a proper clean

It's tempting to give everything a quick spray with the hose and call it done, but dirt, moisture and organic matter such as soil, leaves, pollen and grass are exactly what cause damage in storage. Different materials need slightly different approaches.

Wooden furniture

Wood can rot or develop moss and algae if stored dirty, particularly on the legs where it may have been standing on damp grass. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush to clean it thoroughly. If you spot moss or algae, treat with a solution of white vinegar and water first, then follow up with soapy water and a final rinse.

Make sure it's completely dry before storing, and consider applying a wooden furniture oil to protect against cracking or warping. Teak oil, tung oil or a specialist sealant are all good choices.

Metal furniture

Wipe down with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. Pay close attention to joints and fixings, as these are where rust tends to appear first. If you find any chips in the paintwork or early signs of rust, sand them back, apply a rust treatment and finish with rust-proof paint before storing.

Rattan (natural or synthetic)

Use a soft cloth or vacuum to remove loose debris, then clean with warm soapy water and dry completely. Rattan is particularly vulnerable to cracking when exposed to sharp temperature changes, so take a little extra care when storing it.

• Wrap in breathable covers such as old sheets rather than sealed plastic
• Position away from external walls to reduce exposure to temperature fluctuations
• Keep it slightly raised off the floor, on boards or pallets if possible
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top
• Make sure all joints and woven sections are completely dry before storing

When you bring it back out in spring, apply a UV protective spray designed for outdoor plastic or rattan to help prevent the material becoming brittle over time.

Plastic furniture

Wash with warm soapy water and towel dry. A pressure washer works well if you have one. Stubborn stains can be tackled with a bicarbonate of soda paste, and if the plastic has bleached or yellowed in the sun, a UPVC cleaner will help restore it.

Soft furnishings and cushions

Check for stains and clean according to the care label. The most important thing here is making sure everything is completely dry before it goes into storage, which may mean bringing cushions indoors for a few days. They retain moisture more than solid furniture and are more susceptible to mould and mildew as a result.

Store them in breathable bags rather than sealed plastic to allow any residual moisture to escape. A clean, dry self storage unit is a much better option than a damp shed or garage, which can also attract pests looking for somewhere to hibernate.

Barbecues

Scrub the grill thoroughly with a wire brush and soapy water to remove any residue, which would otherwise attract pests and accelerate rust. Dry everything completely and treat any rust before storing.

Charcoal barbecues must be completely cleared of ash before storage. Gas barbecues need to be disconnected from the gas canister. Gas canisters themselves must be stored upright in a cool, dry outdoor space away from any source of ignition. Please note that gas canisters cannot be stored in a self storage unit, but storing your other garden items with us will free up space in your shed or garage for them.

How to store garden furniture properly

If space is tight at home, a self storage unit is worth considering. A clean, dry indoor unit gives you the room to store everything properly, without squeezing items into unsuitable spaces or stacking them in ways that cause damage over time.

Keep items off the ground where possible, and use dust covers on clean, dry furniture to protect against dust and moisture. Not sure what size unit you'd need? Our unit size guide can help you work out the right option for garden furniture, or a combination of garden and other seasonal items.

After storage: what to check in spring

When you're ready to bring everything back out, a quick check will get you set up for the season:

• Wipe down surfaces to remove any dust
• Check that joints and fixings are secure
• Air out cushions and soft furnishings before use
• Apply UV protection spray to rattan and plastic furniture

Worth the effort

Looking after your garden furniture properly takes a little time, but it's time well spent. It will extend the life of your furniture considerably and spare you the expense of replacing it more often than necessary. When it comes to rust and weather damage, prevention really is far better than cure.

Can we help?

Storing garden furniture is one of the most popular reasons people come to us, particularly in autumn. If you'd like to know more about unit sizes, locations near you or pricing, we'd be happy to help. Many customers find it makes sense to keep their unit all year round, swapping garden furniture out for winter items like Christmas decorations, heavy bedding and seasonal clothing. If that sounds useful, ask us about our long-term storage discount for units kept for more than 12 months. Get in touch whenever you're ready.