Gardeners looking to refresh their outdoor spaces this spring may not need to spend a fortune on cleaning products. 

This is because a common kitchen ingredient can help remove tarnish and oxidation from metal garden tools and furniture, leaving them looking as good as new.

According to Pergolux UK, everyday household staples such as ketchup, fizzy drinks, and even tea bags can tackle dirt, rust, and stains in the garden.

Sam Stevens, a 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.”

According to the experts, ketchup, which contains acids like vinegar and citric acid, is particularly effective at breaking down tarnish on brass or copper garden decor, metal patio furniture, garden gates, and even old watering cans.

To use it, gardeners can apply a thin layer of ketchup to the affected area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, they can gently scrub the surface before rinsing it with water.

But ketchup isn’t the only surprising household staple that can help restore the garden.

Other unusual garden cleaning hacks include:

• Fizzy drinks for rust removal – The acidity in fizzy drinks can break down rust on tools, furniture, hinges, and even barbecues. Small tools can be soaked overnight, while rust on larger surfaces can be treated by soaking a cloth in the drink and wrapping it over the affected area.
• Tea bags for streak-free glass – Used tea bags can be wiped over greenhouses, glass patio furniture, and garden mirrors for a natural, streak-free shine.
• Aluminium foil for extra shine – Crumpling foil into a ball and rubbing it over metal can help remove surface rust and give a temporary shine to tools and furniture.
• Pencil erasers for plant pot scuffs – If plant pots have unsightly marks, rubbing them with a pencil eraser can help buff them away.
• Copper coins to prevent algae – Dropping a copper penny into a bird bath can help slow down algae growth, keeping the water cleaner for longer.