Garden statues can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. What many people don’t realize, though, is that these statues can be a headache for the gardener.
You might not even realize that your garden statues need to be cleaned at all. But if you know that they have been neglected and have a bit of an unsightly appearance, then it’s time to clean them.
Here are some basic steps to keep your garden statues clean and cleaning tips for when you’ve got a tough spot.
What are Garden Statues?
Garden statues are a great way to add personality and character to your garden.
They can be used to add height to a flower bed, define an area of the garden, or simply as a decorative touch.
There are all sorts of different garden statues to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your garden.
Some people choose garden statues that match their home’s style or theme.
Other people choose whimsical or humorous statues that will make them smile every time they look at them.
Whatever your taste, there is sure to be a garden statue that is perfect for you.
Garden statues can be made from various materials, including metal, stone, and wood.
You can find garden statues in all different shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
When Should Your Garden Statues Be Cleaned?
It is critical to clean your outdoor sculpture regularly. Cleaning your sculptures will extend their life and make them seem better for many years.
Some experts advise that you clean and maintain your outdoor sculpture every time you mow your lawn. It will help you establish a yard maintenance regimen and guarantee that you get the most out of your outdoor statuary.
They should be cleaned at least once a year in general, but they may need to be cleaned more frequently in places with high humidity or a lot of rain.
While cleaning your statue, look for cracks and flaws that could worsen problems, such as mold growth or the sculpture breaking.
Some Tips When Cleaning Garden Statues
If you have garden statues, there will come a time when they need to be cleaned. Here are some tips that might make the process more manageable:
- Using an air hose, blow dirt off the statue. Spray the figure with a garden hose to remove any remaining dirt or debris. So that dirt and rubbish do not accumulate on the statue’s surface, clean it every few months.
- Apply a thin coat of cement (Portland) to cracked or chipped areas that have been cleaned and dampened. To smooth out the cement, wet your finger. Allow two hours for the adhesive to dry.
- Wrap the mended area in plastic wrap after lightly misting it with water. For five days, mist the fixed area every day and replace the plastic covering.
- Apply a weatherproof concrete sealant to a clean and dry statue’s surface. Allow at least 24 hours for the ornament to cure or as directed on the sealant package.
- If required, apply another coat of sealant to cover the concrete thoroughly. Allow the concrete to breathe by leaving the bottom of the statue open. Every other year, reapply extra sealer to a statue.
- If the statue has a fountain or a birdbath, empty the water before winter.
- The basin of the birdbath should be removed or covered with a board. If there is a pump on the fountain, remove it.
- If feasible, bring the statue inside during the cold months.
- If you’re going to leave the statue outside, make sure the base is off the ground.
- Separate the statue from the ground with wood or tiles.
- If you leave the statue outside during the winter, cover it with a tarp. It will insulate it from the elements.
- To keep the cover from blowing off the statue, tie it with string.
How to Clean Your Garden Statues?
Garden statues can often become dirty and covered in dust and cobwebs. Cleaning them can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth it to have a sparkling statue in your garden.
While each type of material will require a different process for cleaning, here is a general guide on how to clean your statue.
When Cleaning Concrete Statues
Concrete statues are a popular garden decoration. They can last for many years with proper care. Here are some tips for cleaning concrete statues:
- Start by sweeping off any debris from the statue.
- Next, use a mild detergent and a brush to clean the statue. Be sure to scrub all the dirt and grime off the surface.
- Rinse the statue thoroughly with water to remove all the soap residue.
- Finally, allow the statue to air dry before putting it back in your garden.
When Cleaning Wood Statues
Wood garden statues require more care to keep them looking their best. Here are a few steps for cleaning wood statues in your garden:
- Use a garden hose on a low setting to rinse.
- Dish soap and warm water are used to clean the sculpture. Scrub in the direction of the grain of the wood.
- Rinse well with a hose.
- To begin drying, wipe with a towel. It’s preferable to dry the statue entirely in the air.
- To preserve and protect the wood, cover it with polyurethane or another protective finish after it has completely dried.
When Cleaning Polyresin Statues
Polyresin statues are popular garden decorations. They come in many different shapes and sizes and are available in various colors.
When cleaning polyresin statues, one vital thing to remember is never to use harsh chemicals or abrasives. The finish on these statues can easily be damaged, and once it is damaged, it isn’t straightforward to repair.
Here are a few steps for cleaning polyresin statues in your garden:
- Rinse using a mild spray setting on the hose.
- In a bowl of warm water, dissolve a small amount of dish soap.
- Wipe the dirt and filth off the statue using a gentle cloth or sponge.
- Rinse with the hose once more.
- To dry the statue, use a soft cloth. It also keeps streaks at bay.
When Cleaning Bronze Statues
Bronze statues, in particular, can become tarnished over time and may start to look dull and rusty. The good news is that cleaning bronze statues is a relatively straightforward process.
Here are a few steps for cleaning bronze statues in your garden:
- Combine the non-ionic cleanser, water, and spot-free dishwasher soap in a large mixing bowl.
- Wipe the grime and dirt away using a soft cloth. Clean hard-to-reach or challenging spots with a non-wire scrub brush if necessary.
- Allow the soap to sit for a few minutes on the statue. Rinse the figure with a yard hose.
- Using a clean, soft cloth, dry the statue. Allow it to dry for two days to ensure that all moisture has been removed.
- Apply wax to the figurine with a scrub brush once it has dried. Allow twenty minutes for the wax to dry before buffing and shine the surface with a towel.
When Cleaning Marble Statues
Marble is a soft stone that can be scratched or etched if not cleaned correctly. It is essential to use suitable materials and methods when cleaning this statue.
Here are a few steps for cleaning marble statues in your garden:
- Combine a small amount of dish soap with hot water.
- Wipe away dirt and other debris from the statue using a soft cloth.
- Use a garden hose on a low setting to rinse.
- To avoid streak markings, dry the statue with a clean, soft towel.
Garden statues can be a beautiful addition to any garden if kept clean and free of debris. By following the simple steps in this helpful guide, you can keep your garden statues looking their best all season long.
For more gardening articles, visit www.homebounties.com.
Reference:
Image from dengarden.com