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After a cold, wet winter, it's likely many Britons' garden furniture is looking a little worse for wear. The odd scuff, stained cushions, rust and even algae can make garden furniture look

old and tired. However, rather than investing in new pieces, Britons can simply give their furniture a thorough clean to give them a new lease of life.

The best garden furniture will last for years even if it's battered by torrential rain each season. Ideally, garden furniture should be kept indoors or under cover during the winter months

to keep it in the best condition.

But those with smaller gardens without an outhouse, shed or garage may have to resort to a cover which doesn't always manage to keep the elements at bay.

With this in mind, the experts at Pound A Metre have shared their tips for cleaning garden furniture and outside cushions.

Firstly, remove any cushions or fabric from the furniture. This will likely need to be cleaned separately.

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Next, brush off any debris like leaves and dust. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove to do this. After removing any loose dirt and debris, it's time to get cleaning.

Firstly, gardeners will need to prepare a "simple cleaning solution". Rather than resorting to chemicals, the experts recommended a basic recipe.

They said: "Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the furniture."

Dip the brush or cloth in the cleaning solution and scrub the furniture gently. Concentrate on any stains or areas with built-up dirt. Rinse the furniture with a garden hose to remove the

soap residue.

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Next, use a dry cloth or towel to dry the furniture thoroughly. The experts added: "Make sure to remove any excess water from crevices or hard-to-reach areas to prevent mould and mildew

growth."

Firstly, remove any loose dirt or debris from the cushions by giving them a good shake or by using a soft-bristled brush.

Next, create a cleaning solution to give the cushions a thorough clean. Simply mix together warm water and detergent.

Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge, to apply the cleaning solution to the cushions, working in a circular motion. Ensure both sides of the cushions are cleaned.

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Leave the solution to work its magic on the cushions for a couple of minutes but don't allow them to dry.

The cushions need to be rinsed before they can fully dry out. Rinse them thoroughly with a hose, making sure all of the soap residue is removed.

Squeeze any excess water from the cushion before laying them flat to dry in a sunny spot outside. 

The cushions will need to be flipped over regularly to ensure they are evenly dried.

Stains caused by ketchup, rust, mud, wine, mould or algae can be more difficult to remove. 

The experts have also shared a natural method for spot-cleaning stubborn stains.

They said: "If your cushions have stubborn stains, you can try using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to spot-clean the stains.

"Make sure to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the cushions first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage."

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