I’m a cleaning expert, my hacks cost pennies and will banish moss and grime from your garden furniture in moments
GARDEN furniture can become covered in stubborn dirt, algae, mould and grime buildup when left in cold and damp conditions over winter.
There are nifty tricks which require little time, money or effort to restore outdoor furniture, including using white vinegar to banish algae and rust.
Other surprising household items like olive oil and lemon juice can give garden furniture a proper cleanup and get in tip-top condition for summer garden parties.
Andy Ellis, outdoor furniture expert at Posh.co.uk, said: “Households will be eagerly anticipating being able to spend more time in the garden with the arrival of spring.
“Unfortunately garden furniture can accumulate a lot of grime and dirt after being kept in cold and damp conditions over the winter period, so it will need a cleaning to get it sparkling again.
“Simple tricks and tips require using cheap household items like olive oil to rejuvenate the garden furniture without breaking the bank.
“Many people will also be surprised to know that items like vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent, and is a great product to include in the garden furniture cleaning routine.”
Hacks to get rid of dirt buildup on garden furniture:
Lemon juice
Garden furniture can grow mould and moss if neglected, but lemon juice can be used to tackle this issue.
Simply mix it with salt and dip a sponge or brush in the solution before using it to clean off and scrub any mould stains and growing moss.
Baking soda
Baking soda is very effective when tackling mould and grime on outdoor furniture because it causes dirt and grease to dissolve when mixed with water.
Its abrasive properties make the solution great for cleaning certain materials without leaving harsh scratches. Just dip a wet sponge in and rub the dirty areas in circular motions before rinsing off.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an accessible household item that is great for cleaning a range of outdoor furniture, especially wood. Because of its acidic nature, it is great for removing stains and grime.
It must be diluted with water at a 1:1 ratio beforehand to prevent any damage. After this, use a soft sponge to gently rub the mixture on the dirty surfaces.
Olive oil
Rattan furniture can be tough to clean, but using just a small amount of olive oil to clean and buff it can make it look as good as new.
Rub the olive oil on a soft cloth and buff it into the furniture to add shine and reduce cracking.
Garden features that add the most value to a house
A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.
Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.
And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed.
- Shed – 82%
- Patio or paving – 76%
- Secure fencing, walls or gates – 72%
- Outdoor lighting – 66%
- Sturdy decking – 62%
- Water features eg. fountain or pond – 58%
- Modern garden furniture – 54%
- Artificial lawn/grass – 40%
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are abrasive, making them an effective cleaning tool to banish dirt and grime. The grains can be used to remove buildup on hard-to-clean furniture acting as an exfoliator when scrubbed on surfaces like the BBQ.
It can also minimise the appearance of scratches on wooden furniture when mixed with warm water and gently buffed on to scuffs.