Outdoor furniture is an investment, and like any investment, it requires a little attention from time to time. A few simple tasks spread across the year can be the difference between garden furniture that looks tired after two seasons and pieces that stay beautiful for a decade.
This complete outdoor furniture maintenance guide breaks everything down season by season, so you always know what to do and when.
Why a Seasonal Approach to Outdoor Furniture Care Makes Sense
Most garden furniture problems such as cracked wood, faded weave, seized parasol mechanisms, don’t happen overnight. They build up gradually, often because small issues go unaddressed at the right moment.
A seasonal maintenance routine solves this by spreading the workload across the year and catching problems before they become costly.
Spring Outdoor Furniture Maintenance (March, April, May)
The Post-Winter Reset
March is the most important month in your outdoor furniture maintenance calendar. After months of cold, damp and (for most of us in the UK) relentless rain, your furniture needs a proper assessment before the season begins.
Start by unwrapping or uncovering any pieces that have been in storage or under covers. Check for signs of mould, mildew or moisture damage, particularly on wooden furniture and woven pieces. Wipe down all surfaces with a mild soapy solution and a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly and allow everything to dry fully before use.
For acacia wood furniture, spring is the time to inspect the surface. If the wood looks dry, grey or has lost its warm tone, it’s ready for its first oil of the year (more on that in the product-specific section below). For woven and rattan-effect pieces, check the weave for any lifting, cracking or discolouration along the seams and joints.
First Use Checks
As the weather warms and your outdoor space comes back to life, this is a good moment to do a functional check across all your furniture. Tighten any loose screws or bolts on dining sets and lounge chairs. Test any folding or reclining mechanisms. If you have a parasol, open it fully and inspect the canopy, ribs and central pole for any damage that may have occurred in storage.
It’s also worth bringing out any cushions and seat pads that have been stored over winter and giving them a proper freshen-up. If the covers are removable, put them through a gentle machine wash before the season gets underway, then allow them to air dry fully before use.
Protective Treatments
By the time spring is in full swing, your furniture is in regular use, which makes it the right moment to apply any protective treatments before the warmer months arrive. For acacia wood, a second light application of furniture oil in late spring will help the wood absorb maximum protection ahead of summer sun and increased use.
For metal frames, check for any rust spots and treat these early with an appropriate rust remover and touch-up paint.
Summer Outdoor Furniture Maintenance (June, July, August)
Parasol and Shade Structure Checks
June marks the start of serious outdoor living in the UK, and your parasol is about to earn its keep.
Before the height of summer, carry out a full garden parasol maintenance check. Open and close the canopy several times and listen for any grinding or resistance in the mechanism. Lubricate the opening mechanism with a silicone-based spray if needed and never use WD-40 on fabric or near canopy material.
Check the parasol base is secure and appropriately weighted for the size of your canopy. A 3m parasol needs a substantially heavier base than a 2m model. If your parasol is freestanding, ensure the base is filled and stable before using in any breeze.
Routine Cleaning
Regular, light cleaning during peak season is far more effective than occasional deep cleans. Aim to wipe down furniture surfaces weekly using a damp cloth and address any spills or marks promptly before they set. For woven furniture, a soft brush can help lift dust and debris from the weave without damaging the fibres.
For parasol canopies, a gentle clean with warm water and a soft sponge is all that’s needed for routine upkeep. Avoid harsh detergents as these can strip any UV-protective coating on the fabric.
Mid-Season Wood Check
Summer is a good moment to give acacia wood furniture a visual inspection. Hot, dry summers can cause wood to dry out faster than expected. If the surface looks thirsty or has developed fine surface cracks, a light mid-season application of furniture oil will help. Apply our Hardwood Shield sparingly, allow to absorb fully and buff off any excess with a clean cloth.
Autumn Outdoor Furniture Care (September, October, November)
Deep Clean Before the Season Winds Down
Autumn is your opportunity to carry out a thorough clean while the weather is still mild enough to work comfortably outdoors. Wash all furniture surfaces with a mild cleaning solution, paying particular attention to legs, feet and any areas where moisture can pool. Allow everything to dry fully in the open air.
For parasols, this is the right time to clean the canopy thoroughly before it goes into storage. Use an outdoor fabric cleaner, allow to dry completely and fold the canopy carefully before storing. Never store a damp parasol canopy as mould will develop quickly.
Apply Protective Treatments
Autumn is the key time for applying protective treatments to wooden furniture ahead of winter. For acacia wood, a generous application of a quality outdoor furniture oil, like our Hardwood Shield, will help seal the surface and protect against moisture ingress during the wetter months. Work the oil in along the grain, allow to penetrate for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess.
Cover or Store
By late autumn, most outdoor furniture in the UK should either be in storage or well protected with covers. Good quality furniture covers are a worthwhile investment, and breathable, waterproof options that allow air circulation while keeping moisture out are the ones to look for. Covers that trap condensation can do more harm than an open frost in some cases.
Take a look at Ruma’s outdoor covers and protective accessories.
Winter Garden Furniture Care (December, January, February)
Keeping an Eye on Stored Furniture
Even in storage, your furniture benefits from an occasional check. Once a month through winter, take a look at stored pieces to ensure covers are secure, no moisture has crept in and nothing has shifted or been damaged. For wooden furniture stored in a shed or garage, ensure there is some airflow to prevent condensation building up.
