The days are stretching out and temperatures are on the rise, signalling that spring is just around the corner. With the new season comes the urge to spruce up our gardens for the sunny days ahead.
Garden furniture can show signs of wear and tear over time, but experts suggest that the best cleaning solutions might be right under your nose. Surprisingly, common household items, which are essentially cost-free, could be your secret weapon – ever thought of using ketchup? It may raise eyebrows, but ketchup is a nifty trick for removing tarnish and oxidation from metal surfaces.
This includes metal patio furniture, garden gates, or even vintage metal watering cans, reports MirrorOnline.
To tackle the grime, simply smear a light coating of ketchup on the troubled spots, wait for about 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse with water. It’s an effortless process that won’t break the bank.
Sam Stevens, a garden design guru from Pergolux UK, said: “Spring is on its way and a lot of people will be looking at their gardens and getting them ready for brighter and longer days ahead.
“Cleaning the garden doesn’t have to be an expensive job at all. We all love a cheap and cheerful hack and the good news is that there are plenty of items you’ll already have in your home that can be used in the garden.”
He concluded: “Whether you need to buff away stains, achieve a streak-free finish on glass or get rid of rust, there will be something in your house for everything.”
Other interesting household items that can be used to shine up all of your outdoor furniture include:
- Fizzy drinks – The acids in fizzy drinks can help remove rust and grime.
- Tea bags – Used tea bags can help remove stains from wooden surfaces and furniture.
- Aluminium foil – Scrunch up a small piece and use it to scrub off rust from metal surfaces.
- Pencil eraser – This can help clean and polish chrome or stainless steel.
- A penny – The copper in pennies can be used to clean tarnished brass.
Excitingly, as spring and summer make their return, it’s not just sunshine we welcome but also the chores that come with them.
With these genius household tips, you can have your garden furniture gleaming in a swift 15 minutes.
