Spending time in your garden is always more pleasant when you’ve got somewhere to sit and relax, but it can be daunting at first to choose what type of furniture to get for your garden. One of the most popular choices is rattan garden furniture due to its numerous benefits, including style, ease of care, and durability.
As mentioned above, one of rattan garden furniture’s main benefits is the fact that it is durable, which means you don’t have to worry too much about the unpredictable British weather. If it rains suddenly, you haven’t got to worry about your furniture being spoiled immediately.
However, rattan garden furniture, like any other type of furniture, needs to be taken care of so that it lasts for years to come. It can withstand a lot, but if neglected, you won’t get your money’s worth. This guide will help you care for your rattan garden furniture, no matter the weather
Clean it regularly
Like anything, the cleaner you keep your rattan furniture, the longer it will last. This is all part of the care you should show your furniture for it to last for 10 years or more.
The trick with rattan garden furniture is to not be too harsh when it comes to cleaning it. You can gently brush or hoover any debris off it first and then use a lint-free cloth dipped in a delicate soapy solution to clean off dirt and grime. Doing this every month will help it keep its shine and look good as new for a long time.
Invest in special products to increase the shine of your furniture
If your rattan garden furniture is looking a little dull even after a good clean, you might want to invest in some special products or oil specifically for your furniture which help to bring back its original shine. These products are designed to soak into the material and reignite any dried-out pigments from the harsh weather conditions.
Use a garden furniture cover
When it rains, rattan garden furniture can usually withstand this for some time, but if it’s going to be outside in the rain for longer periods of time, it’s recommended you use a cover. The cover will stop the rain directly hitting it and also protect it from excess moisture from the air. If you can, use the cover of a shed or garage as extra protection. While rattan furniture is durable, it can still last longer if you take extra measures to protect it from the rain. Similarly, a cover is useful in protecting your furniture from harsh sunlight.
Move your rattan garden furniture into the shade
All garden furniture will eventually succumb to sun exposure and will lose its original colour if left in direct sunlight for too long. In order to help your rattan garden furniture hold its original shape and colour, move it out of direct sunlight and into shadier areas of your garden when not in use. If a garage or shed is not available, find out where in your garden gets the most shade and move your furniture into those areas when finished using it.
Don’t neglect your cushions
While rattan garden furniture itself is durable and generally weatherproof, the cushions are not. When your furniture is not in use, bring the cushions safely indoors. Even a garden furniture cover cannot protect your cushions from moisture in the air which could cause mould, so cushions should definitely be stored indoors, sheds, or storage boxes.
Have a move around
If you’ve got a large set of rattan garden furniture and tend to migrate to the same spot every time or notice one or two chairs don’t get enough use, shuffle them around a bit every so often. Using one chair or one end of the furniture will wear that spot down more than the others, including making cushions lose their shape faster. Having a move around every so often will mean that all chairs and areas get the same usage or exposure to the sun.
Should I leave my rattan garden furniture outside?
Ultimately, how you care for your rattan garden furniture depends on the space available to you and how easy it is to follow the above guide. If you have indoor space and can easily transport your furniture indoors once not in use, then this is recommended as you don’t have to worry about any of the elements, especially heavy downpours or scorching sun.
However, rattan garden furniture can be left outside. When doing this, just use the tips above to make sure it is cared for and either invest in a furniture cover, make use of a shed or dedicate areas of your garden for storage of your furniture where it is least exposed to the elements.
