Polywood garden furniture is a smart choice: it is sturdy, weather-resistant and has a luxurious appearance. But how do you keep it looking good? Fortunately, maintenance is super simple! In this blog from Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture we explain step by step how to keep your polywood garden set in top condition.
Contents
What is polywood?
Despite its name, polywood is not a type of wood. It looks like it, but it is made from a durable plastic. This makes it resistant to weather, easy to clean and keeps it looking good for longer. Perfect for outdoor use.
Key characteristics of polywood:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Made from low-maintenance plastic
- UV-resistant and colourfast
- Durable alternative to wood
- Has a natural, wood-like appearance
How do you maintain polywood garden furniture?
The great thing about polywood is that it requires little maintenance. However, there are a few handy tips to keep your garden furniture looking good for as long as possible.
Be careful with glasses in the sun: a magnifying glass effect from sunlight on a glass can cause burn marks on the polywood surface.
Looking for a complete explanation of what polywood is? Read this article!
Step by step maintenance of your polywood garden furniture
Step 1: Clean regularly
Use a soft cloth or sponge with lukewarm water and a splash of mild all-purpose cleaner. Wipe gently over the surface and rinse with clean water. This will remove dirt, dust and light stains.
Step 2: Avoid harsh products
Do not use bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners or a pressure washer. These can damage or dull the surface. Abrasive sponges are also best avoided.
Step 3: Remove stubborn stains
For stains such as food residue, bird droppings or sunscreen, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this to the stain, let it work for a while and then gently wipe clean.
Step 4: Protection against UV and rain
Although polywood is UV-resistant, it helps to keep the furniture out of strong sunlight from time to time. Additionally, use a breathable protective cover in bad weather or when you are not using the furniture for long periods.
Step 5: Winter storage
During the winter months, it is best to store the furniture indoors, for example in a shed or garage. If this is not possible, cover them with a cover that is water-repellent and breathable. This prevents mould formation and damp patches.
Cleaning polywood garden furniture:
What you need:
- Warm water
- Green soap
- Soft brush or cloth
Do's:
- Make a soapy solution of warm water and a little green soap
- Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dirt
- Then rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water
- Dry if desired with a dry, soft cloth
Don'ts:
- Do not use harsh cleaning products (such as bleach or ammonia)
- Avoid abrasive sponges or hard brushes
- Do not use a pressure washer – this can damage the surface
Step-by-step summary for polywood garden furniture maintenance
| Step | Action | Why this is important |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Make a soapy solution of warm water and green soap | Gentle on the material, effective against dirt |
| 2 | Use a soft brush or cloth | Prevents scratches and maintains appearance |
| 3 | Rinse the furniture with clean water | This removes all soap residue |
| 4 | Dry the furniture if desired | Prevents water marks and staining |
| 5 | Keep glasses out of the sun (against burn marks) | Protects against permanent damage |
| 6 | Store furniture dry in winter or use a cover | For a longer lifespan and quality preservation |
Remove stubborn stains
For stains such as food residue, bird droppings or sunscreen, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this to the stain, let it work for a while and then gently wipe clean.
Protection against UV and rain
Although polywood is UV-resistant, it helps to keep the furniture out of strong sunlight from time to time. Additionally, use a breathable protective cover in bad weather or when you are not using the furniture for long periods.
Winter storage
During the winter months, it is best to store the furniture indoors, for example in a shed or garage. If this is not possible, cover them with a cover that is water-repellent and breathable. This prevents mould formation and damp patches.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can keep your polywood garden furniture clean, strong and looking good. This way you can enjoy it for years without any hassle.
Are you looking for new polywood furniture or do you need advice on maintenance? Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture are happy to help.
Also read: What is polywood? Full explanation! and Which garden furniture is the most sustainable
