How To Care For & Clean Wood Garden Furniture

22nd Jan 2026

Posted by Alice Ewens on 22nd Jan 2026

Our simple care guide to keeping wooden garden furniture looking great.

Wooden garden furniture is a classic choice that brings warmth and natural charm to any outdoor space. A little bit of TLC goes a long way in helping it stay beautiful for years to come. Here’s your easy guide on how to care for wood garden furniture, with practical tips on cleaning, treatment, storage, and everyday maintenance.

Table of Contents ▼

Why Wooden Garden Furniture Needs Care

Wood is a natural material, which means it reacts to the British weather (and let’s be honest, that can be anything from blazing sunshine to sideways rain in the same afternoon!). Without proper care, you might notice:

Fading and discolouration
Cracks or splits
Mould, mildew, and algae growth
Warping due to moisture changes

A simple care routine can prevent most of these annoyances and keep your outdoor furniture looking its best.

Clean Your Wooden Garden Furniture Regularly

A good clean is the first (and often the most overlooked) step in wooden furniture maintenance.

How to Clean Wooden Garden Furniture

Brush away loose dirt, leaves, and dust.
Mix warm water with a mild detergent.
Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub in the direction of the grain.
Rinse with clean water.
Allow it to air dry completely.

For stubborn stains or algae - mix warm water with white vinegar or a specialist outdoor wood cleaner. Avoid pressure washers because they can damage the wood surface by stripping away fibres.

how to clean wooden garden furniture - cleaning outdoor chair with soft sponge
[CanvaPro]

Apply a Wood Treatment Once or Twice a Year

Treating wood not only improves the look of your furniture but also protects it from moisture and UV damage.

Types of wood treatments:

Wood oil (teak oil, linseed oil, etc.) – Nourishes the wood and enhances its natural colour.
Wood stain – Adds colour and helps seal the surface.
Wood preservative – Protects against rot, mould, and insects.

Most hardwood garden furniture benefits from an oil treatment once or twice a year, usually in spring and again in early autumn.

person painting a wooden garden table with wood treatment
[CanvaPro]

How to Apply Wood Oil to Protect Your Garden Furniture

Make sure the furniture is clean and bone‑
Lightly sand the surface to open up the grain (optional but effective).
Apply the oil using a soft cloth or brush, following the grain.
Let it soak in, then wipe off excess.
Allow it to dry fully before using.

This simple routine keeps the wood nourished, hydrated, and less likely to crack.

Protect Your Wood Garden Furniture With Covers

Garden furniture covers are essential for prolonging the life of wooden pieces, especially here in the UK.

Why Use Outdoor Furniture Covers?

Protect against rain and moisture
Shield from harsh UV rays
Reduce dirt build‑up
Prevent bird droppings and sap stains

Choose a well‑fitted, breathable cover to avoid condensation building underneath. Avoid completely sealing the furniture in airtight plastic – wood needs to “breathe” to prevent mould growth.

[Furniturebox]

Deal With Wear and Tear Early

Wooden garden furniture is hardy, but little issues can become bigger if ignored. It’s always best to keep on top of any small issues as soon as you notice them.

For minor scratches, lightly sand and re‑oil.

For silvering/greying (caused by UV exposure), restore colour with wood cleaner or restorer.

For loose screws or joints, tighten every few months to keep the furniture sturdy.

Screws should be stainless steel or galvanised but if you notice any rust, remove and replace them, and add some rust-preventative spray to new screws. It’s also worth checking how and where moisture may be getting to screws and prevent this with better coverings.

person sanding arm of wooden garden bench
[Pinterest]

Elevate Garden Furniture Off the Ground If Possible

Grass, soil, and even decking can trap moisture. Using furniture feet, floor pads, elevating on small paving slabs, or simply rearranging furniture so moisture doesn’t sit underneath helps keep the wood dry and healthy.

close up of wood garden coffee table and bench on outdoor rug, elevated on rubber feet
[Furniturebox]

Avoid Leaving Cushions on Wooden Furniture Overnight

Not only will rain and moisture ruin your cushions (even splash proof and weather-proof options can go mouldy is exposed to prolonged damp), but any moisture trapped in on under cushions can transfer into the wood. Store cushions indoors or in a waterproof outdoor box to keep both the fabric and the furniture in great shape.

[Pinterest]

Love Your Wood Garden Pieces And They’ll Love You Back

With the right care, wooden garden furniture can last for many years, ageing beautifully and becoming a much‑loved part of your outdoor space. A little cleaning, a touch of wood oil, and thoughtful protection in winter make all the difference.

Check out our gorgeous range of high‑quality wood garden sofas and dining sets designed to last and look fab.

About the author 

My Account