Aluminum Garden Furniture

Garden Furniture Covers

Get your garden furniture ready for spring

Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential if you want to keep your garden furniture looking at its best for many years to come. As outdoor furniture and outdoor accessories are available in such a wide variety of materials, each requires a different method of care. At Lazy Susan we can advise you exactly how to clean and maintain our garden furniture, but you should always follow any specific manufacturer's instructions if applicable to your furniture. In this post, we will explain the commonly recognised methods of cleaning for the popular types of garden furniture in the UK.

At the end of the day, keeping your garden furniture clean and looking new is one of the key elements to having a beautiful garden. No matter how expensive your garden furniture is it will not be attractive or welcoming if it is covered in bird poo or worn and faded with rust spots. While most types of garden furniture will only require some simple action with soap and warm water, some will need a little more work than others so consider this carefully before you purchase any new furniture for your garden too – if you do not have the time or inclination for constant cleaning and TLC, it might be better to choose easy-care cast aluminium than say timber or cast iron!

Rattan & Wicker Furniture

Most wicker furniture can simply be cleaned using a hose or pressure washer. Remove the cushions before you spray off dirt and spills. For very dirty wicker, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to wash. Let it dry completely before applying a paste wax to the frame to help keep it shiny and water-resistant. It is easier to care for weather resistant synthetic wicker and rattan than natural, so look around before you buy. Store cushions indoors and use a garden furniture cover for the frames when it is not being used.

Wooden Furniture

This is probably the hardest of all types of garden furniture to maintain, but many people love wood and you can't argue with its timeless quality and natural beauty. If you can afford it, teak is the best choice as it contains a natural oil that makes it much more resistant to wet weather. Otherwise, look for cedar, pine and mahogany as they're all popular and much more affordable options. Regardless of type, all wooden furniture should be stored indoors in winter and ideally cleaned at least once or twice a year. Unless it has come to you painted or pre-treated, it is also best to protect your wooden furniture with oils, stains or poly-coatings and clear sealants. Be careful not to put any sealant over the screws as wood will contract and expand over time and the sealant will make it harder for you to tighten or remove any screws if need be.

You can simply wash sealed wooden furniture with a mild detergent, taking care to scrub gently and rinsing only with a low pressure garden hose. In particular, if you have painted wood, high pressure ‘power' sprays while good for cleaning your alloy wheels, can strip off the paint completely, so it is best to just wipe them down. It is also a very good idea to finish the furniture with a liquid wood cleaner. You can find that if we get a lot of rain, strong winds or harsher weather conditions, then you may need to clean your wooden furniture every two weeks or so just to keep it in good condition and well protected.

Metal Furniture

If your garden furniture is made of aluminium, first determine if it is painted or not. If it is painted, then you can treat it like any other kind of painted metal surface and just use some mild soap and water to clean it. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse away any soapy residue and follow with a good quality car paste wax to help add a little extra protection. If the aluminium is unpainted or unfinished, then you'll have to do a little bit more I'm afraid.

While aluminium doesn't rust, it will oxidise in the open air and extreme oxidation can result in whitish pitted marks. You easily can tackle this with a metal polishing paste, which contains very fine abrasives that remove the oxidised top layer. Once the metal is smooth and shiny again, you then need protect it with a car paste wax to prevent any further oxidation. Just remember that alkaline cleaners will also cause oxidation so don't use any cleaners that contain chemicals like ammonia. If the metal is only lightly oxidised (e.g. from pollution or sea air), then you can treat it with a mild acidic solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or a glass cleaner also works well.

If you have cast iron furniture, then rust will be your own personal public enemy number one. Catching any damage early is the key to preventing big problems further down the line. You can simply sand the rust off, as well as any damaged paint and then prime the area and paint over it again with a good quality rust-resistant paint. Make sure that you always use a mild detergent when washing the furniture, scrub the surface very gently and then rinse with a low-pressure hose.

Keeping your iron garden furniture clean is essential in preventing rust as any particles of dirt and dust will help moisture to 'stick' to the paintwork and subsequently corrode the coating. Again, applying a car paste wax on the top is a good way of protecting the metal and keeps moisture from sitting on the surface. If this is impractical with some designs being too ornate, try a spray-on liquid wax such as Turtle Wax's original liquid wax. Just remember that this won't be as durable as the paste wax's so you may need to apply every few months or so.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic outdoor furniture is usually made of a poly-resin plastic, which is extremely durable and economical. The only problem with resin plastic is that it has a very smooth and slightly porous finish, which means that it attracts and holds stains easily (and especially as white seems to be the most popular colour!).

To wash, simply spray with the garden hose and then scrub with a mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. If you have white furniture, leaving it in the sun as this will have a natural bleaching effect, and again, automotive past wax is a good surface protector, repelling both moisture and dirt and grime.

