If lichen has formed on garden furniture, it is definitely time for a basic cleaning, which you have probably neglected for some time. But don't worry, the furniture is far from ruined, because luckily wood allows for a number of refreshing methods and care measures that ensure that it looks freshly made in the end. Aggressive chemical agents, which are not only expensive but also harmful, are not necessary for this. We'll show you how to remove lichen from wooden furniture.
Lichens on garden furniture – are they harmful?
Lichens on trees and other surfaces in the garden are not uncommon and completely normal. They also generally do no harm to the plants and materials, juston paths and stairs(made from paving stone, for example) larger lichen surfaces can become very slippery when wet and pose a risk of injury. Not only do they not look nice on wooden furniture, but the moisture that collects underneath them also causes the material to weather more quickly. Removing lichens from garden furniture is important if you want to enjoy them for a long time. But what is the best way to do this without damaging the material? We would like to explain this to you! After cleaning, wood care is also very important.
Removing garden lichen from wooden patio furniture – this is how it works
Lichens and moss build up on wood over time if it is not cared for regularly and appropriately. Fortunately, these only grow superficially and do not penetrate the material, but that does not mean that removal cannot still be difficult. How to remove them:
Lichen on garden furniture – use simple dishwashing liquid with instructions
What helps against lichens on garden furniture?Dishwashing liquid and wateris all you need. It is biodegradable and therefore poses no danger to the environment. Baking soda and vinegar are often touted for removing such contaminants and are probably very effective. However, they are not only harmful to the environment, but are also prohibited in certain cases, which is why we advise you not to do so. To scrub, you will also need a brush that has hard bristles.
- Water
- Dishwashing liquid
- Brush (a large one with hard bristles and preferably a smaller one for areas that are harder to reach, such as between slats)
A notice:High-pressure cleaners are taboo for cleaning wooden furniture. The very hard jet could damage the wood and cause cracks, which would then make it more sensitive to harmful external influences.
1. Remove lichen with home remedies – rough cleaning of the furniture
Thoroughly rinse the affected piece of furniture with water while scrubbing away the contamination as best you can with the brush. For more stubborn lichens on garden furniture, you can press a little harder. Also treat the narrower areas with the small brush.
2. Treat any remaining dirt with dishwashing liquid
Any lichen that remains on garden furniture after this initial basic cleaning can now be scrubbed with the help of dishwashing liquid. The product helps to loosen more stubborn dirt.
3. Rinse the piece of furniture well
Now all you have to do is rinse the good thing and remove any detergent residue. You are welcome to continue scrubbing to remove any lichen residue on garden furniture. This should be easier now that the dirt has had some time to soften. Then let the wood dry thoroughly.
Also read:Remove lichen from stones without harming the environment
4. Sand the surface
Not only for lichens on garden furniture, but also for moss (which usually arises at the same time as the lichens), it is also advantageous to sand the surfaces with sandpaper. This not only removes the weathered, gray wooden surface, but also prepares the wood for a new protective coating. The previous protective varnish has been ruined by the covering and should now be refreshed. Alternatively, you can also use a nourishing wood oil.
5. Apply protective varnish or oil
Oil makes the wood look fresh again and also protects it. You can use linseed oil or hard oil and apply it to the entire wooden surface using a brush (linseed oil with a cloth). Work in the direction of the grain. Commercial hard oil has the advantage that it also protects against UV rays. TheTreatment with oilis not only necessary after the extreme case. It is advisable to carry out this protective measure at the end of each season or at the latest at the beginning of the new one.
Danger!Linseed oil on textile materials heats up and can even self-ignite. Please also note the protective measures in this regard. Wash the rags used well, let them dry well on a non-combustible surface and store them in a non-combustible container.
How to remove lichen from fruit trees, you canin this articleread up.
