How to Clean & Care for Garden Furniture: A Guide by Material

Reading time: approx. 8 min. · Last updated: 21 July 2026 · By Home Deluxe Editorial Team

In short: Every material needs its own care routine. With the right household remedies, a few specialist cleaning products and suitable storage, you can quickly get polyrattan, wood, metal, WPC, glass and cushions ready for summer – while extending the life of your furniture by years.

Cleaning and caring for garden furniture on a summer patio

A beautiful summer day on the patio is even better when your furniture is clean, comfortable and inviting. The key is using the right cleaning and care methods, which vary depending on the material. In this guide, we show you the most suitable household remedy for each material, the best professional tip and the most common mistakes to avoid. You will also learn how to protect your furniture and store it properly over winter.

Key Facts at a Glance

Gentle rather than harsh: use soft cloths and brushes instead of wire brushes or abrasive cream cleaners.
Never use a pressure washer on wood: the high water pressure can roughen and damage the surface fibres.
Treat stains immediately: blot from the outside towards the centre rather than rubbing.
Choose the right cleaner: Home Deluxe offers material-specific cleaners for polyrattan, cushions and WPC.
Care for your furniture twice a year and store it properly: this can extend its lifespan by many years.

Essential Equipment & Golden Rules

You do not need expensive equipment for the perfect cleaning day – just a few essentials and the right approach. Have these items ready:

Soft microfibre cloths & sponges (no abrasive scourers)
A soft hand brush for corners and gaps
A garden hose for gentle rinsing
Material-specific specialist cleaners for the perfect finish

💡 Golden rules: always test on an inconspicuous area first · work from coarse to fine · never clean in direct sunlight, as this can cause streaks · allow everything to dry thoroughly after washing before replacing the cushions.

⚠️ Common mistake: using aggressive abrasive cleaners or wire brushes. They can scratch the surface, make it more porous and leave it even more vulnerable to dirt in future.

Cleaning by Material

🪑 Polyrattan

For everyday cleaning, lukewarm water, a splash of washing-up liquid and a soft sponge are usually enough. Avoid wire brushes. For dirt trapped deep within the weave, RATTANIS polyrattan cleaner helps remove grease and environmental dirt while remaining gentle on the material.

🌳 Wood

Use a mild soapy solution and a soft brush, always scrubbing in the direction of the grain. Never use a pressure washer, as it can damage the wood structure. Once dry, applying a suitable wood care oil helps protect against drying out and preserves the warm colour.

⚙️ Metal & Aluminium

A damp microfibre cloth with a little pH-neutral soap is ideal for removing fingerprints and light dirt. Seal small scratches in painted surfaces promptly to help prevent rust. A very thin layer of car wax can also help water bead off and provide protection for several months.

🪵 WPC

Use warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft brush, working dirt out in the direction of the grooves. Avoid solvent-based cleaners. For a deeper clean, CALLADIS WPC cleaner concentrate can be used and is also suitable for use with a pressure washer where appropriate.

🪟 Glass

Lukewarm water with a splash of household vinegar or lemon juice can quickly loosen dirt. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight, as this can cause streaks. For drying, use a microfibre cloth or newspaper rather than kitchen roll to achieve a streak-free finish.

Keeping Cushions & Upholstery Stain-Free

Treat fresh stains immediately by gently blotting them from the outside towards the centre with a damp cloth and a little gall soap or mild detergent. Never rub vigorously, as this can push the dirt deeper into the fibres. Avoid washing cushion covers at excessively high temperatures to prevent shrinking.

For stubborn stains, mildew marks or deeply embedded dirt, POLSTARIS upholstery cleaner can help. It cleans deep into the fibres, refreshes the colours and leaves your lounge cushions feeling fresh and clean.

Cleaning outdoor upholstery and cushions to remove stains

Protection, Storage & Winter Care

A thorough clean lasts longer if you protect your furniture properly afterwards. Weather-resistant covers help shield lounge furniture from rain, pollen and UV exposure, while cushions and seat pads are best stored somewhere dry and well ventilated.

A lockable storage box such as the MEGABOX keeps cushions and seat pads clean and dry, while ventilation slots help reduce the risk of mould. This makes it easy to store your textiles quickly and protect them from sudden rain showers. Before winter, clean everything thoroughly, allow it to dry completely and store it in a protected place.

Covering garden furniture with a protective cover and storing cushions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I clean my garden furniture?

A thorough clean twice a year – in spring at the start of the season and in autumn before putting the furniture into storage – is usually sufficient. In between, simply wipe the furniture down as needed and treat stains straight away.

Can I clean garden furniture with a pressure washer?

Never use a pressure washer on wood, as the water pressure can roughen and damage the surface fibres. Polyrattan and painted surfaces should also be treated gently. WPC is generally more suitable for pressure washing; when used with an appropriate cleaning concentrate, it can provide a particularly thorough clean.

How do I remove stains from outdoor cushions?

Blot fresh stains immediately from the outside towards the centre rather than rubbing them. For stubborn stains or mildew marks, a specialist upholstery cleaner can help clean deep into the fibres and refresh the colours.

How can I protect wooden furniture in the long term?

Allow the furniture to dry thoroughly after cleaning, then treat it with a suitable wood care oil. The oil helps prevent the wood from drying out and preserves its warm colour. Depending on how heavily the furniture is used and exposed to the weather, repeat this once or twice per season.

How should I store my garden furniture over winter?

Clean everything thoroughly, allow it to dry completely and store the furniture and cushions in a protected place – ideally somewhere dry and well ventilated. If the furniture remains outdoors, use weather-resistant covers, while cushions and seat pads should be kept in a ventilated, dry storage box.

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