How to care for outdoor wood funiture
When it’s time to clean your patio set, always follow the care instructions that come with your furnishings. Using the wrong stain, detergent, or cleaning method might void your warranty. In addition, pay attention to these tips for cleaning and protecting wood patio furniture:
- Whitewashed or painted items should be wiped with a damp cloth, never hosed or scrubbed. Even water repellent wood finishes can be damaged by harsh cleaning methods.
- If your backyard furnishings will be protected by a roof or waterproof cover, they’ll last longer and weather more slowly.
- If you can spare the space, protecting your wood furniture items in a covered shed or garage during the off-season will add years to their life.
- For stain removal, call for help before you reach for the bleach. A wood care expert can recommend a specialized wood cleanser or gentle sanding.
Teak care & Maintenance
If your Teak Furniture becomes soiled, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth only for cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning products. Solid Teak should be oiled at least two times per year to maintain the golden teak color and to preserve hardwood integrity for many years. Use name-brand teak or hardwood oils for outdoor use. Note that many Linseed Oils and other oils will darken natural Teak. Always test a small inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and for color purposes. If Grey Patina is desired, preservatives are available in the marketplace to help you maintain this look and help protect and maintain this desired color. Furniture covers are a wise investment as an extra layer of protection during the off-season.
Eucalyptus care & Maintenance
All hardwood is living, natural fiber. Due to weather and everyday use, changes occur with hairlines in the grain and lighting. The stained finish on our eucalyptus furniture will begin to fade and dry out if left untreated. However, to slow down the aging process and maintain your furniture’s “like new” appearance, you should regularly treat the wood. We recommend using a name brand Teak, Boiled Linseed to maintain and protect your hardwood furniture. Please apply at least twice in the spring and summer. The number of applications varies depending on direct sunlight, temperature, and dry climate versus more humid regions. Your furniture will provide tell-tale signs along the way, so “Please Oil” accordingly. Do not apply any furniture oil in direct sunlight. Apply oil generously and wipe away excess with a dry cloth approximately 1 hour after application.
CAUTION:
Using Linseed oil on natural unstained Teak will initially create a much darker appearance before being placed in direct sunlight or outdoors for at least 30 days. Always test a small area under the furniture before finishing any piece with any oils, sealants, or finishes. Caution: Always dispose of oil-soaked rags carefully and in a safe container due to fire concerns.
Acacia care & Maintenance
Acacia is a beautiful wood and it is usually used in production of outdoor furniture. It is a type of durable wood very resistant to hard, inclement weather conditions, therefore it can last up to 10 years or more when properly treated. Acacia outdoor furniture requires annual care. Some more refined woods such as teak and cedar have substantial amounts of oil in the wood that protects them from the harsh outdoors but not acacia. You may need to oil or repaint your furniture once or twice a year to maintain its proper look.
Your furniture is pre-treated with appropriate oils and sealers. To clean it please use water with soap. Rinse to remove soap residue and allow the furniture to dry completely. Very important is to oil your furniture before first use and before storing for winter time. At the end of the season furniture should be well cleaned before oiling, allow it to dry and store it in safe, dry environment. Acacia furniture need to be oiled few times per year due to inclement weather conditions. Weather conditions may vary, that is why the user needs to decide for himself if the product requires more attention. If you decide to renovate them please follow these steps:
- Rinse untreated furniture with a garden hose to remove surface debris. Scrub with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water.
- Sand the untreated wood lightly with fine-grain sandpaper. Rinse with a garden hose after sanding, to remove dust. Allow the furniture to dry completely.
- Treat the wood with light vegetable or marine based oil using a clean, lint-free cloth. Always apply oil in an open space. Allow the oil to absorb for 24 hours before applying sealants. Work the oil into the furniture by rubbing the rag in the direction of the wood grain, starting at the top and working your way to the bottom. We recommend Tung, Jutland and some of the Scandinavian wood oils. Also, a light household linseed oil is fine.
- Apply a sealant to the untreated wood if desired. Application of sealant can increase the lifespan of the wood and help to make it more mould resistant. Allow sealants to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using the furniture.
Acacia is a beautiful wood and it is usually used in production of outdoor furniture. It is a type of durable wood very resistant to hard, inclement weather conditions, therefore it can last up to 10 years or more when properly treated. Acacia outdoor furniture requires annual care. Some more refined woods such as teak and cedar have substantial amounts of oil in the wood that protects them from the harsh outdoors but not acacia. You may need to oil or repaint your furniture once or twice a year to maintain its proper look.
Your furniture is pre-treated with appropriate oils and sealers. To clean it please use water with soap. Rinse to remove soap residue and allow the furniture to dry completely. Very important is to oil your furniture before first use and before storing for winter time. At the end of the season furniture should be well cleaned before oiling, allow it to dry and store it in safe, dry environment. Acacia furniture need to be oiled few times per year due to inclement weather conditions. Weather conditions may vary, that is why the user needs to decide for himself if the product requires more attention. If you decide to renovate them please follow these steps:
PLEASE NOTE:
Colour variations are one of the natural process of the wood, that is why products can vary from each other. During production, internal moisture is reduced by kiln heat. Due to product exposure to sunlight and summer temperatures it will further reduce residual moisture. As a result, the wood may shrink a little and small crack may appear which is completely normal. Not well-preserved outdoor furniture can change their colour into mellow gray. Changes can vary depending on the location within the garden. Visible spots of mould can appear if the wood will not be dried/treated properly.
Other materials
Wicker care & Maintenance
Wicker pieces need a more thorough cleaning once or twice a year. Moisten a microfiber cloth or terry towel (or even a clean sock) with warm water, then gently rub the wicker surface, top and bottom. For heavier dirt and stains, wipe with a cleaning cloth that’s been lightly moistened with warm water and mild soap; wipe again with plain water.
Powder-coated aluminum care & Maintenance
For regular maintenance, hose off the surface every few weeks.
Wipe up spills immediately.
Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed, and follow with a fresh water rinse.
Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can scratch or dull the surface of your furniture.
Fabric care & Maintenance
For the care of fabrics (Including spun polyester, olefin, or Sunbrella branded products), we recommend using 303 Fabric Protectants for the ultimate sun-blocking technology, keeping all outdoor materials looking newer for longer.
Natural stone care & Maintenance
Stone sealant should be applied once a year to protect the grout and natural stone from the elements. If stone and grout become soiled, use a mild detergent with water and a soft cloth or brush to gently clean. Do not use abrasive cleaning products. Avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, or other hazardous/polluting compounds. Always test in a small inconspicuous area when using a new cleaner to ensure compatibility.