Patio & Outdoor Furniture Care

Aluminum

Over the past few years, the finish on aluminum has evolved. Even so, care should be taken not to knock the pieces together or allow them to tip over. If the finish gets a scratch, touch up paint is available to cover it. After touching up, allow to dry, then apply a car wax over the area. The frames can be washed using a mild soap and thoroughly rinsed. (Some companies are now providing extended warranties on frames and finishes. See an associate for details.) In freezing climates, do not store your furniture upside down as serious structural damage can occur if water should freeze inside the frame. Store indoors if possible.

Resin

Wash using a solution of mild soap or detergent and plenty of lukewarm water. A soft clean cloth and light pressure will do the trick. Rinse with clear water and blot dry with a clean damp chamois. For surfaces that are excessively dirty, rinse surface dirt before washing. A mild liquid detergent such as Joy, Ivory or Fantastic is recommended. For more stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner with #000 steel wool. (DO NOT use non-abrasive cleaner and steel wool on lacquer finish!) Rinse well with water.

Vinyl Straps

The more care you give your vinyl, the better it will look and the longer it will last. Manufacturers recommend a mild detergent. Periodically waxing of the straps or use of a commercially available vinyl protectant is also helpful. In geographic regions areas with a high concentration of acid rain or fog, the vinyl should be cleaned monthly with a water and ammonia mixture. Use 3 parts water to 1 part ammonia. Be careful to avoid abrasive cleaners.

Wrought Iron & Steel

With proper maintenance, wrought iron can last through many years of use. On most wrought iron, the finish is electrostatically applied for extra adhesion to the zinc coated frames.Occasionally the finish will get chipped or scratched by bumping chairs together or tipping over. The finish should then be immediately touched up with a touch up paint. As a preventative measure, it is a good idea to apply a coat of wax on the table edges and chair frames. This helps prevent scratching of the finish.

Cushions and Slings

Basically there are two types of fabrics used in making cushions and slings for outdoor furniture: Sunbrella and Textilene.

Sunbrella and other acrylics may be spot washed by sponging briskly with a soapy solution of mild pine-based liquid cleaner in lukewarm water (no warmer than 100 degrees - as fabric is heat sensitive.) Sponge with clear water thoroughly to remove soap. Allow to air dry. For stubborn stains and suntan lotion, fabric cleaner is recommended. Use full strength and apply vigorously. Rinse thoroughly with water. Allow to air dry. Do not use steam, heat or hot water when spot washing.

If mildew stains develop on fabric, prepare a mild bleach and soapy water solution as follows: 1 cup bleach per gallon of water, 2 capfuls of mild detergent. Spray on entire area and allow to soak in. Rinse. Repeat if necessary. The mildew stain will disappear.

Textiline: Keep fabric clean. Remove soil, suntan oil and lotions promptly. Wash fabric occasionally with solution of 1 cup bleach, 1/4 cup mild detergent and 3 gallons of water. Do not use solvent type materials.

Acrylic Table Tops

To avoid build-up of grease and stains, wash periodically with a mild soap or detergent. Do not use window cleaners, products containing ammonia or solvents. If furniture is used outdoors, spray down with a hose before washing. Dry with a chamois.

Glass Table Tops

Clean with any household glass cleaner. For surfaces that are excessively dirty, rinse surface before washing, and if furniture is used outdoors, hose down before cleaning.

Teak

If left outside as it should be, teak furniture will age serenely, turning an attractive silver-gray patina in about one season. It should be cleaned once a year or as needed with soap and water; “Soft Scrub” or a similar household cleaner is the best cleaning agent. The bench, table or chair should first be soaked with water, and then while still wet, the soap would be applied with a hard scrub brush. Finally, it can be hosed down to remove excess soap. Any grease marks or severe stains can be easily removed with medium grade sandpaper. The original color of teak can be maintained by apply a “teak oil” to the product twice a year or as needed. Over time, hairline cracks may appear on the exposed ends of timber, particularly on the ends of the arms and the tops of back legs. These are to be expected and will not adversely affect the life of the product.

Patio Covers

We recommend covers to protect your outdoor furniture from harmful sun rays, rain, and other outdoor elements that shorten the life of your outdoor furniture. Your Gabberts associate can specify which cover is right for your needs.