If you own quality garden furniture, especially cast aluminium, you already know how resilient it is to the UK climate. Rain, frost, sun, and sudden downpours are all part of outdoor life here, and we recently received the following customer testimonial that backs up how well-suited our collection is:
Mairi W, London GB
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flora Table 4 Seater Set - Antique Bronze
“I knew this was an excellent buy because my friend has Lazy Susan. I can't store my garden furniture, but I know from seeing my friend's garden set that it doesn't spoil being left outside all winter. It's really strongly made and looks it too. Love it.”
Kind words for which we are always grateful. And it's true. Cast aluminium handles the weather in the UK beautifully. What it does not love, like anything left outside is is bad weather, trees, birds, standing water, mineral residue, etc. The everyday grime that is a given with outdoor living.
Our furniture is waterproof, but this is where watermarks and water stains in particular can creep in. Much like a car parked outside, garden furniture will get dirty if left uncovered. From light water rings to stubborn stains caused by environmental factors, these marks can dull the finish and make even premium furniture look tired.
The good news is that you can easily remove stains created by rainwater safely from our collection, without damaging the powder-coated surface, and prevent them from coming back with a few simple steps.
This guide brings together our tried and tested methods, adapted specifically for our garden furniture by the Lazy Magazine team.
As well as our own range, we will also cover other types of metal, wood, and stone surfaces, explain why water stains happen, show you how to remove hard water stains, and share our top preventative tips, including our go-to ways to reduce cleaning and protect.
Lazy Susan furniture is designed to let water go
It is worth stressing before we dive into the what and why, one of the often overlooked advantages of well-designed garden furniture is how it handles rainwater in the first place.
At Lazy Susan, design is not just about how a piece looks, but how it performs outdoors, day after day, in real UK conditions.
Features such as our latticework tabletops, curved surfaces, and gently sloped edges all play an important role in reducing water retention. Unlike solid, flat surfaces where rainwater can pool and dry slowly, open and patterned designs allow water to drain away quickly.
Less standing water means fewer mineral deposits and a much lower chance of visible water marks forming.
Latticework also breaks up reflections and surface visibility. Any minor watermarks that do occur are far less noticeable than they would be on a smooth, uninterrupted surface. This is one of the reasons our powder-coated finishes tend to show fewer unsightly water stains than flat, glossy, slab-style tabletops.
Airflow is another benefit. Open designs encourage faster drying after rainfall, reducing prolonged moisture exposure and helping to reduce the buildup of dirt. Combined with the natural durability of cast aluminium, this makes lattice-style furniture especially well-suited to being left outside all year round.
In short, good design works quietly in the background. By allowing water to drain, evaporate evenly, and remain less visible, our thoughtfully designed furniture helps minimise water stains before you ever need to think about removing them.
How do you remove water stains?
Before reaching for any cleaning supplies, it helps to understand what you are dealing with when it comes to watermarks.
Water stains are usually caused by moisture evaporating and leaving behind mineral deposits and dirt. In areas with hard water, these deposits are often more visible and harder to remove.
On cast aluminium, watermarks often sit on the top layer of the powder coating. On wood, water damage can penetrate deeper into the surface. Stone and concrete surfaces may absorb moisture and minerals over time and cause discolouration.
The key is to remove water stains gently and methodically. Aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals can cause more harm than good. Always start with the mildest method and work your way up if needed.
What cleaning supplies might you need?
Having the right cleaning supplies to hand makes the process quicker and safer.
You do not need anything fancy or specialist garden furniture products. Most items are already in your kitchen cupboard or shed.
Useful supplies include:
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Warm water and plain water
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Soapy water made with mild washing-up liquid
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Distilled white vinegar or white vinegar
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Baking soda
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Olive oil
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A small bowl
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Spray bottle
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Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
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Clean cloth and a damp cloth
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Paper towels
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Old toothbrush
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Hair dryer with a low heat setting
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Car wax
Lazy Magazine Top Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area (such as the underside of a chair) first, especially on painted metal or wood surfaces.
1. Baking soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, making it ideal for lifting stains without scratching. It works particularly well on unsightly water stains that have been sitting for days or longer in the sun.
To use this method:
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Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water in a small bowl to form a paste.
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Apply the paste to the stained area.
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Gently rub using a soft cloth or an old toothbrush.
