The daffodils are in full bloom and spring has definitely sprung. Now is the time to get out into the garden and enjoy the return of the sunshine – particularly now the easing of lockdown restrictions means we are able to meet with friends and family once again too.

Whether you are considering purchasing new rattan furniture for your outdoor space or you want to make the most of your old set, you might be wondering how to best take care of it. So here are our dos and don’ts of getting your rattan furniture spring-ready and keeping it looking its best all summer long.

Do use water and soapy solution

The best way to spruce up your rattan furniture is to gently clean the set using soapy water and a cloth to wipe it down.

Avoid soaking the furniture with lots of water, a damp cloth will lift any dirt without allowing large amounts of water to soak into the furniture.

Don't use jet washes or chemical cleaners

The use of jet washes can accelerate rusting and allow rust to permeate the inside of your furniture so to prolong the life of your set, it really is best to avoid using them, even if you think it will do the job quicker.

Chemical cleaners may also affect the finish so avoid these too -synthetic rattan is really low maintenance so you simply don't need to use force to keep it looking fabulous!

The Marbella Corner Lounge Set will maximise your time in the garden or conservatory without the maintenance worries as the hand woven polyrattan and a galvanised metal frame means the suite doesn't require anything other than the odd wipe down.

Do take good care of your cushions

An important factor in keeping our garden set looking like new is to take good care of your cushions. You can do this by regularly brushing off any dirt when the fabric is dry.

In cases of accidental spillage, immediately wipe away any excess liquid then gently press paper towels or tissue onto the spilled area to minimise seepage into the cushion. Next, lightly sponge with a mild, natural soap and lukewarm water, avoiding bleach-based cleaners, before rinsing thoroughly with fresh water.

Wet or damp cushions should be allowed to dry completely on their side in a well aired location, out of direct sunlight.

Don't leave cushions outside in poor weather

To keep your outdoor furniture in the best condition, if there is any risk of rain or poor weather or if you’re just not going to be using them for a while, be sure to remove cushions and store indoors, such as a shed or outbuilding.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a water-resistant, weatherproof furniture cover for your furniture, offering added protection against the elements.

Another don’t when it comes to cushions is to make sure you never machine wash, spin dry or tumble dry them as this could lead to shrinkage or distortion.

Kingston Modular garden lounge set comes with removable cushion covers so if you do accidentally spill something on your furniture, you can simply unzip and remove for fuss-free cleaning and maintenance.

Do clean the space underneath your furniture

If you are placing your rattan furniture on a terrace it's important to also pay attention to the areas underneath and around the furniture from time to time too and now is the perfect time to get your patio on point.

Move everything from the patio or decking, including any pots or other garden accessories, and give the area a good scrub down or jet wash to remove any build-up of dirt and prevent mould or fungi from forming.

Don’t place items directly on table tops

Get the coasters and placemats at the ready to prevent hot or cold items coming into direct contact with tempered glass table tops. Carefully selected accessories like this also help you to add a touch of personal design flair to a garden dining area.

Also avoid placing sharp objects such as pens, keys and jewellery directly onto the glass to prevent your furniture from becoming scratched - consider placing a decorative tray or bowl on the table for these items instead.

The Copenhagen corner lounge set really stands out from the clean and bright terrace. Keeping the floor clean and tidy looks good and protects those gorgeous tapered, grey-washed legs from getting discoloured.

Do place plants around your seating area

Placing some planters around your seating area and filling with colourful and fragrant flowers and foliage will brighten up the space and fill the air with wonderful scents.

Plants such as lavender and rosemary are well known for their attractive fragrance but try also including flowers such as sweet rocket and evening primrose which give off their strongest scents in the evening and you will have a fragrant terrace all day and night long.

Don’t forget about balconies and small spaces

If you have a tiny terrace, courtyard garden or even just a balcony, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some al fresco dining or relax back into the comfort of some rattan garden furniture.

Look out for items specifically designed for outdoor living in smaller spaces and enjoy whatever outdoor area you are blessed with.

The Pod Rattan Balcony Set gives the more compact outdoor space a contemporary feel in a modern shade of grey.

It is the perfect place to sit and enjoy your morning cup of coffee, or maybe even a glass of wine on a summer evening, no matter what size space you have to play with.

Follow these simple garden tips and, with a little garden maintenance, you can have your garden sofas and dining areas looking great, not just for this spring season but for many more years to come.