5 Ways to Keep Your Outsunny Patio Furniture Looking New

Outsunny patio furniture is built to last — but a few simple habits make the difference between a set that looks great after five years and one that looks tired after two. None of these tips require much time or effort. They're the kind of small, consistent actions that compound over a season into furniture that still looks showroom-fresh when you bring it out each spring.

1. Clean Regularly — But Correctly

The most common mistake with PE rattan furniture is either not cleaning it enough, or cleaning it with the wrong tools. Dirt and pollen that sit in the weave for weeks become harder to shift and can dull the finish over time.

The right method for PE rattan: warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid, applied with a soft brush. Work the brush gently into the weave to lift trapped dirt. Rinse with clean water — a watering can or hose on a gentle setting works well. Allow to dry fully before covering.

What to avoid: pressure washers (they force water into the weave and can damage the frame underneath), abrasive cloths or scourers (they scratch the rattan surface), and harsh chemical cleaners (they can strip the UV coating).

For glass tabletops: standard glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. Dry immediately to avoid water marks.

For powder-coated frames: a damp cloth is all you need. If you spot white residue on aluminium (oxidation), a mild white vinegar solution removes it cleanly.

2. Protect from the Elements

UV exposure is the biggest enemy of outdoor furniture aesthetics. Even UV-resistant PE rattan and cushion fabrics fade faster with prolonged direct sun exposure. A parasol, pergola or awning over your seating area significantly extends how long your set looks its best — and makes it more comfortable to use in summer too.

For rain protection, a well-fitted breathable furniture cover is the most practical solution. Key word: breathable. Non-breathable plastic sheeting traps condensation underneath, which accelerates corrosion on steel frames. Look for covers with tie-down straps or drawstrings to prevent them blowing off in wind.

Browse Outsunny parasols, Outsunny pergolas and garden furniture covers at Opal Retail.

3. Take Care of Your Cushions

Cushions are the most visible part of any garden furniture set — and the most neglected. Faded, mildewed or flattened cushions make an otherwise good set look tired. The good news: most Outsunny cushion covers are removable and machine washable at 30°C.

Routine cushion care: brush off loose dirt before it works into the fabric. Spot-clean stains promptly with a mild detergent solution — the longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Wash covers at the start and end of the season.

The single most important cushion habit: bring them inside when not in use, or store them in a weatherproof cushion box. Even UV-resistant fabrics fade faster with prolonged sun exposure, and damp cushions left outside overnight develop mildew quickly.

If mildew has already developed: mix one part white vinegar with two parts water, apply to the affected area, leave for 30 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse and dry fully in the sun.

4. Store Seasonally

The two most important maintenance moments of the year are spring and autumn — not because they require a lot of work, but because what you do at these transitions determines how your furniture looks for the rest of the year.

Autumn: clean everything thoroughly while the weather is still mild enough to dry properly. Remove and store cushions inside. Apply a furniture cover to anything staying outside. Move steel-framed pieces into a shed or garage if you have the space.

Spring: remove covers, inspect for any winter damage, tighten all bolts and fixings, clean again, and check cushions for mildew before use.

Browse our garden storage range including Outsunny garden sheds for seasonal storage solutions.

5. Use It Mindfully

How you use your furniture day-to-day has a bigger impact on its longevity than most people realise. A few simple habits prevent the most common types of damage.

Use coasters and placemats: hot dishes and drinks left directly on glass tabletops can cause thermal stress. Coasters also prevent drink rings on rattan surfaces.

Don't drag furniture across hard surfaces: lifting rather than dragging prevents scratches to both the furniture feet and your patio surface, and reduces stress on frame joints.

Check fixings regularly: bolts and screws work loose with use, especially on chairs. A quick check at the start of each season — and tightening anything that's moved — prevents joints from wearing unevenly and extends the life of the frame significantly.

Remove bird droppings promptly: the acidity damages powder-coated frames over time if left to dry. Warm water removes them easily when fresh.

Further reading

• How to Care for Outsunny Garden Furniture: The Complete UK Guide
• Outsunny Garden Furniture Seasonal Care: Your Year-Round Checklist
• Outsunny Garden Furniture UK: The Complete Guide

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean Outsunny PE rattan furniture without damaging it?

Use warm soapy water and a soft brush — work gently into the weave, rinse with clean water, and allow to dry fully. Avoid pressure washers, abrasive cloths and harsh chemical cleaners, all of which can damage the rattan surface or the UV coating.

Should I cover my Outsunny furniture when not in use?

Yes — a breathable furniture cover significantly extends the life of your set, particularly for steel-framed pieces. Avoid non-breathable plastic sheeting, which traps condensation and accelerates corrosion. Browse our garden furniture covers for options.

How do I stop Outsunny cushions from fading?

Store cushions inside or in a weatherproof box when not in use — even UV-resistant fabrics fade faster with prolonged sun exposure. A parasol or pergola over your seating area also significantly reduces UV fading on both cushions and rattan.

How often should I clean my Outsunny garden furniture?

A quick wipe-down after each use during the season, and a thorough clean at the start of spring and end of autumn. Spot-clean stains as they occur. That's all most Outsunny sets need.