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Let it sit for a few minutes, but do not allow it to dry completely.
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Rinse with plain water and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
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Dry completely with paper towels or a clean tea towel.
This method is effective on metal, stone, and some sealed wood surfaces. Avoid using baking soda on unsealed or delicate wood, as it may dull the finish.
2. Simple cleaning solution
Sometimes water stains need a little more chemical help. A vinegar and water solution is one of the most effective and widely recommended methods by cleaning experts for this job.
To make a simple vinegar solution, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the watermark and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Wipe with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
For stubborn stains, repeat the process and allow the vinegar mixture to sit slightly longer. Rinse thoroughly with plain water to remove any residue, then dry completely.
Vinegar works well to dissolve the mineral deposits that hard water can leave behind.
Although rain in the UK is soft, tap water is often hard (especially in the South), so leaving a glass of water on a surface or hosing furniture down for an extended period can lead to these deposits forming.
3. Hard water stains
Hard water stains are caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in tap water. These minerals leave a chalky white residue that can build up over time.
You will often notice hard water stains around table edges, armrests, and areas where water pools. On darker furniture, these marks stand out even more.
They can appear as white streaks on plastic or resin chairs, chalky deposits on stone or concrete tables, and water spots on glass or metal surfaces.
Hard water stains are more common in areas with very hard water, such as southern England, where the ground is often chalky.
Other contributors in outdoor settings include rainwater mixed with hard tap water, sprinklers or hoses using hard mains water, and environmental dust that combines with minerals to make stains more noticeable.
Removing hard water stains requires patience, but you should avoid bleach on metal furniture, as it can damage powder coating and cause discolouration. Bleach is better reserved for stone walls or shower walls, not outdoor furniture.
How we remove hard water stains safely:
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Apply a vinegar and water solution using a spray bottle.
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Allow it to soak for five to ten minutes.
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Gently scrub with a microfiber cloth or soft cloth.
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Rinse with distilled water if possible, as it leaves no mineral residue.
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Dry completely.
For particularly stubborn stains, repeat the process or use baking soda as a follow-up. Never use any limescale removers, steel wool or abrasive pads on patio furniture, too, as these will dull and scratch the surface of all the popular materials.
4. Remove surface water
It may sound obvious, but one of the most effective ways to reduce water stains is to remove water before it dries naturally.
After heavy rain, use a rubber squeegee or a soft-bristle brush to quickly pull excess water off flat surfaces such as tabletops and benches, then follow up with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
This simple habit helps prevent watermarks from forming and keeps dirt deposits from building up and settling into the surface.
If water has already dried and left a mark, lightly dampen the area with some warm water, then wipe again. This can sometimes rehydrate the mineral deposits and allow them to lift away more easily.
Lazy Magazine Top Tip: For water rings on tables, particularly circular marks left by plant pots or drinking glasses, a light spray of a mild ammonia-based window cleaning solution, followed by gentle wipe with a damp cloth, can be surprisingly effective.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil is an old household trick that works well on certain surfaces, particularly sealed wood and stainless steel. It does not remove mineral deposits but helps disguise water marks by restoring a sheen.
Apply a few drops of olive oil to a soft cloth. Gently rub over the stained area, following the grain on a wood surface. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.
This method is best used after cleaning, not as a primary stain remover. It can help blend faint water stains and improve the overall appearance of sealed timbers and stainless steel, but we would not recommend it on our cast aluminium range.
6. Drinking glasses
Water stains on drinking glasses provide a useful comparison. Much like garden furniture, glasses suffer from hard water deposits that leave cloudy marks.
The same vinegar solutions used on glasses work outdoors, too. If it is safe enough for something you drink from, it is generally safe for furniture when used correctly.
Soak paper kitchen towels in vinegar and lay them over stubborn stains on flat surfaces. Leave them in place for at least 1 hour if the stains are severe, then wipe and rinse thoroughly.
7. Prevent future water stains
Once you have removed water stains, prevention becomes the priority. This is where a little extra care makes a noticeable difference. Small habits, repeated regularly, are often all it takes to keep garden furniture looking its best.