Fire pits should be fully cleaned out before winter storage, remove all ash, check the bowl for any rust or damage and store in a dry location. A light application of a heat-resistant protective oil on the inner bowl can help prevent rust forming over the colder months.
For a quick reminder of our Outdoor Furniture Care Calendar, here is a brief overview.
| Spring Care | Summer Care | Autumn Care | Winter Care |
| - Check for signs of mould and mildew on furniture that has been covered over the Winter. - Wipe down and clean surfaces with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. - For Acacia Wood, check for dry or grey wood, and use a suitable wood oil. - Check Rattan or Woven furniture for signs of breakage or cracking. | - Check your parasol to ensure the mechanism is still in working condition. - Check your parasol is secure and has a suitably weighted base. - Regular light cleaning of outdoor furniture. - Gently clean parasol canopy's with warm water and a soft cloth. - Keep up to date with oiling wooden furniture to ensure it doesn't dry out in the warmer months. | - Deep Clean after the Summer season before your outdoor furniture and parasols are stored away for the Winter. - Apply any protective treatments to wooden furniture to maintain the wood throughout Winter. - Store your furniture and accessories away or invest in quality outdoor furniture covers. | - Perform regular checks on your outdoor furniture and parasols to ensure there is no moisture, damp or mildew building up. - Ensure there is some air flow in stored areas to prevent condensation building up. - Fire Pits should be thoroughly cleaned if storing away for the Winter. |
Planning Ahead
The quieter winter months are a good time to take stock of your outdoor space and plan for the season ahead. Are there pieces that need replacing? Cushions that have seen better days? A parasol base that’s past its best? Use this time to browse and plan so you’re ready to go the moment spring arrives.
How to Care for Acacia Wood Garden Furniture
Acacia is a dense, naturally durable hardwood that weathers well outdoors. Left untreated it will silver gracefully over time, but most people prefer to maintain its warm, honeyed tone with regular oiling. Use a dedicated outdoor furniture oil like our Hardwood Colour Protector, and apply two to three times per year and always work along the grain.
Keep acacia furniture off wet ground where possible, and feet protectors or paving slabs beneath the legs will reduce moisture absorption at the base.
How to Care for Woven and Rattan-Effect Garden Furniture
Most modern outdoor woven furniture is made from synthetic resin weave rather than natural rattan, making it far more weather-resistant. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, rinse and allow to air dry. Avoid leaving woven furniture in prolonged standing water and store or cover during extended periods of heavy rain or frost.
Check the weave annually for any lifting at the edges and address early to prevent further unravelling.
How to Care for a Garden Parasol
Keep the canopy clean and dry whenever possible. Open the parasol to air after rain and never store it damp. Lubricate the mechanism at the start and end of each season, and store with the canopy furled rather than open. If your parasol has a weighted base, check it is filled correctly at the start of each season.
Browse Ruma’s parasols and bases collection for parasols built for the UK climate.
How to Care for a Fire Pit
Empty ash after every use once the pit has cooled completely. Clean the bowl periodically with a wire brush and mild detergent to prevent build-up. Store in a dry location during winter or use a dedicated fire pit cover.
Check for rust regularly and treat any spots early with a heat-resistant rust treatment.
Winter Storage Checklist for Garden Furniture
Before packing everything away for winter, work through this checklist:
• Clean all furniture thoroughly and allow to dry completely before storing
• Apply final protective oil to acacia and other hardwood pieces
• Check and treat any rust spots on metal frames
• Clean parasol canopy and store furled in a dry location
• Empty and clean fire pit bowl; store in a covered, dry space
• Cover any furniture remaining outdoors with breathable, waterproof covers
• Store cushions and soft furnishings indoors or in a weatherproof storage box
• Do a final check of all mechanisms, screws and joints before storage
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Furniture Maintenance
How often should I oil acacia wood garden furniture?
For most UK gardens, two to three applications of furniture oil per year is ideal. Apply once in early spring, again in late spring and a final coat in autumn before winter. In particularly hot or dry summers, a light mid-season application can also be beneficial if the wood looks dry or has lost its colour.
Can I leave my garden furniture out all year in the UK?
Many modern outdoor furniture pieces are designed to withstand year-round outdoor conditions, but most will last significantly longer with seasonal care and protection. At a minimum, use good quality breathable covers during winter months and ensure wooden furniture is well oiled before the cold sets in. Cushions and soft furnishings should always be brought indoors or stored in a weatherproof box during winter.
How do I stop my garden parasol mechanism from seizing?
The most effective prevention is regular lubrication. At the start and end of each season, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the opening mechanism and any moving parts along the ribs. Avoid using oil-based sprays near the canopy fabric. If a mechanism has already seized, work it gently open and close several times after applying lubricant rather than forcing it, which can cause rib damage.
A little care, spread across the seasons, makes an enormous difference to how your outdoor furniture looks and lasts. From the post-winter reset in spring to the final oil and cover-up in autumn, each step in this outdoor furniture maintenance calendar is straightforward and genuinely worthwhile.
For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at Ruma’s full outdoor living collection and find pieces built to be enjoyed for years to come.