Caring for Your Outdoor Furniture (By Material)
Premium outdoor furniture by its very nature is designed to withstand the elements and you should be able to enjoy it for many years - but with regular care and maintenance, you can extend its lifespan even further. The good news? Keeping your garden furniture looking beautiful season after season, doesn’t require complicated upkeep. In most cases, it comes down to three essentials:
- Clean regularly
- Protect surfaces when needed
- Store correctly during colder months
Below, we have gathered our advice on exactly how to care for your outdoor furniture by material - from daily maintenance to long-term protection.
What is the easiest way to maintain your outdoor furniture?
The simplest and most effective routine:
- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to dry completely
Regular cleaning prevents dirt build-up, staining and mould, which are the most common causes of long-term damage when it comes to outdoor furniture.
How to Clean Outdoor Furniture by Material
How do you care for aluminium outdoor furniture?
Aluminium is an excellent material for your outdoor furniture, particularly in European countries like Switzerland that experience changeable weather. If you're looking for low-maintenance furniture for your garden, we'd highly recommend considering aluminium.
Regular maintenance
- Wipe down with soapy water and a soft cloth
- Rinse and dry to prevent water marks
Long-term care
- Avoid scratches or knocks to the powder coating
- Remove standing water
Winter tip
- Do not store upside down (water can collect inside frames)
- Use a cover with good airflow or ideally store indoors, where possible
How do you care for teak outdoor furniture?
Teak is durable, natural and designed to age beautifully. However, if you prefer to keep the original golden brown look of teak, it does require some maintenance.
What happens to teak over time?
Untreated teak naturally changes from golden brown to a silver-grey patina. It can also develop small cracks - this is natural and does not impact the strength of the product. For many, this natural development adds to the organic style of the teak outdoor furniture.
Regular maintenance
- Clean daily with a moist cloth or soft sponge, water and mild soap. Alternatively, use an Outdoor Woodcare Kit designed specifically for this use.
- Always wipe with the grain
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining
Long-term care
The long-term care depends on the look you are aiming for:
-
Natural weathered look
- Minimal maintenance
- Clean a few times per year
- Preserved golden colour
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- If your teak outdoor furniture becomes silvery-grey on the surface, it can be cleaned with a recommended wood cleaner. Depending on the severity of the patina, you may also need to sand it down before cleaning and treating.
- After cleaning and rinsing thoroughly with water, allow the furniture to dry completely. Once its dry, it is ready to be treated with teak sealant.
- Apply teak sealant before use and on a regular basis. How often treatment is needed depends on the climate and whether the furniture is sheltered. As a general guide, teak table tops should be cleaned and treated at least a couple of times a year.
Key tip for teak furniture
Never clean with pressure washers as they can damage the wood fibres.
How do you care for outdoor table tops (ceramic, glass, stone)?
Ceramic, glass and stone are also excellent low-maintenance options, particularly for outdoor dining tables and outdoor coffee tables.
Regular care
- Wipe with a microfibre cloth and mild detergent
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning
- Clean spills quickly to avoid staining
- Avoid dragging objects to prevent scratches in certain materials such as glass
Long-term care
- Seal stone annually for added protection
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on all surfaces
How do you care for outdoor cushions and fabrics?
Outdoor fabrics are designed to be weather-resistant, with many of our items here at Milola also containing QuickDry Foam. These cushions are designed to let water flow through and dry quickly. Despite this, there are some maintenance steps we would suggest to keep your outdoor cushions in great condition.
Regular maintenance
- Brush off dirt, pollen and debris
- Clean spills immediately with warm soapy water
- Place cushions upright after rain to improve drainage
- Let cushions air dry fully
Deeper cleaning
- Use an outdoor textile cleaner for stains
- Some covers can be machine-washed but always check fabric type first
Storage
- Best stored indoors or in ventilated storage
- Never leave damp cushions covered as this increases the risk of mould. Ensure they are fully dry before covering or storing.
How do you care for rope, weave and synthetic materials?
Rope or woven styles in outdoor furniture are now extremely popular. They offer a softer look to pieces such as outdoor sofas or garden lounge chairs. People are often worried about the durability of rope outdoors, but rope has actually been used for thousands of years on boats because of its durability, so it's actually a fantastic choice if you like the style.
Regular maintenance
- Clean with a soft brush and soapy water
- Remove leaves, dirt and organic debris
Long-term care
- Avoid pulling or stressing rope structures
- Clean regularly to prevent build-up
How to Store Outdoor Furniture in Winter
Regardless of the material you choose for your outdoor furniture, proper storage is the biggest factor in long-term durability.
Best practice
- Store in a dry, ventilated space
- If using covers:
- Ensure airflow - covers that are too tight can result in mould
- Lift periodically to prevent condensation
Important tips
- Always clean and dry furniture before covering
- Store cushions separately
- Avoid sealed environments that trap moisture
Using breathable outdoor furniture covers and proper storage significantly reduces cleaning and damage long-term.
Final Thoughts
High-quality outdoor furniture made from premium materials doesn’t need intensive care - just consistent care. By focusing on the basics of regular cleaning, material-specific maintenance and smart seasonal storage you can ensure your garden furniture stays beautiful, functional and ready to enjoy, year after year.
Outdoor Furniture Care FAQs
Can outdoor furniture stay outside all year?
Yes - most high-quality outdoor furniture is designed for year-round use. However, covering or storing it will extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance.
How often should you clean outdoor furniture?
Light cleaning weekly or bi-weekly during use, with a deeper clean a few times per year. The main thing to note is making sure you clean up a stain/spillage as soon as it happens to prevent staining.
Do I need special cleaning products for my outdoor furniture?
Not always. Mild soap and water is enough for regular cleaning, however specialist cleaners and protectors will improve longevity.
Why is airflow important when covering outdoor furniture?
Without airflow, condensation builds up - which can lead to mould and mildew.
What’s the biggest mistake people make?
Leaving outdoor furniture dirty or damp before covering - this is the fastest way to cause long-term damage.
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