Step-by-Step Guide to Clean All Types of Bramblecrest Garden Furniture

Bramblecrest is known for its stylish designs and durable craftsmanship, and it is often made from materials like rattan, wood or aluminium. However, like any outdoor furniture, it requires proper care to maintain its beauty and longevity. This guide will walk you through cleaning your Bramblecrest garden furniture effectively.

Know your material

Before you start, you must identify the material of your Bramblecrest furniture. The cleaning instructions can vary depending on the material. Popular materials are PE rattan, teak and aluminium.

When it comes to wooden furniture, Bramblecrest use teak. Teak is a premium wood and can be left outside all year round and withstand any weather conditions. Teak is sustainably sourced and carefully chosen from certified plantations, you can read more about Sustainability at Bramblecrest here.

The metal used in the creation of Bramblecrest furniture is aluminium. The aluminium is powder coated to prevent rusting. Aluminium is used because it is lightweight yet highly durable.

Bramblecrest crafts its wicker garden furniture using premium PE rattan. PE rattan mimics the aesthetics of natural rattan but can be used outside all year round.

Gather your supplies

If you have everything you need ready to go it will make cleaning much easier. You will need mild dish soap, a soft cloth or sponge, soft-bristled brush, water and a microfibre cloth.

Cleaning Bramblecrest Rattan Furniture

Rattan is straightforward to maintain and if properly looked after, rattan outdoor furniture can be enjoyed for many years. Rattan garden furniture is made from a synthetic product known as PE rattan, which can be left outside all year.

Rattan garden furniture is a popular choice because it is long lasting and easy to care for. Just make sure that you avoid using anything abrasive or harsh. Bramblecrest rattan garden furniture is made from PE rattan, the cleaning techniques for this type of material is as follows:

• Dust off debris: Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, leaves, or cobwebs from the weave

• Wash with soapy water: Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and wipe the furniture

• Clean the crevices: Use a soft-bristled brush to get into the weave's tight spaces

• Rinse thoroughly: Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the soap

• Dry completely: Wipe with a microfiber cloth and let it air dry

You may notice a build up of algae on the rattan, to remove this use warm soapy water and a soft brush. Another thing to point out is that during the warmer months, the weave might become soft and expand, don’t worry this is normal. In the colder months, the weave will then retract to its original size.

Cleaning Bramblecrest Aluminium Furniture

Bramblecrest aluminium furniture is powder-coated, this creates a protective barrier to stop the aluminium from rusting or forming that annoying chalky-white substance. When cleaning aluminium it is important not to use anything abrasive such as steel wool. This will scratch the powder coating. Similarly, we advise you to avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the aluminium.

Aluminium is highly durable and long lasting, it requires very little maintenance. Check out our instructions below:

• Wipe down surfaces: Use a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and dust

• Wash with mild soap: Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap

• Scrub: Gently scrub the furniture frame with a sponge

• Rinse and dry: Rinse off with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots

Top tip: If you live in a coastal environment we recommend washing down the Bramblecrest aluminium with water when not in use. Once you have done this you can place the cover over the top.

Over time you might catch your aluminium furniture and chip the paint, not to worry, we can supply you with suitable touch up paint. 

How To Use Touch Up Paint

Touch up paint is simple to use just follow our steps below to get your aluminium furniture looking like new again.

It is important to choose a warm and dry day to apply the paint. You should also make sure that the surface is smooth, clean and dry.

Cover any areas that you do not want to get paint on. If it is your first time using the paint we recommend practising on a piece of cardboard first, that way you can familiarise yourself with the range of the spray.

Focus the spray onto any exposed, scratched areas of aluminium and allow the paint to build up. Make sure that the paint is dry before applying another layer of paint, continue this until the exposed area is covered.

You may notice that the paint is shiny compared to the rest of your furniture, don’t worry this will dull down in time.