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Quick Wipe
After rainfall or water spills, take a moment to wipe surfaces with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Removing surface moisture before it evaporates prevents minerals from settling and forming visible water marks. -
No Pooling
Avoid leaving standing water on flat areas such as tabletops, armrests, and seat bases. Water that pools and dries slowly is far more likely to leave unsightly water stains behind, especially in hard water areas. -
Breathable Covers
Using breathable furniture covers during long periods of wet weather helps protect surfaces while still allowing air to circulate. This reduces trapped moisture, which can otherwise lead to water marks and surface deterioration. -
Level Placement
Ensure your furniture is level and sitting evenly on patios or decking. A slight tilt can encourage water to collect in the same spot every time it rains, increasing the risk of repeat staining. -
Outdoor Coasters
Outdoor coasters are a simple but often overlooked solution. They prevent water rings from drinking glasses, plant pots, and vases, particularly on darker tabletops where marks are more visible. -
Garden Tablecloth
A well-fitted outdoor tablecloth adds both style and protection. It acts as a barrier against water spills, condensation, and moisture from plant pots, helping to preserve the surface underneath. -
Regular Maintenance
Light, regular cleaning with soapy water keeps dirt, residue, and mineral build-up under control. This makes it easier to wipe away water before it has a chance to leave a stain.
Together, these small preventative steps reduce moisture exposure, limit mineral build-up, and help prevent future water stains from forming, keeping your garden furniture looking clean, cared for, and ready to enjoy.
8. How to prevent hard water stains
Preventing hard water stains is all about creating a protective barrier.
Our go-to solution for our range is a light application of a carnauba-style car wax. This works brilliantly on cast aluminium and other painted metals.
Apply the wax with a soft cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Buff gently once dry. The wax repels water, reduces mineral adhesion, and makes future cleaning much easier.
This method is commonly used on black cars for the same reason. It protects the surface and keeps it looking sharper for longer. Just apply a light coat in sections to reduce the elbow work.
9. How to reduce future water stains
Think of cleaning as part of routine maintenance rather than damage control. Regular light cleaning with soapy water and a microfiber cloth prevents mineral buildup and reduces the need for deep cleaning later.
Avoid using tap water to rinse if you live in a hard water area. Distilled water is ideal for final rinses, as it contains no minerals.
Drying furniture properly is just as important as cleaning it. Leaving moisture to evaporate naturally is what causes water marks in the first place.
Lazy Magazine Tip: When furniture is not in use, you can also protect it with breathable garden furniture covers, which are widely available from retailers such as Amazon. Choose covers with secure fastenings like velcro straps or drawcords to prevent them blowing off, and opt for individual chair and table covers rather than one large cover, as they’re easier to put on and far more likely to stay in place.
What do the cleaning experts say?
When it comes to caring for outdoor furniture, professional advice is remarkably consistent. Rather than relying on harsh, intensive cleans (such as a pressure washer), cleaning experts recommend gentle, regular maintenance to protect finishes and reduce long-term wear.
According to Ideal Home, in their Garden Furniture Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid article, one of the most common mistakes people make is using overly aggressive cleaning methods on garden furniture:
“Using harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or pressure washers can damage garden furniture by stripping protective coatings and dulling surfaces. Regular, gentle cleaning helps preserve finishes and prevents staining over time.”
Fellow specialist outdoor furniture retailer GardenFurniture.co.uk reinforces this advice, particularly when it comes to preventing surface damage and future staining:
“Abrasive materials and strong cleaning products should be avoided unless recommended by the manufacturer. These can roughen surfaces and make furniture more prone to absorbing moisture and developing stains. Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before treating the whole piece.”
Together, this expert guidance supports a simple principle. Consistency beats intensity. Gentle, regular care helps preserve protective finishes, reduces the risk of water stains, and extends the life of garden furniture, especially materials like ours that are designed to be left outside year-round.
Lazy Magazine’s final thoughts
Water stains are an inevitable part of outdoor living, especially in the UK. They are not a sign of poor-quality furniture, just evidence that your garden is being enjoyed.
With the right cleaning solution, a few everyday household supplies, and some preventative care, you can remove water stains safely and keep your furniture looking its best year-round.
Cast aluminium garden furniture is built to last. Treat it well, protect it with a little wax, and it will continue to earn its place on your patio, whatever the weather throws at it.
Feeling inspired? Share your outdoor styling on Instagram or Facebook and tag @LazySusanFurniture. Your photos help support our Do Some Good campaign and showcase the beauty of real gardens, styled your way.
