FEATURE: AUTUMN & WINTER PREP T


he sunny weather this


year Brits brought to their


outdoor spaces to catch some rays and enjoy barbecues


with family and friends. Now it’s time to give the furniture some TLC before putting it away for the colder months. Cleaning solutions


vary


depending on what type of furniture you’re dealing with - plastic furniture is one of the easiest to clean, while metal surfaces may require a bit more elbow grease. Chris Bonnett, the founder of


GardeningExpress.co.uk says: “Outdoor furniture should be cleaned regularly if you wish to maintain its good condition for years to come. “Tough


weather conditions


and built up dirt can take a toll on your patio set, but there are simple and effective solutions to keep the furniture in good shape. In most cases you can use common household items for


sparkling


results.” Here are expert tips on how to clean different types of garden furniture sets.


Wooden furniture Wooden furniture contains natural oils which help to protect the surface, however it still needs some looking after. To keep wood in good condition,


a simple soapy wash will do the trick in most cases. Just mix warm water with sugar soap and use a sponge to give it a good scrub. You can also opt for a commercial wood-cleaning product to get rid of general dust and grime. Rinse the furniture off with a hosepipe, not a pressure washer, to avoid causing damage. For an extra layer of protection, finish by applying a coat of oil or stain that will preserve the colour of the wood and prevent water, dirt


and UV exposure from damaging the surface. This should be done once or twice a year.


Plastic furniture Plastic furniture is popular because it’s affordable and easy to maintain. The main issue that you need to deal with is stains, but they can usually be removed


with


household products and a little scrubbing.


However pollen and bird


droppings can cause more stubborn stains, especially if you have a white furniture set. You can create an effective cleaning solution by mixing hot water with either bleach, white vinegar, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent or baking soda.


Rattan furniture Rattan is weather resistant and an easy material to take care of - just use a mixture of water and soap or


AUTUMN & WINTER PREPARATION FROM STV


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free and kind to animals. It allows customers to safely check for rat or mouse activity before deciding


14 DIY WEEK SEPTEMBER 2022


to take necessary control steps. For customers wishing to control rodents without the use of poisons or traps, The Big Cheese has an unrivalled range of poison-free, non-lethal products. Prices start at RRP £4.99 for a Ready-baited Mouse Bait Station For more information, contact


STV International by phone on 01953 881580, by email at info@ stvuk.co.uk or by visiting www.stvuk.com


washing up liquid, wipe it with a soft cloth and give it a rinse. The tricky


part is getting in


between the weaves, where dust and mould can build up over time. A good hack is to use a toothbrush


to get rid of the lodged dirt from the tiny gaps. Dust can also be collected by using a vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment.


Metal furniture Metal furniture


sets are very


durable, however getting rid of rust can be a real headache. The first step is to sand down as much of the existing rust as you can with fine sandpaper or a baking soda and water solution. If you’re dealing with oxidised aluminium, use a metal polishing paste or a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water to get rid of the rust.


An interesting rust removal hack is to use a potato, which contains rust-fighting oxalic acid. Just cut it in half and rub it along the surface. Once you’ve got rid of the rust, apply a coat of wax for long-lasting protection.


www.diyweek.net


TOP TIPS FOR CLEANING GARDEN FURNITURE


The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have outlined the best ways to clean and preserve different types of outdoor furniture after the busy summer season.


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