Cleaning your outdoor furniture

Wicker
Cleaning Traditional wicker’s open weave makes it a target for dirt buildup. Wipe it away with a soft bristle brush or use a vacuum. If necessary, spongeclean with an oil-based soap; rinse with water.

Care tip Wicker is sensitive to the elements, so it should be placed in covered areas only.

Wrought iron/steel
Cleaning Metal furniture usually has a powder coating to combat rust, but those pesky red stains can still show up, especially if seams aren’t properly
welded. Remove rust with fi ne sandpaper, wipe with a tack cloth, then touch up with the supplied paint or an exterior-grade paint that protects against rust and corrosion. For ornate designs, apply a few coats of car wax paste or spray. To clean stainless steel, Andrew suggests using the same polisher you use on your stainless steel refrigerator; apply once a month to remove dull film from rain and pollution.

Care tip To protect from the elements and guard against rust, it’s imperative to cover pieces when not in use and store them indoors for the off-season.

Teak
Cleaning Teak is naturally waterproof and resistant to rot and warping because of its high oil content. Wash with mild soap and water. Use a specially formulated teak cleanser for stubborn stains, and fi negrain sandpaper or steel wool to remove any surface stains. Andrew Bockner recommends oiling cleaned pieces at the start of each outdoor season.

Care tip If you don’t mind the grey patina that develops as teak ages, then cleaning four or five times a year will do. If you prefer to maintain the honey colour, clean the piece, let it dry, then apply a teak brightener to restore colour and a sealer to protect from UV rays.

Resin
Cleaning Also called new or synthetic wicker, this waterproof braided plastic is a fan of summer showers because rain helps keep it clean, says Andrew. Occasionally hose down and wipe with a soft bristle brush to rid crevices of dirt; repeat every few weeks to prevent buildup. Wipe away stains with mild soap and water; if stubborn, try vinegar or bleach mixed with water, or a special resin cleaner.

Care tip Because resin is porous and therefore ripe for staining, protect with a few coats of car wax.

Wood
Cleaning There are many types of wood, from pine to cedar to acacia (like the chair shown). Whether the item is varnished, stained or painted, clean with mild soap and water. To wash away mildew, try a soft bristle brush and a mixture of oxygen bleach and water.

Care tip Unfinished wood greys with age. To revive the colour, apply a semi transparent stain when clean; it will guard fibres from the sun’s rays. There are also many oils and varnishes that add a protective finish; check recommendations for the wood you have. “Ideally, use a sun shelter or umbrella to prolong the life of your wooden patio set,” says Christina Siokas.