How to Clean Your Garden Furniture

5th March 2026

Our stunning garden furniture is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible, but a little care and attention can ensure it looks its best.

From backyard BBQs to cocktails on the terrace, not to mention sun, rain and general wear and tear, your outdoor sofas and dining sets collect dust, dirt and debris over time and are at the mercy of accidental spills and stains. 

Naturally, our classic outdoor furniture is built to last, boasting premium quality craftsmanship to ensure it can withstand the elements, but our simple maintenance tips will keep your outdoor sofas and loungers looking as good as new. 

Our handy guide covers which cleaning products complement our garden furniture and the cleaning methods that promise to protect the natural beauty of your pieces. 

A small toolkit is all you need to keep dirt and dust at bay. Stock it with a mix of dusters, cloths and brushes to make cleaning your outdoor furniture quick and simple. A lint-free cloth is perfect for cleaning rattan-style furniture and season-proof fabrics. Warm, soapy water is sufficient to clean your Atkin and Thyme outdoor garden furniture. A premium-quality glass cleaner is ideal to have in your basket of cleaning essentials to keep any table surfaces gleaming. 

The most important factor to consider when cleaning your stylish loungers and sofa sets is not to damage the fabric while trying to remove dust, dirt and debris. Choose a soft-bristle brush to remove any dust particles, and always clean in the direction of the fibres. Fine detail brushes are ideal for getting into the nooks and crannies of the rope fibres to ensure no dirt or dust is left behind. A spray bottle can be handy to clean the frames and fabrics of your furniture and to remove any accidental stains.  

Rope adds effortless style to any outdoor setting, and it’s particularly hard-wearing, which means you can leave your garden loungers and sofa sets outside during the spring and summer months. While our rope garden chairs and sofas are low maintenance, all of our designs can benefit from a regular cleaning and care routine: 

To prolong the life of your rope outdoor chairs, we recommend that you clean them regularly, avoiding any harsh chemicals such as bleach, acetone or alcohol that could damage the fibres. Dust and clean your rope garden sofas and chairs sporadically to prevent the buildup of dust and grime. 

Clean your rope or string garden furniture by following the steps below.

• Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. 

• Dip a soft cloth or soft brush into the water, removing any excess water before gently scrubbing the furniture. 

• Avoid boiling water.

• Rinse with clean water to remove any soapy residue. 

• Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture and allow your furniture to air dry thoroughly before storing it away.

It couldn’t be easier to preserve the beauty of your treasured loungers and sofa sets.

Accidents happen, but if you do spill food or drinks on your cushions, don’t panic. 

To protect your beautiful garden furniture from permanent stains, attend to a spill immediately:

• Blot any spillages straight away using paper towels or kitchen roll. 

• For food stains, remove any debris. Fill a spray bottle with warm, soapy water and use a cloth to agitate the area of fabric that is affected. 

• Rinse with clean water. 

• Leave to air dry naturally.

Cared for correctly, Atkin and Thyme luxury garden furniture can be enjoyed season after season, year after year. Regular cleaning and care are the foundation for a beautiful outdoor space. But as the seasons change, so will your clean and care regime. 

During the spring and summer, regular cleaning and care are recommended. If you keep your furniture outside in the autumn months, sweep away any fallen leaves that could leave the rope vulnerable to excess moisture, and regularly inspect your pieces for signs of rust or mould.

While our contemporary rope furniture is resilient and fairly resistant to rust and corrosion, we recommend you keep it stored away in a dry place during extreme temperatures and weather conditions, as well as the winter months. Always use a breathable cover to protect your furniture when not in use. Once winter is over, you will be ready to spruce up your garden furniture, ready for warmer days. Inspect it for any damage and wash every inch with warm, soapy water before re-plumping your cushions. 

So, there you have it, our top cleaning and care tips to leave your outdoor furniture looking beautiful for longer