Experts have revealed some low-cost ways of cleaning garden furniture as spring begins – and you may already have all you need at home. While some homeowners tend to opt for strong chemical cleaning products, indoor-outdoor living experts have suggested that surprising every day items like ketchup and tea bags could help get your garden back to its best. According to the experts, the best cleaning tools are already in our homes and can be used when refreshing the garden.

Sam Stevens, garden design expert at 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.”

“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,” he added.

Experts previously revealed how fizzy drinks can have surprising benefits for those looking to keep cut blooms looking fresh.

But according to Pergolux’s cleaning afionados they can also be used to tackle stubborn rust, as they help break it down, making it easier to remove.

The firm says the little-known hack can be used on a range of things in the garden including rusty tools and furniture.

It can even be used on things like hinges and metal parts of your barbecue, the company says.

Meanwhile, small tools that have succumbed to rust can be soaked in the fizzy drink overnight.

For furniture and other areas of the garden, the company recommends pouring some of the fizzy drink onto a cloth before wrapping it over the rusty area for a few hours. You may want to try it overnight if there is a big build up.

Ketchup can also be an effective tool for removing tarnish and oxidation on brass or copper decor, the company says.

Pergolux says it works well with metal patio furniture, garden gates or old metal watering cans, recommending that those wanting to try it apply a thin layer of ketchup to the affected area and let it sit for around fifteen minutes. You can then gently scrub it away and rinse the area with water, it adds.

Another surprising, low-cost hack is using used tea bags on any dirty glass, which can help you achieve a “streak-free shine”.

The company says it also works with greenhouses, glass patio furniture and garden mirrors.

Meanwhile, ordinary kitchen foil can also be used to give metal a shiny finish. It suggests crumpling some foil into a ball and gently rub it over metal. And while it may not necessarily polish, it can remove surface rust and build-up to give tools and furniture a temporary shine.

Scuffed plantpots? No problem, say Pergolux’s experts, advising garden owners to try buffing over them with a pencil eraser, suggestin it will remove less stubborn marks. 

Finally, it also offers a cheap way to help banish algae from bird baths, with something you might already have in your wallet.

The company says if you notice algae is persistently returning to your bird bath, give it a thorough clean and place a copper coin into the fresh water, which can help slow down the growth of algae.

You can find more cleaning hacks and tips for your home and garden here.