Household staple restores garden furniture and leaves it looking like new

Recent data has shown that nearly 90 percent of the UK have gardens attached to their homes and more than two-thirds are looking forward to spending some time in their gardens this summer.

Nowadays, most people have outdoor furniture in their gardens, whether it’s a table and chairs set, a garden bench or a hanging egg chair.

With this in mind experts at Puresalt have shared their advice on how to clean garden furniture using an everyday household item – salt.

The experts have shared a simple seven-step method that will both “restore” outdoor furniture and leave it “looking like new”.

1. Gather the necessary materials

Gardeners will need salt, water, a soft brush or sponge, a bucket, and a garden hose.

2. Prepare a saltwater solution

Simply fill the bucket with warm water and add a generous amount of salt, stirring until it dissolves.

The exact salt-to-water ratio can vary, but a good starting point is a quarter of a cup of salt per litre of water.

3. Dip the brush or sponge

Next, dip the brush or sponge into the saltwater solution, making sure to wring out any excess liquid.

Homeowners need to aim for a brush or sponge that is damp but not dripping.

4. Scrub the furniture

It’s important to be careful here as you don’t want to damage the furniture. Gently scrub the outdoor furniture with a damp brush or sponge, focusing on any dirty or stained areas.

The experts added: “Use circular motions or gentle strokes, depending on the material of the furniture, to avoid scratching or damaging it.”

5. Rinse with water

Once scrubbed, use a garden hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the saltwater solution. Thoroughly rinse all surfaces, ensuring there is no residue left behind.

6. Dry the furniture

Allow the furniture to air dry completely before using it or placing any cushions or accessories on it. If needed, homeowners can use a clean towel or cloth to wipe away excess moisture.

7. Repeat if necessary

For “stubborn stains” or dirt, the process may need to be repeated by scrubbing with the saltwater solution again.

The experts shared a “tip” for cleaning certain materials. They said: “It’s important to consider the material of your outdoor furniture before using salt as a cleaning agent.

“Salt can be suitable for certain materials like plastic, metal, or concrete, but it may not be suitable for all types.

“Avoid using salt on these materials as it can potentially damage or discolour them.”

Wood, wicker and delicate materials should not be cleaned with salt water.

Salt is cheap and can be found in most local supermarkets or online. Sainsbury’s Table Salt Bottle costs 65p and Cook With M&S Table Salt costs 40p from Ocado.