Cleaning Bramblecrest Wooden Furniture

Wooden garden furniture is known for being long-lasting and withstanding any weather conditions. As it is a natural product its appearance will change when exposed to the elements. For example, you might notice that the colour mellows to silver or you might see fine lines and cracks. None of these things impact the strength or durability of the furniture.

Many people choose to leave wooden furniture alone and let it age, that is entirely up to you. Applying things such as teak oil or wood protectors is entirely optional, they can help maintain the sheen and protect it from further weathering. Follow our steps below:

• Remove dust and debris: Wipe with a dry cloth or brush to remove surface particles

• Wash gently: Use a mix of water and mild soap

• Scrub softly: For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush

• Rinse and dry: Use a damp cloth to wipe off soap and dry the furniture completely

Top tip: Avoid soaking the wood as excessive moisture can damage it

Bramblecrest recommends against using teak oil as this could cause black marks to appear on the wood. If the wood has become stained by food or black marks, you can lightly sand the surface with fine-grain sandpaper. 

Cleaning Bramblecrest Cushions

Bramblecrest cushions are made from their innovative soft touch season-proof technology. They are back-coated with a water-resistant liner to help prevent water ingress if the cushions are exposed to showers. Whilst the cushion covers do retain water they will dry after several hours of ensuing warm weather.  

We would advise you to always check the manufacturer's label before cleaning your cushions. Equally, we would advise against machine washing the cushion covers as this will damage the water-resistant lining. If you notice any spills, remove these immediately with an absorbent sponge or cloth. Follow the simple steps below to clean your cushions:

• Remove the cover: First, remove the cushion cover

• Wash with mild soap: Spot clean the cushions with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water

• Rinse and dry: Use a clean damp cloth to remove any soap and allow the cover to dry before refitting

Cleaning your Bramblecrest cushions is just one aspect of caring for them. When they’re not in use you should store them, ideally somewhere dry and off the ground. Popular places to store cushions include summer houses, garages and lofts.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals 

You must avoid using anything harsh or abrasive when cleaning your garden furniture. For example, if you use a scourer or a firm brush you will damage the paintwork on the aluminium or scratch the weave.

Equally, harsh chemical cleaners will damage your garden furniture. If you use something harsh you risk damaging and permanently marking your garden furniture. If you use harsh chemicals on wooden furniture you will strip the protective oils leaving the wood exposed to the elements. Similarly, strong chemical cleaners can cause rattan garden furniture to discolour and become brittle.

When To Clean Your Furniture

We all know that garden furniture is seasonal, this characteristic comes into play when you consider cleaning. The furniture should be cleaned at least twice a year. We would recommend that you clean the furniture before you store it away for winter and then clean it again when you’re ready to use it for the sunny season.

Dave Sadler (Owner of JB Furniture) recommends that once you have cleaned your garden furniture you should always use a protective cover as it ensures the longevity of your furniture.

If you would like to clean your furniture more often throughout the year then that is entirely up to you. However, cleaning at least twice a year will suffice.

Handy Tips

We have a few handy tips to help with the regular maintenance and upkeep of your Bramblecrest outdoor furniture. You must regularly check your furniture for wear and tear, don’t forget to check the rattan weave and joints of wooden furniture.

We advise you to clean your furniture once at the end of summer and then again at the start of spring. This will ensure that your furniture is nice and clean and ready to enjoy.

We recommend that you use protective covers when your furniture is not in use, they help shield your furniture from bad weather but also pesky things such as bird droppings and rotting leaves.

Coasters and placemats are a great way to protect your tabletops - especially glass or aluminium table tops. If you don't use them you risk marking the table top which can be difficult to clean.

Cleaning Bramblecrest furniture is a simple process when you follow our simple steps. By maintaining it regularly, you ensure your outdoor space remains inviting and your furniture looks its best year after year. Whether it’s synthetic rattan, sturdy aluminium, or elegant teak, a little care goes a long way in preserving its charm and durability.

Not purchased a Bramblecrest product yet? Find out more about this brand in our guide about Bramblecrest.

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