Outdoor Cushions

To get them clean, all you need is 1 teaspoon washing up liquid, 1 litre of warm water and 1 tablespoon Vanish Oxi-action in wash stain remover Start by soaking a sponge and use it to wash the cushions down or pop it in a spray bottle and saturate cushions on both sides, paying particular attention to the crevices and creases. Let the cushion sit for 15 minutes. Spray the solution off with a hose using a strong force of water. Stand each cushions on its edge out of the direct sun to dry. When almost dry, spray with a fabric protector. To remove dust between cleanings, vacuum as needed. Or, if the cushions are small enough, just shake them out.

Canvas Cushions

If the canvas is removable, you're in luck. Most canvas is machine-washable. Just remember to put the canvas back on the furniture while it is still damp to maintain the shape of the canvas. If the canvas cannot be removed, you'll need a scrubbing brush and a bar of laundry soap. Run the brush back and forth across the soap, and scrub the canvas. Rinse well and stand cushions up on edge to dry.

While cleaning your garden furniture may be one of the more boring chores, it is well worth investing some regular care and attention. A little time spent in cleaning and maintenance means that you will have stylish and beautiful pieces to enjoy for many years to come.

Patio Furniture Covers

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Hearth & Garden Stack of Chairs Cover Sale Price: $15.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Protective cover for stacked outdoor chairs Vented for mold and mildew resistance Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Crafted of durable fleece-backed vinyl Keeps outdoor chairs clean and ready

Hearth & Garden Patio Chair Cover List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $11.09 You save: $8.90 (45%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready for use Made of heavy weight 380G Polyester Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Fabric is PVC coated for added protection Limited Manufactures warranty

Hearth & Garden Deluxe Round Table And Chair Set Cover List Price: $39.99 Sale Price: $26.79 You save: $13.20 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready for use Made of heavy weight 380G Polyester Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Fabric is PVC coated for added protection Limited Manufactures warranty

Hearth & Garden Round Table & Chair Cover List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $26.98 You save: $8.01 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Round protective cover for outdoor tables and chairs Vented for mold and mildew resistance Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Crafted of durable fleece-backed vinyl Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready

Hearth & Garden Patio Chaise Lounge Cover List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $23.96 You save: $1.03 (4%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready for use Made of heavy weight 380G Polyester Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Fabric is PVC coated for added protection Limited Manufactures warranty

Hearth & Garden Love Seat & Bench Cover List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $24.51 You save: $10.48 (30%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Keep your outdoor love seat and bench looking and working like the day you bought it. This cover is made of premium 380 Gram Polyester for a canvas like feel and is coated with a water resistant material for further protection from the elements. Cover is hand washable and lightweight. It will fit securely with bungee drawstring and keep your outdoor products protected from the elements all through the year. Features Made of 380 Gram PVC Coated Polyester for strength and protection Resists cracking and fading in cold weather Neutral but Fashionable Taupe Color Matches Your Outdoor Furniture and Environment Bungee drawstring for a tight and custom fit PVC Coating increases water resistance and further protection from the elements

Deluxe Rectangular Table & Chair Set Cover Sale Price: $49.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Protect your outdoor items from winter's wrath with our Hearth and Garden line of Patio furniture covers. Made from 380 gram polyester, our furniture and grill covers resist cracking, fading, tearing, and mold build up. Coated with PVC for increased water resistant and further protection from the elements, you can be confident that your patio furniture is secure through the seasons. We have covers available to fit all of your needs, from tables and chairs to grills and patio heathers. All of these items are available packaged in clear vinyl poly bags. Features Heavy Weight 380gram PVC Coated Polyester Resist cracking, fading, tearing and mold build-up PVC Coating increases water resistance and further protection from the elements Neutral but Fashionable Taupe Color Matches Your Outdoor Furniture and Environment Vented for better airflow to avoid moisture buildup on your furniture

Hearth & Garden Adirondack Chair Cover List Price: $24.99 Sale Price: $18.18 You save: $6.81 (27%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Keep your outdoor adirondack chair looking and working like the day you bought it. This cover is made of premium 380 Gram Polyester for a canvas like feel and is coated with a water resistant material for further protection from the elements. Cover is hand washable and lightweight. It will fit securely with elastic binding and keep your outdoor products protected from the elements all through the year. Features Made of 380 Gram PVC Coated Polyester for strength and protection Resists cracking and fading in cold weather Neutral but Fashionable Taupe Color Matches Your Outdoor Furniture and Environment Vented for better airflow to avoid moisture buildup on your furniture PVC Coating increases water resistance and further protection from the elements

Veranda Patio Bench Cover, Pebble, Fits Bench Seats up to 50" in Length List Price: $40.00 Sale Price: $36.66 You save: $3.34 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Elegant protection for patio bench seats against the elements. Features Click-close straps lock around bench legs to secure the cover on windy days. Handles for easy fitting and removal, and adjustable elastic hem cord for a tight, custom fit. Air vents reduce condensation and lessen ballooning in wind. Gardelle protective fabric system won't crack in cold weather.

Hearth & Garden Standard Rectangle Table Cover Sale Price: $29.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your outdoor environment that you can enjoy year round. Features Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready for use Made of heavy weight 380G Polyester Fade- and weather-resistant for years of use Fabric is PVC coated for added protection Limited Manufactures warranty