Outdoor furniture care 101

Looking to extend the life (and look) of your outdoor furniture? These outdoor furniture care tips will help maintain the quality and style of your outdoor pieces for seasons to come.

Outdoor furniture care by category

Teak furniture Sling furniture Stainless steel furniture Aluminum furniture Cushions & Fabrics

Natural teak

ABOUT NATURAL TEAK

New teak furniture often has a slight surface sheen from the oil that naturally occurs in teak wood. This surface oil will be washed away after a short time outdoors, but the oils and resins that remain inside give teak its lasting durability.
Over time when left outdoors, teak will naturally age to a handsome silver-gray. This gradual process usually takes 5-12 months depending on local conditions.
Teak will return to its original smooth feel after the initial weathering process.

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HOW TO CARE FOR TEAK FURNITURE

First, clean your teak furniture with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water to remove accumulated dirt.

For tough stains and mildew, add one part household bleach to two parts water in the soap solution. Rinse well after washing.

Over time, teak may take on a dark gray patina. For this, we recommend a good teak cleaner to brighten and restore the original color.

Pro tip: avoid using pressure washers and steel wool on teak outdoor furniture, as these can cause damage.

PROTECTING TEAK: While many people love to keep their teak’s gray patina, if you’d like to preserve your teak’s golden color, apply a good-quality teak protector that protects against stains and contains UV inhibitors and light pigments to reduce the weathering effects of sunlight. Apply your teak protector directly to new teak or—for best results—after the furniture has been outside for a few weeks and been cleaned with teak cleaner. Teak protector should be reapplied once or twice a year to provide continuous protection.

Sling fabric

ABOUT SLING FABRIC

Sling products are created from select fabrics that are stretched onto the furniture frame providing a firm, yet very comfortable seating experience.
Sling fabrics allow water and air to flow through for quick drying and remain cool due to the open nature of the fabric weave.

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HOW TO CARE FOR SLING FABRIC

For regular maintenance, wash and rinse with your garden hose, or mix three gallons of warm water with one cup of household bleach and one cup of mild detergent.

For tougher stains, use a high-quality sling or fabric cleaner. Make sure to use protective gloves and eye protection.

Shake the cleaner before use and apply with a cloth or sponge. Allow to soak for one minute and brush the furniture clean. Rinse well with clean water.

Do not use solvent-type materials which will cause the yarn to become brittle. Severe stains may require a second treatment.

Stainless steel

ABOUT STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is an incredibly durable material. Contemporary outdoor furniture is available in both 304 and 316-grade stainless steel.
316-grade stainless steel is often referred to as “marine grade” stainless steel and is remarkably hard also resistant to corrosion.
Both grades require some maintenance to preserve their finish. The more extreme the environment, the more frequent should be the maintenance.

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HOW TO CARE FOR STAINLESS STEEL

For regular maintenance, wipe your furniture with microfiber cloth a Ph-neutral soap, and warm water to remove cloudiness.

A stainless steel cleaner & polisher can restore the look of stainless steel and help it continue to repel dirt and water.

Make sure you never use strong bleaches or any chloride-based cleaners on your stainless steel furniture.

Aluminum furniture

ABOUT ALUMINUM FURNITURE

Often used in furniture frames, outdoor aluminum is typically powder-coated for a beautiful and durable finish.
Aluminum furniture is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and visually appealing.

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HOW TO CARE FOR ALUMINUM

For the best results, periodic cleaning of aluminum frames is recommended. Wash with mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

To touch up any nicks or scratches, use a very fine-grit sandpaper (120 grit or more) and lightly sand the damaged area until smooth.

Using a clean rag lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits; wipe the sanded area clean of dirt and oil.

Do not use any kind of wax, abrasive materials, or strong detergents on textured aluminum finishes.

Outdoor fabrics

ABOUT OUTDOOR FABRICS

Outdoor fabrics are weather and stain-resistant, making them incredibly durable and easy to clean.

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HOW TO CARE FOR OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & FABRICS

Brush off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric, and wipe up spills or clean soon after a stain occurs.

Spray on an upholstery cleaner or a cleaning solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry.

For tougher stains, can clean removable fabrics or cushion covers in the washing machine; do not machine dry.

Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch and remove with a straight edge.

PROTECTING CUSHIONS & FABRICS: To prevent damage and fading, apply a water-repellent fabric guard that resists soiling, stops mildew formation, and protects against fading from the sun.