Remove dirt from garden furniture using 3-ingredient solution that banishes 'tough stains'

However, while pulling out their furniture, cushions, and umbrellas, gardeners might want to give their garden furniture a good clean. Algae, dirt, grime, rust, and can leave stubborn stains on wooden, metal, and plastic garden furniture. With this in mind, Express.co.uk has spoken to two experts to find out the best method to clean garden furniture.

Luke Dejahang, gardening expert and director at , suggested using a simple solution: washing-up liquid and warm water. After their furniture, Mr Dejahang said gardeners need to ensure it is completely dry, especially if they're planning to add primer and paint once finished.

Mr Dejahang added: "For plastic furniture, you can add baking soda to warm water to create a gentle abrasive mixture, great for removing tough stains."

Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager at , said cleaning and maintaining garden furniture will ensure it stays in good condition throughout the year.

He added: "If you've spent money on high-quality furniture, you'll undoubtedly want to get the most out of it. Cleaning garden furniture is a quick and easy job that you can do just before the good weather starts to arrive."

Mr Englezos suggested a few different cleaning methods, including detergent and warm water, garden furniture cleaners and vinegar mixed with baking soda.

Garden furniture cleaners are specially formulated to remove dirt buildup, moss and algae. Meanwhile, household items such as vinegar and baking soda can create a fantastic organic cleaner.

However, the garden expert said the one item that should never be used to clean garden furniture is a pressure washer.

He explained: "While this might get the job done quickly, it can damage your wood and potentially strip away any protective coatings. Your furniture will then be vulnerable to rain and rot, undoing your hard work."

How to clean garden furniture

Wooden furniture

1. Using a sponge or soft-bristled brush, wipe away any cobwebs, dust, or surface dirt.

2. Apply your chosen cleaning solution, focusing on a small patch at a time. Work in a circular motion, removing stubborn spots.

3. Using a hosepipe or watering can, thoroughly rinse down the entire surface to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Metal furniture

1. Using a soft-bristled brush, wipe down the entire surface to remove any grime. Before using the brush, test it on a small area to ensure it does not scratch.

2. Clean the metal with a soapy bucket of water and a brush. A toothbrush is handy for small, intricate areas.

3. For any spots of rust, you need to sand these areas down to remove as much rust as possible. Then, treat them with special rust-resistant paint.

Plastic furniture

1. This can be done using a soft brush or a household vacuum cleaner.

2. Use a bucket of warm, soapy water and a sponge to wipe down all the surfaces.

3. Leave the furniture item to dry before replacing any soft cushions.