HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY POWDER-COATED ALUMINUM FURNITURE?
Powder-coated aluminum furniture is renowned for its durability and longevity. To maintain its appearance and ensure its longevity, please follow these care and maintenance instructions:
1. Preparation: If your furniture has cushions, remove them prior to cleaning the frames.
2. Routine Cleaning: Pre-rinse the furniture with a low-pressure hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Clean with a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or a soft bristle brush to gently wash the frame. Use care to avoid scratching the finish. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the furniture with a low-pressure hose to avoid damaging the finish. Dry the surface with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
3. Handling Water Spots: For persistent water spots, apply a gentle mixture of 1:1 white distilled vinegar and water with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Be careful to avoid getting the solution on any other materials (e.g., rope, teak, upholstery, etc.).
4. Protective Measures: Apply a clear, non-hazing automotive wax periodically to non-textured finishes to enhance resistance to UV and salt air. Only apply to the metal frames, being careful to avoid other materials (wicker, rope, etc.). This is particularly beneficial at the beginning and end of each season.
5. Environmental Care: In coastal areas (salt air) and poolside, clean more frequently to prevent salt or chemical buildup that will damage the finish. Water from swimming pools and residue from salt air must not remain on the furniture for too long. Furniture used in harsher environments requires more frequent cleaning.
6. Insect Repellents & Suntan Lotion: Certain insect repellents and suntan lotions contain chemicals that can discolor powder-coating. To avoid discoloration, clean the furniture as soon as possible after the exposure.
7. Use of Protective Covers: Protect the furniture with custom-fit covers when not in use to shield it from the elements and minimize cleaning needs.
8. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh solvent-based, abrasive, or stainless steel cleaners, as these can accelerate the degradation of the powder-coated finish.
9. Minor Repairs: Routinely check foot glides for excessive wear and replace as needed to prevent damage to the powder-coating and frame. Utilize touch-up kits for minor surface scratches to prevent oxidation and further damage.
By adhering to these care instructions, your Kingsley Bate powder-coated aluminum furniture will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Cleaning Cushions
Kingsley Bate cushions are made with either Sunbrella or Outdura fabrics, a 100% solution-dyed acrylic. The fabric should be cleaned regularly before environmental deposits such as dirt, etc., are allowed to accumulate and become embedded.
Kingsley Bate strongly recommends that you do not remove the fill from your cushions when cleaning the cushion fabric. Instead, clean the cushions with the fill in place. Most cushions are 'stuffed' using specialized machinery, and it is not always possible to re-stuff the cushions by hand and achieve a professional, finished appearance.
To clean the fabric, simply brush off any loose dirt, and then clean briskly with a sponge using fresh water and a mild natural soap (Woolite is acceptable). Water temperature should be no more than 100 degree F (37 degree C), as acrylic fiber is heat sensitive at high temperatures. Do not subject the fabric to excessive heat as it will shrink. Do not steam press, iron, or dry in electric or gas dryers.
Sunbrella and Outdura Fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish that acts as a sealant, making it resistant to water and stains. If you use liquid detergent instead of a natural soap to clean your cushions, it may be necessary to reapply the water repellent treatment to the fabric. We recommend using 303 Hi Tech Fabric Guard or a similar product.
If your cushion becomes saturated with water, unzip the cushion and stand it on its edge in a dry, sunny location. The zipper-side should be facing down to allow the water to drain through the opening. Cushions will typically dry in 24-48 hours depending on the level of saturation and the weather conditions during the drying process.
When cushions are not being used, you may also wish to stand them on edge within the furniture frame. Doing so will reduce the surface area exposed to the rain and allow for faster drying.
Avoid putting the fabric in direct contact with oil-based products, which may cause the fabric to age more rapidly. If direct contact with an oil-based product occurs, clean the fabric promptly.
Furniture Covers
Furniture covers should be cleaned regularly before environmental deposits (dirt, etc.) are allowed to accumulate and become embedded in the fabric. We recommend spot cleaning furniture covers. Start by brushing off any loose dirt/debris, then clean using a sponge, fresh water, and mild soap.
