Although many garden benches are designed to be very durable, regular cleaning and maintenance are still vital. Here are the steps to keep your garden bench clean and maintained: Routine cleaning Remove surface impurities: use a soft bristle brush to remove loose dust and debris from the surface of the bench. Clean: Prepare a bucket by mixing warm water and a small amount of cleaning solution. Dip a sponge or soft microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe down the garden bench. Treating stains: For hard-to-clean bird droppings or resins, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the solution on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe with a cloth. Rinse: Use a spray pattern garden hose to rinse the outdoor bench on all sides to remove all cleaning agents and loose stains. Drying: dry the garden bench thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent water stains from remaining. Special Care Waxing Maintenance: To maintain the shine and protection of cast aluminum or other metal benches, polish them regularly with automotive wax to form a protective layer against harsh weather. Rust prevention treatment: Inspect the bench for rust stains and use a rust remover or wire brush to remove rust spots. Severe Weather Protection Whenever possible, store benches in a garage or shed during the fall and winter months or when inclement weather strikes. If storage space is not available, protect garden benches with a breathable covering and place them on a surface that does not collect water, such as paving slabs.