Protect Your Outdoor Lounge Before Autumn: The 20-Minute Method

Goal: clean, dry and cover your outdoor furniture so it gets through autumn and winter without stains, mould or premature wear.
Applies to: wood, metal, resin wicker/synthetic rattan, glass/ceramic tops, plus cushion sets.

Why act now?

• Shorter days + more rain = moisture creeping into fibres and joints.
• Leaves, dust and pollen stick to surfaces and stain over time.
• Early frosts can arrive as soon as October in many regions.
  A simple routine in September saves you a long (and costly) spring clean.

The “20-Minute” Method — At a Glance

• Gather your kit (1 min)
• Dust & clear (2 min)
• Gentle clean (6 min)
• Rinse (2 min)
• Dry 100% (7–8 min)
• Cover properly (1–2 min)

What you’ll need

• Bucket of lukewarm water + mild soap (or furniture cleaner)
• Non-abrasive sponge / soft brush
• Two thick microfibre cloths
• Garden hose (low pressure)
• Breathable cover in the right size + cords/elastic straps
• Optional: gloves, pump sprayer, small spacers/props to create airflow

Step-by-step with a timer

0:00–0:03 — Prep & dust

• Remove cushions and décor.
• Brush off leaves, sand and dust (joints, slats, underframes).

0:03–0:09 — Gentle clean

• Wood (teak, acacia, etc.): sponge + mild soap, always with the grain. No pressure washer.
• Resin wicker/synthetic rattan: soft brush; get into the weave.
• Aluminium/steel: non-abrasive sponge; check screws/end caps.
• Glass/ceramic tops: non-ammonia glass cleaner; wipe dry immediately.
• Cushions: dust; machine-wash covers only if the label allows.

0:09–0:11 — Rinse

• Light hose rinse; avoid soaking fibres or pooling water in corners.

0:11–0:19 — Dry to 100%

• Wipe with microfibres (surfaces, edges, underside of slats).
• Let air circulate 5–7 minutes.
• Cushions: dry thoroughly indoors or in a dry, shaded spot before storage.

0:19–0:20 — Cover correctly

• Use a ventilated/breathable cover with a little ease (not skin-tight).
• Tighten straps/cords to prevent wind lift—without compressing the furniture.
• Create a slight pitch so water runs off (use a small prop in the centre).
• Leave 1–2 cm of air intake at the bottom if your cover has no built-in vents.

5 common mistakes (and fixes)

1. Covering damp furniture → mistake #1 behind mould.
   Fix: wipe, then let it fully air-dry.
2. Cover too tight sticking to the tabletop.
   Fix: choose a size with wiggle room and add a centre prop.
3. No ventilation → condensation under the cover.
   Fix: use a cover with vents/eyelets + spacers.
4. Sharp edges that pierce the cover.
   Fix: add protective caps or foam tape on corners.
5. Storing cushions outside under the cover.
   Fix: store cushions dry in a watertight deck box or indoors.

Express checklist

• Cushions removed and dry
• Table/chairs cleaned with mild soap
• Light rinse (no pressure washer)
• Completely dry (microfibre + airflow)
• Ventilated cover, correct size
• Straps tightened, drainage pitch created
• 48-hour check (no condensation inside)

Material cheat-sheet

• Wood: apply oil or saturator at season’s end if it has greyed/dried.
• Metal: inspect coating; touch up small chips to prevent rust.
• Resin wicker: avoid solvents; storing out of direct sun limits fading.
• Glass/ceramic: avoid thermal shock; use pads under heavy objects.