Cleaning Outdoor Furniture: The Best Tips and Tricks for Proper Care

Cleaning outdoor furniture: AD reveals the secret weapon for keeping your furniture in prime condition for next year.

The British have gardening in their genes. They not only invented the Chelsea Flower Show, but, according to Jasper Morrison, the park bench too. While the designer continues this tradition with his work for Kettal and his teak collection “Riva”, his compatriots are more concerned with how to keep garden furniture clean – and to do so with style.

Household remedies like water and neutral soap? Too ordinary. Special cleaners from the DIY store? Not quite right either. Instead, the (perhaps imaginary) “Mrs White” swears by “Everything in the Garden is Lovely” from Roullier White for her iron, aluminium and plastic chairs – a beautifully packaged, chemical-free and cruelty-free lotion, enriched with essential oils that supposedly even attract butterflies. And if stubborn dirt ruins the idyll? Then German pragmatism steps in: reach for toothpaste – but only for plastic. Teak furniture, on the other hand, usually needs nothing more than water and a soft brush, with occasional teak oil to prevent greying.

But let's not speculate any further, here are a few tried and tested ways to rekindle your sun-bashed furniture ready for another year in the garden.

Jasper Morrison designed the "Riva" teak collection for Kettal.

Kettal

As a rule, the material of your garden furniture determines the right approach to cleaning and care. To restore its shine, it’s important to understand what each material needs – and which cleaning method works best.

Before you get started, it’s worth considering how often – and when – outdoor tables, chairs and loungers should be cleaned. Experts generally recommend a thorough clean twice a year: once at the start of the garden season in spring, and again in autumn before storing furniture in a cellar, gazebo or garage. Of course, you can clean more frequently if needed. The key is timing: always choose dry weather so the furniture can dry properly and any oils or protective treatments can fully take effect.

Whether oak, walnut or teak, wood remains one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. This is reflected in current designs: Belgian brand Ethnicraft favours elegant teak, while Gandia Blasco has also embraced wood in collections such as “Hos” by Kengo Kuma. Wooden furniture brings a timeless elegance, but it also requires care. Hardwoods like teak, eucalyptus and robinia are naturally more weather-resistant, whereas softwoods tend to need more maintenance.

For cleaning, use a mild solution of natural soap and avoid microfibre cloths, as they can strip the wood of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a cotton cloth, soft brush or sponge, and always work with the grain. Dry thoroughly afterwards to prevent water marks. For more stubborn stains, a specialist care oil can help – and also counteract the typical greying of wood over time. Teak furniture, in particular, can usually be cleaned with water and a soft brush; occasional teak oil helps maintain its colour.

Teak furniture can be cleaned with just enough water and a soft brush; teak oil counteracts discolouration.

Ethnicraft

Plastic furniture is durable and weather-resistant, but exposure to sun, rain and temperature changes still takes its toll. Regular wiping with a damp cloth is usually enough to remove dirt and stains. Water alone often suffices, though an all-purpose cleaner or a plastic-specific product can also be used if needed. The iconic “Eames Plastic Side Chair” by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, for example, comes in vibrant colours that work just as well outdoors.

The "Eames Plastic Side" chairs were designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra - and come in exciting colours for the garden.

Studio AKFB (c) Florian Böhm

Rattan is making a strong comeback – not just indoors, but on patios and terraces too. It evokes relaxed summer days, Mediterranean holidays and an easy boho aesthetic. Brands like Sika Design and Bonacina 1889 recognised its appeal early on and have reinterpreted the material for modern outdoor living.

Naturally flexible and durable, rattan is well suited to outdoor use – but it can be tricky to clean. Its woven structure creates many small gaps where dirt collects, and the surface can be prone to cracking or splintering. A pressure cleaner can be effective, though it should be used carefully. A gentler alternative is a cloth with a mixture of water and salt. To restore its finish, rattan can be treated with linseed oil or linseed oil varnish. Sika Design is known for timeless, handcrafted rattan pieces such as the “Coco” armchair and the “Alma” outdoor basket.

The Sika brand has been synonymous with timeless, handmade rattan furniture ever since. The best example is the "Coco" armchair for outdoor use,

Sika Design

... and the "Alma" outdoor basket.

Sika Design

Metal and aluminium garden furniture are relatively easy to care for. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth, warm water and a little all-purpose cleaner or soapy water is usually sufficient to keep them in good condition. However, stainless steel requires a bit more attention. Contact with salt or chlorinated water can cause oxidation, so it’s best to use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. One thing to note: while metal furniture can heat up quickly in direct sunlight, it is generally highly resistant to UV exposure.

Careful, hot! Although metal outdoor furniture heats up quickly in direct sunlight, it can withstand UV radiation.

Fast / José Limbert

Outdoor cushions add an extra level of comfort and are increasingly used on garden seating. Most are designed to withstand the elements and are made from durable, weather-resistant fabrics. If the covers are removable, simply follow the care instructions on the label. If not, stains can usually be treated with a soft brush and a mixture of water and detergent. In all cases, make sure both the cover and the filling are allowed to dry completely – otherwise, mould can develop quickly. For example, the “Eiko” outdoor seating in teak combines sturdy construction with thick, comfortable cushions for maximum relaxation.