Senior woman cleaning garden furniture and getting the garden ready for summer

How to keep your furniture insect free

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you own rattan furniture, you know how beautiful and durable it can be. But like with all furniture, there is a possibility that bugs can make their way in and damage it. To protect your rattan furniture, it is important to take some proactive steps to keep the bugs away.

The first step to keeping bugs away is to regularly inspect your furniture for any signs of infestation. If you spot anything, address it immediately. You should also vacuum the furniture and dust it regularly using a soft cloth.

Another way to prevent bugs from damaging your rattan furniture is to clean it with a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent frequently. You could also consider applying a protective sealant that will keep the bugs away.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]To further protect your furniture, it is recommended you store it in an area that is well-ventilated and free from moisture. This means keeping it away from damp areas, such as basements and crawl spaces. If you know you won’t be using the furniture for a while, you could even consider putting a cover over it.

Finally, if you know that your rattan furniture is especially susceptible to bug infestation, you could benefit from investing in a quality insect-repellent spray designed specifically for furniture. A good repellent can help keep bugs away while also making your furniture look great.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12231″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Following these tips can help keep your rattan furniture protected from the risk of bug infestations. Make sure to regularly inspect, dust, and vacuum the furniture and also keep it stored in a dry and well-ventilated area. Applying a protective sealant and investing in a quality insect-repellent spray can also be great preventative measures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Winter garden

Storing your garden furniture

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s now the time of year when many of us will be going out to invest in some new garden furniture. The summer weather is almost upon us so our attention is now drawn to the garden and how we can entertain and enjoy the weather. The one thing we forget to think about is what we do with our furniture when winter arrives?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Leaving your rattan furniture outside during the summer months unprotected is relatively ok. We will always get a few summer showers and a few days of heavy wind but most quality furniture sets will handle this very easily. When the winter months come these will be almost daily events, as well as plunging temperatures and the possibility of snow.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you have decided to invest in a high-quality rattan furniture set then the likely hood is that you can leave this set out in all weathers and very little, if any damage will be done to it all year round. It may need a quick clean off when you come to use it but this should be manageable.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Other furniture or even furniture accessories like cushions, tableware, heaters, parasols etc may need a bit more loving care to ensure that they get through the winter months. This is when you need to consider how and where you will store your garden furniture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thinking about how you store your garden furniture and accessories should be done when you come to buy your furniture. It can cause all sorts of headaches when the end of summer comes and you have now where to store your furniture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”11106″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]A very quick and simple solution is a protective cover. These garden furniture covers often come in the right shape for your furniture. If you are savvy and don’t mind haggling, then ask the shop if they would be willing to throw a cover in free of charge. Worst case you will get it cheaper than the normal price. This at least gives your furniture some basic cover and protection.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you have not yet made your final decision on purchasing your furniture then read on and we have some great tips that may just help you make decide.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If space is at a premium, then cube sets are a great option. Storage is built-in!  They are very compact pieces of furniture with the footstool going under the chair, the chair then goes under the table to form a cube shape. This is a great way of not compromising on the size and seating capacity of the furniture but also takes up the least amount of space. With the footstools and chairs being stored under the table when not in use, they make excellent choices for a rattan dining set.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These cube dining sets only require the size of the table itself for storage. This means that they can be very easily tucked away and covered up. With no need to find a separate area for the table and then try to accommodate the chairs, it’s a win-win scenario for all![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are not a fan of the rattan cube sets, but still want a full dining experience then it’s off to look at the standard rattan dining sets. These again offer you your standard dining table and a selection of rattan chairs, usually in pairs. These as standard go up to 8 seater dining sets but some companies do offer 10 seater dining sets if you shop around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The storage of these standard rattan dining sets is very similar to your indoor dining setup. The chairs simply push under the table when not in use. If you want something a bit easier for storage then you will need to ask about rattan stacking chairs. These are specially designed so that they can be stacked up when not in use. Not all rattan chairs can be stacked so ensure you check this out when purchasing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For both dining sets and sofa sets, you are likely to have cushions. Both seat cushions and scatter cushions. Depending on the brand and the shop, these cushions may or may not be weatherproof. This is always worth checking out, just so you are aware for the summer months![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cushions are usually best stored in a rattan storage box. These boxes are a great addition to your garden furniture and can store anything from your furniture cushions to your garden toys. They will very often match your other furniture which is always an added bonus.[/vc_column_text]

