Gardening expert reveals mistake you could be making that's ruining your garden furniture

Garden furniture can be expensive so making sure it stays in good condition is important as the weather turns warmer. As the warmer summer months arrive and Brits head outdoors, garden furniture becomes a focal point for relaxation and entertainment.

From alfresco dining to lounging in the sun, your garden furniture pieces are an investment in comfort and enjoyment. Your garden furniture is exposed to unpredictable weather and daily wear and tear, so it requires diligent care to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Garden design expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk, has provided essential advice on cleaning, protecting and storing your outdoor furniture, ensuring they remain beautiful and functional for many years to come.

Harry says there's one mistake people are making when it comes to garden furniture, he says UV rays and bad weather can cause synthetic rattan sofa sets to become brittle over time.

To prolong their life, you can use fitted, weatherproof, and UV-resistant covers to protect them from the elements. Ideally, the covers should have vents to allow air to circulate. Otherwise, they can trap moisture.

By not using fitted weatherproof and UV-resistant covers, you could be allowing your furniture to become damaged by the weather. This simple item could add years to the life of your furniture if you invest now.

But this isn't the only tip you can follow to protect your furniture. When cleaning garden furniture, you should avoid pressure washing and using harsh chemicals such as bleach, as this can weaken and discolour materials like rattan.

If you wipe your furniture over regularly and clean up spills straight away, you shouldn't need to scrub or apply specialist cleaners.

It's always best to follow the manufacturer's advice. However, steel, aluminium and synthetic rattan can all be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Regular washing-up liquid is fine for this.

If you have wooden furniture, it can be carefully brushed down and wiped over with a clean, damp cloth.

For cushions, check whether they're machine washable. If so, remove the covers and follow the washing instructions on the label.

To protect your outdoor furniture from sun and heat damage, you should avoid placing it where the midday sun hits or add some shelter.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your furniture will last a long time and stay in the best condition possible.