Once the clocks go back and the garden is more puddle than patio, most of us stop thinking about outdoor furniture until the first sunny weekend of spring. That is a shame, because a little effort in November makes a big difference to how your rattan set looks next year. Wind, rain, frost and months of damp under a tree are what really wear garden furniture out, not the summer barbecues.
Here is a simple routine that works for most rattan sofa sets, dining sets and coffee tables, whether you leave them outside or have room to bring them in.
Clean Everything Before It Goes Away
Putting furniture away dirty is the most common mistake. Leaves, pollen, bird droppings and spilled drinks sit in the weave all winter and can leave stains or encourage mould.
- Brush the frame with a soft brush to lift dust and leaves out of the weave.
- Wash it with warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid, using a sponge or soft cloth.
- Rinse with clean water and let it dry completely, ideally on a dry, breezy day.
- Wipe glass table tops on both sides and check the rubber pads that hold them in place.
Avoid pressure washers on woven furniture. The jet can force water deep into the weave and loosen the strands.
Look After The Cushions Separately
Cushions are usually the first thing to suffer. Even “outdoor” fabrics are not designed to sit wet for months.
- Remove the covers if they unzip and check the care label before washing.
- Make sure the foam inside is bone dry. Damp foam that is bagged up will smell musty by March.
- Store cushions indoors in a breathable bag or box, somewhere off the floor, such as a loft, spare room or under a bed.
If you have no space indoors, a dry shed is the next best option. Plastic bin bags are tempting, but they trap moisture, so a cotton or mesh storage bag is a better choice.
Covering Furniture That Stays Outside
Not everyone has a garage big enough for a corner sofa. If your set has to stay out, a good fitted cover is worth having. Many rattan garden sofas are sold with one, but you can also buy them separately.
A few things help a cover do its job:
- Make sure the furniture is dry before you cover it. Covering wet rattan just seals the damp in.
- Let it breathe. Covers with vents, or a small gap at the bottom, reduce condensation.
- Stop water pooling. Put an upturned bucket or a bottle in the middle of the table so rain runs off instead of sitting on top.
- Tie it down. Winter winds can lift a loose cover and turn it into a sail. Use the straps or add bungee cords around the legs.
- Lift it off the ground. Small feet or blocks under the legs keep the frame out of standing water on patios and lawns.
Check under the cover every few weeks, especially after storms. A quick airing on a dry day helps keep mildew away.
Storing Furniture Indoors Or In A Shed
If you can bring the furniture in, stack chairs carefully so the weave is not crushed, and avoid leaning heavy items against the sides. Leave a little space around each piece for air to move. Glass tops are safest stored flat or upright against a wall, wrapped in an old blanket.
Steel frames inside the rattan can rust if they stay damp, so a dry space with some airflow is better than a sealed, humid one.
Ready For Spring
When the weather warms up, give everything a quick brush and wipe, put the dry cushions back and check for any loose strands or wobbly feet. Small repairs are much easier to make before the season starts.
If your current set has seen better days, have a browse through our garden furniture section for ideas. Looking after what you already own, though, is the most affordable and sustainable choice of all.