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most of the rattan storage boxes are waterproof but that doesn’t always mean that they won’t let water in. It’s a great added precaution, especially during the winter months to store your cushions in a storage box but add an extra layer of protection with a storage box cover.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Rattan furniture is still by far the best furniture for the UK weather. It has been specially designed to withstand the hot and cold as well as the wet weather that we always have. Just with a few extra precautions, you can ensure that your furniture stays in great condition for use year after year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Beige garden furniture on terrace

Protecting your furniture during summer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For many years we have always believed that our rattan furniture needs protection during the winter months only. Well, if you want to make the most of your furniture for many years to come then you will also need to protect it during the summer months too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the inconsistencies of the British weather, it’s sometimes hard to know exactly what each day will bring but that doesn’t mean that you should be unprepared. We’ve put together some top tips for protecting your garden furniture during the summer months, as well as the winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When we purchase our rattan furniture, we are very often given protective covers free or at least at a discount so that we can use them to help protect our furniture. What isn’t normally explained is that these covers should really only be used for the winter months and not during the hot summer conditions. When a large plastic, waterproof cover is used on your rattan furniture during the summer it can cause alt more damage to your furniture than if you had left it uncovered.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10659″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Most garden furniture will be waterproof, maybe except for the cushions and other soft furnishings, so a good downpour of rain is not going to make much of a difference to your rattan furniture. If your furniture is covered in the hot sun it can cause the furniture to sweat and cause other problems. Sometimes the backing from the covers in this situation can peel off and make a mess of your furniture too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Keep your furniture covers tucked away until winter. They are there mainly to protect your furniture from the harsh conditions of winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Soft Furnishings” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Most garden furniture nowadays comes with some kind of cushion set or other soft furnishings. These are the most vulnerable part of your rattan furniture and a little extra care should be taken to ensure that these are protected from rain more than anything else. With the unpredictable weather that we have in the UK, it’s always best to put the cushions in a protective bag and store them safely away in your garage or shed until they are needed. There is nothing worse than going out for a relaxing afternoon in your garden and sitting down on a soggy cushion![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Its always recommended that cushions are not stored under the furniture covers, either in winter or summer. This can cause the cushions to sweat and this is the main cause of mold buildup that can be very difficult to remove.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10652″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Glass Tabletops” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Over the years there have been many stories about glass table tops shattering during the summer months as the temperatures rise. Although this is a rare occurrence, it is still possible under certain circumstances. Try to keep your tabletops in the shade for as long as possible during hot summer days. A garden parasol is a great idea to not only offer shade to you and your family and friends but also to your rattan furniture. This will ensure your glass tabletop doesn’t explode from overheating.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There is an independent article available from the British Contract Furnishing Association giving a lot more details and some great advice about how to care for your glass in order to prevent your glass tabletops from shattering. You can read the article here for more advice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Glass tabletops can also cause other problems when it’s a hot sunny day. Always ensure that with any glassware you use some kind of coaster or another mat for the glass to sit on. In very sunny conditions a glass can act as a magnifying glass. This has the possibility of refracting the light from the sun and causing it to be magnified and end up melting the rattan table. Just bear this in mind next time you put your wine glass down on the table![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”10812″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]These few simple tips should ensure that you keep your rattan garden furniture in tip-top condition all year round. Your furniture is built to last you several years, following these simple tips will help ensure that you get the most from your furniture sets all year round.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]