I'm a garden expert – bathroom staple could give your furniture an instant makeover

The Sun

11 hours ago

NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to get out and relax in the garden.
It can be the perfect place to put your feet up, relax, and take in the sunshine while enjoying the greenery.
3
3
3
But without our recent flip-flop weather, one minute our outdoor furniture will look great, and the next it will need another clean and wipe down.
Items like chairs and tables are magnets for dirt and grime, and even just one day of heavy rain and wind can be enough for them to get dirty all over again.
But did you know that one small, bathroom staple could effortlessly give it a new lease of life?
Garden pros have revealed that a toothbrush can be a useful tool for a deep clean.
And they have urged homeowners to think twice about tossing their old toothbrushes before using them to spruce up their outdoor furniture.
Bradley Spencer, of garden furniture specialists Royal Finesse, revealed that it works on all types of surfaces.
He said: 'The unpredictable weather can leave garden furniture looking less than its best at times.
'A regular deep clean can not only protect the longevity and functionality of outdoor items but give them an instant makeover too.
'With wooden furniture, it's recommended to use a soft cloth or sponge and water mixed with a mild soap to wipe dirt off the surfaces.
'A soft-bristle toothbrush can be used to remove dirt and loose debris from crevices and hard-to-reach spots, taking care not to damage the wood by scrubbing too hard.
'I was quoted £10,000 for a garden renovation but did it MYSELF for £1,000 using ChatGPT to show my kids what single mums can do'
'White vinegar mixed with water can also be useful for tackling any stubborn dirt.
'Finally, give the item a rinse with clean water to remove any lingering soap or vinegar and allow to dry.
'You might be surprised just how much of a difference a deep clean can make to your garden furniture.
"And it can give the entire outdoor space a makeover, too.'
According to Bradley, good-quality wooden garden furniture can last decades if cared for properly.
He recommends conducting a deep clean at least twice a year.
And he said reapplying a sealant or protective oil can go a long way to maintaining its longevity.
When not in use through the winter, protective covers can be used to keep the elements at bay.
Or if possible, it can be moved into an indoor area such as a shed if practical.
Bradley also warns against a common mistake some people make while cleaning their garden furniture.
He added: 'Using a pressure washer to clean wooden garden furniture can be risky as it may cause damage if not done properly.
'The powerful blasts can damage the protective coating, cause chips in the wood and make it more vulnerable to water and sun damage.'
The mistake that could wreck your outdoor furniture
IF you want to make sure that you don't accidentally ruin your outdoor furniture during the hot weather then you might want to take note.
Experts have revealed that there is a huge garden mistake you could be making during the hot temperatures that could wreck your outdoor space.
Since Scotland gets a lot of wet and windy weather - at the tail end of the year - most homeowners cover up their beloved garden furniture over winter.
But leaving this on when the weather is hot and sunny could actually cause anything that is under it to MELT.
As a result, outdoor expert Andrew White from Harbour Lifestyle has urged homeowners to remove their covers now before they permanently damage their outdoor furniture.
He said: "When the temperature is rising, it is important to remove your garden furniture covers.
"Most garden furniture covers are lined with PVC to repel the elements during wet weather.
"But when they are placed under a direct heat source such as the sun, they can actually melt and leave a residue or stain on your furnishings.
'Some materials in lower quality, less expensive furnishings can become brittle if left in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
"To prevent fading and breakage, you should ensure your furniture is well-shaded during sunny periods.