Oils tend to make the wood go black and pick up dirt, while other finishes sit on the surface, change the texture of the wood and need frequent maintenance.

Cleaning garden furniture does not need to be a chore and finding out the best way to clean different materials will make it a breeze. The cleaning instructions will tell you what cleaning products you can use on your furniture and the best way to remove stains and dirt. Most people think it’s the way forward, and although it might seem satisfying as you watch it change colour we’ve seen lovely furniture destroyed by the powerful jets stripping away timber along with the dirt. Next, sand down the furniture to make it smooth -Using an orbital sander can save a lot of time here.Try using a vacuum to remove any dust or cobwebs that are more hidden and then use a hose with a nozzle to get in between all the crevices,’ say the experts at Garden Street.

If your furniture has been damaged by a pressure washer the solution is to sand it down smooth again, although you don't want to have to do this too many times. When it comes to washing your cushions, be sure to read the care and washing instructions on the upholstery and always use the right cleaning and care products. The experts at Garden Street advise not using cleaning products with harsh chemicals when cleaning your garden furniture.Join our mailing list to receive exclusive discounts and be kept up to date with any promotions, new product releases and how-to guides.

Place a scrubbing brush into the mixture and apply it to the algae stains on your furniture, then leave it for ten minutes. To prepare the furniture for cleaning, you'll need to remove mould, mildew and lichen and here's how. Do not use the scrub side of the sponge unless you really need to remove a stubborn stain as it can scratch the finish.Such as a solvent designed to cut through dirt, grime and any tough grease that will build upon your furniture when it is sat outdoors over long periods. Also ensure that you use a natural bristle brush because it is soft enough to keep the rattan from damage and flexible enough to reach the hidden parts of the furniture.

In damp years mildew can be much more prevalent than usual and particularly damp weather can even lead to mildew appearing on oak, which is usually very unusual. Don’t use a pressure washer for cleaning wooden furniture - wooden garden furniture can be damaged by pressure washers stripping away some of the timber itself as well as the dirt. Plus for any cushions, it will tell you if they can be machined washed and on what settings, or if they require special attention.Better still if the covers are removable pop them on a gentle cycle every so often to keep them fresh. Martin Young, founder of handcrafted wooden garden furniture Sitting Spiritually of Lyme Regis advises not using a pressure washer on wood.