Brits urged to clean garden furniture today to protect it from one thing
Tree sap can cause damage to garden furniture, and with the Met Office issuing yellow weather alerts due to expected thunderstorms, one expert has shared tips on how to clean it off
UK households are being encouraged to give their garden furniture a good scrub today (Sunday), as one particular issue can cause significant damage. Tree sap wreaking havoc on garden furnishings is a problem many will encounter during the summer months. The fluid can stain, discolour and weaken materials such as wood, metal and fabrics.
A common misconception is that tree sap is washed away by rain. However, according to a garden furniture expert, damp weather conditions can actually cause the sap to drip more from leaves and branches. This results in a sticky residue, which is difficult to remove, being left on furniture sets.
Hence, the expert emphasises the need for swift action when this occurs. Mark Holloway, from design specialists Holloways of Ludlow, underscored the importance of maintaining garden furniture cleanliness, especially after rainfall.
With the Met Office issuing yellow weather alerts due to thunderstorms and heavy rain this weekend, his message couldn't be more clear.
Mark advised: "After periods of heavy rain or wind, it's recommended to take a more thorough approach to clean away any debris that may have accumulated in the grooves of your furniture. Removing these as soon as possible will help to avoid long-lasting damage to the materials of your garden furniture."
Storm warnings from the Met Office kicked in from Thursday, June 12 until Saturday, June 14 across parts of the UK, bringing thunderstorms and "torrential downpours" for numerous areas, with various regions facing the rough weather on different days.
Nevertheless, brighter skies are forecasted for today, offering Brits a chance to salvage their outdoor furniture before it's potentially damaged by the storms.
Depending on your type of garden furniture, the cleaning tactics vary, reports the Express.
Wooden furnishings can be spruced up using an everyday washing up sponge and a simple mix of warm water and gentle soap to easily remove dirt build-up.
Get rid of any tougher stains that have penetrated the wood using a concoction of warm water, white vinegar and baking soda.
For those owning metal pieces, soft brushes or clothes, coupled with a combined paste of baking soda and water should be employed to tackle any marks.
"Make sure to apply a rust-resistant spray after cleaning to keep it protected from wet weather," he added.
Delicate materials like rattan, cord, or wicker require extra care – opt for a mild cloth and soapy water. For those tricky nooks and crannies, a toothbrush is perfect for prying out lingering dirt.
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