Heatwave Incoming! Outdoor Expert Shares £1,000-Saving Tip
With a mini heatwave set to sweep the UK from 2nd May – and 24 areas seeing temperatures soar past 23°C – it’s time to dust off our outdoor spaces.
With the days getting longer and temperatures on the rise, many of us are preparing to bring our outdoor spaces back to life. In fact, the nation is set to see a ‘mini heatwave’ from Friday 2nd May, with 24 areas facing temperature spikes over 20C! But, before you throw open the garden doors and settle in for your first alfresco lunch of the season, it’s worth giving your garden furniture a bit of attention after months in winter storage.
Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle, shares his straightforward tips with us to help YCB readers get their furniture summer-ready – and reveals one crucial step to avoid £1,000s in damage when the next heatwave hits…
Heatwaves incoming – the step that could save you £1,000s
With temperatures predicted to reach the 20’s in the UK, outdoor expert Andrew White from Harbour Lifestyle is urging homeowners not to overlook one easy mistake that could damage garden furniture in hours. “Over the winter, we protect our outdoor furniture investments with covers. But, forgetting to remove these when the sun is strong can lead to £1000’s in damage.” Andrew explains.
“Most covers are made with weatherproof materials like PVC, which are brilliant in the rain – but under direct sunlight, they can soften or even melt, resulting in unrestorable damage like marks and residue. It’s an easy habit to fall into, but one that can cost you a large sum if you need to replace your furniture.”
Andrew also points out that not all garden furniture is made equal. “In lower quality sets, plastics can become brittle in direct sunlight. For peace of mind, choose designs with fade-resistant materials, or position your furniture under shade when the temperature rises.”
Get ready with a refresh
Once your covers are removed, before anything else, give your outdoor furniture a good clean. Sweep away leaves and dirt using a soft brush, then follow up with a bucket of warm soapy water and a sponge. Whether you’ve got wooden, rattan, or metal pieces, a little elbow grease will make a big difference. Avoid anything too abrasive, especially on coated finishes.
Cushions need TLC too
If your seat pads or cushion covers have been in storage, check them for mildew or unpleasant smells. Many can go straight into the washing machine – just be sure to check the label first. Once clean and dry, pop them outside for a few hours to air out – nobody wants to lie on a musty sun lounger!
Give wood a once-over
Wooden furniture can often benefit from a light coat of protective oil or wax, especially before it faces strong sun or spring showers. This helps it maintain its colour and slow the appearance of surface cracks. For older wood, gently sand back rough patches before applying your finish.
Style meets shade
Shade is not just a nice-to-have in a heatwave – it’s essential. Cantilever parasols are an ideal way to create a cooler corner, and they can rotate to follow the sun throughout the day. And when the sun dips, they double as a stylish backdrop to an evening gathering.
Small changes, big impact
Once your main setup is ready, bring in a few thoughtful extras. A weatherproof outdoor rug under your table or seating area can instantly elevate the space. Add some cushions in seasonal colours to brighten things up – just make sure they’re designed for outdoor use to avoid fading and damp.
Whether you’re cleaning up after winter or bracing for a hot weekend ahead, a little prep now means your garden will be ready for whatever the season brings.