The rain and cold spells are bound to have their effects on wooden garden furniture that isn’t covered over in the coldest months of the year, but there’s a cheap way you can restore it to its former glory.
In fact, a 35p household staple can “breathe new life” into wooden garden furniture that has seen better days, according to an expert.
Bradley Spencer at garden furniture specialists Royal Finesse, said white vinegar can come in handy for this garden chore.
Can you use white vinegar to clean garden furniture?
He explained: “Spring is just around the corner and many of us will look to spend more time enjoying our gardens.
“However, harsh winter weather may have left some garden furniture looking less than perfect and in need of a deep clean.
“White vinegar is a natural and effective weapon against the dirt and grime that can accumulate on wooden outdoor items, and it can breathe new life into your garden furniture.
“It is also a natural disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria so it can make a real difference without harming the wood.”
Bradley said white vinegar is a mild acid that is popular with homeowners for a range of household cleaning tasks.
It can cost as little as 35p for a 568ml bottle in supermarkets, including Aldi.
To use it on wooden garden furniture, it’s important to dilute it with equal parts water and test it on a small area to ensure it’s suitable for the wood.
Mr Spencer added: “When it comes to cleaning outdoor garden furniture, a deep clean with warm, soapy water can make a world of difference.
When did you last clean your garden furniture? (Image: Getty)
“A mixture of white vinegar and water can help with more stubborn stains if needed.
“However, be careful not to use abrasive chemicals or pressure washers on wood or older items, as there may be a risk of damage.
“Vinegar is also best avoided for unsealed wood or if it’s waxed or oiled, in which case there are cleaning products specifically designed for these types of wood.”
Chris Taylor at Chris Taylor Gardening said white vinegar “should always be diluted with water and used as a gentle wash rather than a heavy soak.”
He added: “On sealed or painted timber, it’s generally safe for occasional use, but on bare or weathered wood it can slightly raise the grain or dull the surface if overused.
“It’s best applied with a soft brush or cloth, followed by a thorough rinse and proper drying.
“For valuable hardwood pieces, a dedicated wood cleaner is often a safer long-term option.”
When is the best time to clean garden furniture?
Chris advised: “In the UK, the ideal time to clean wooden garden furniture is in early spring, just before it comes back into regular use.
“This allows you to remove winter grime, algae and any mould buildup before warmer temperatures encourage further growth.
“A secondary clean in early autumn can also be worthwhile before storing furniture or covering it for winter.
“Choosing a dry, mild day is important – cleaning timber in damp or cold conditions can slow drying time and encourage moisture retention, which in turn increases the risk of staining or fungal issues.”
Expert shares how to use soapy water to clean wooden garden furniture
If you haven’t got white vinegar at home, you can use a few key essentials that you’ll probably have already.
Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol, said you can clean your garden furniture with the following supplies:
A clean bucket of warm water
Mild soap or plant-based detergent
Soft-bristled brush
Sponge or microfibre cloth
Hose with a spray nozzle (optional)
She warned that you should always check “for any manufacturer instructions or care labels on the furniture” before you get started.
Catherine added: “This is especially important if your sofa or chairs are made of a material like rattan, wood, metal or treated fabric.
“Some surfaces will also have coatings that need gentler care.”
The next steps include removing and washing cushions and fabric covers, brushing off any dirt and debris and mixing your solution.
Catherine said: “In a bucket of warm water, add a few drops of mild soap. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as they can fade or damage outdoor furniture finishes, especially wood or coated metal!
“Soak a sponge or cloth in the soapy mix and wipe down all hard surfaces like arms, legs, backs and slats – I’d recommend rinsing your cloth regularly to avoid spreading dirt around.
“Then use a brush for textured or woven areas, and for the final rinse, use a bucket of clean water or a hose on a gentle spray setting.”
Don’t forget to dry off your furniture when you’re done, as Catherine says: “Use a towel to remove as much moisture as you can, especially in any gaps or joins where water could pool.
“Let everything air dry fully in the sun before you sit down or store the furniture, damp cushions and corners can quickly become mouldy if left, so this is really important!”
Experts at Vonhaus suggest sanding down stubborn stains: “For any stubborn dirt marks remaining, try sanding down your furniture with 80-grit/120-grit sandpaper.
“This will also prep your table, bench, or chair for oil treatments.
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“To be on the safe side, we recommend wearing goggles to protect your eyes from any wood chips or dust.”
After this, you could add an oil treatment to future-proof your furniture, if suitable: “As well as offering year-round protection, teak oil maintains the wood’s rich golden sheen.
“Liberally apply the oil with a cloth following the grain, working into the wood.
“Once dry (in approx. 4-6 hours), apply a second coat.
“Repeat this process twice a year and clean your teak garden furniture with the soapy water mixture in between applications!”
How do you clean your garden furniture? Let us know your favourite techniques in the comments.
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