How to Clean, Restore and Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

If you’ve chosen to live in Costa Blanca or spend your holidays here, chances are you love the sun. But while the weather is perfect for relaxing outdoors, it can be brutal on your garden and patio furniture. From faded cushions to cracked plastic and rusty frames, the Mediterranean climate will test even the most stylish sets.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean, restore and protect your outdoor furniture so it not only survives—but looks great season after season. Whether you’re dealing with plastic loungers, teak dining sets, or metal sofas, we’ve got you covered.

Why Outdoor Furniture Needs Regular Care in Costa Blanca

Sunshine is great. But in Costa Blanca, your furniture gets hit with more than just rays. High UV exposure fades fabrics and cracks plastics. Humidity and sea breeze can cause metal to oxidise and soft materials to degrade, even if you’re not directly on the coast. Dust and sand scratch and dull surfaces, while common mistakes—like covering everything with unventilated tarps or leaving cushions out all winter—accelerate wear.

The good news is that with a few smart habits, your garden and patio furniture can stay in top shape for years.

How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Let’s break it down by material, since each one needs a slightly different approach. Most cleaning jobs can be done in under 30 minutes.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic is easy to maintain if cleaned gently. Use warm water and mild soap, wiping with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid anything abrasive or harsh like bleach, as this weakens the material. If the plastic is discoloured or tired-looking, you can refresh it with plastic-specific outdoor spray paint—just be sure to use a proper primer first.

Metal and Aluminium Furniture

If you see signs of rust, treat the affected areas with white vinegar or WD-40, scrubbing lightly with a soft brush. Clean the rest with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. For powder-coated finishes, always use pH-neutral cleaners to maintain their protective layer and avoid corrosion.

Teak and Wood Furniture

Wood requires gentle care. Wipe with a soft cloth dampened in water and mild soap. Once dry, you can apply teak oil or wood sealant if desired, though many prefer the natural greying that teak develops. Avoid pressure washers unless you know the wood is sealed hardwood, as these can splinter or erode the surface.

Rattan and Wicker Furniture

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from the weaves. Then, gently clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water, finishing with a damp cloth. Let it dry fully in the shade. Don’t soak the material—too much water weakens both synthetic and natural rattan. If strands break, minor repairs are possible, but if the frame is damaged or multiple breaks appear, replacement might be wiser.

How to Protect Outdoor Furniture in the Mediterranean Climate

Your goal is to prevent damage—not spend every weekend scrubbing. Here’s how to protect your investment.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid plastic covers with no ventilation, which trap moisture and lead to mildew.
• Don’t leave cushions outside all year, even if they’re labelled “weatherproof”.
• Stay away from aggressive cleaners that strip coatings or finishes.

Best Practices for Year-Round Protection

• Use UV-resistant fabrics and consider storing cushions indoors during winter.
• Clean your furniture regularly with soft tools rather than waiting for a big seasonal job.
• Choose materials designed for outdoor use, like aluminium, synthetic rattan, or hardwood.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye: Not All Garden Furniture Is Worth Saving

We’ve met clients who spent hours restoring old loungers or repainting rusted tables, only to discard them months later. Ask yourself: Is it still structurally sound? Is the material still in good condition? Or are you simply buying time for something that won’t last another summer?

Sometimes, the smartest option is investing in something new—something designed for our climate. And if you want peace of mind, look for patio furniture built to resist UV rays, rust and humidity from day one.

Final Tip: Invest in Low-Maintenance Outdoor Furniture (and Skip All the Hassle)

If you’re living in Torrevieja, La Marina or Guardamar, chances are you want to enjoy your terrace—not spend your weekends fixing it. That’s why it pays to choose furniture built for the Costa Blanca sun.

At In&Out Furniture, we specialise in high-quality outdoor collections that are:

• UV-resistant and fade-proof
• Built with rust-proof aluminium frames
• Made from synthetic rattan that won’t crack or unravel
• Fitted with quick-dry cushions
• Delivered ready to use—no fuss, no tools

We’ve helped hundreds of expats furnish their terraces, patios and solariums with garden and patio furniture that lasts, so they can spend more time enjoying Spain… and less time scrubbing.

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Torrevieja, La Marina, Guardamar, Rojales and San Javier

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Make your home in Spain feel like home—outside too.