Now that your furniture is in place, we’d like to offer you some sound advice on keeping it looking vibrant and clean throughout the years. These methods are manufacturer-recommended and have been proven effective through years of experience.
All Frames (Wrought Iron, Aluminum, Cast Aluminum, Wicker) & Finishes
To extend the life of your furniture frames, follow these simple steps:
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Regularly clean your furniture using water and a mild detergent at least once every 2-3 months. Avoid using abrasive materials, car wax, or bleach products on frames. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
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Apply a designated outdoor furniture protectant to the dry frame using a clean sponge or lint-free rag. Avoid car products, as they may contain harsh chemicals and offer inadequate protection. Let the protectant dry thoroughly before use.
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Pay attention to the glides on the bottom of your furniture. Over time, they may wear down, causing the frames to contact the surface directly. This can lead to finish damage and moisture entering the frame. Replace worn-out glides promptly.
Recommended products for cleaning and protection include: 303 Aerospace Protectant, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, 303 Fabric Guard, Faron Guard, Simple Green, and mild dishwashing liquid like Dawn.
Cushions & Fabrics – Sunbrella® Fabric Care
To extend the life of your Sunbrella® fabrics, follow these simple cleaning tips:
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Regular light cleaning is key to maintaining the fabric’s endurance. Brush off dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush regularly and wipe off spills promptly.
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Hose off cushions monthly to prevent debris build-up.
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For deeper cleaning, briskly wash with a sponge or soft brush using a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry.
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For heavy-duty stains, you can mix one cup of household bleach with 1/4 cup of detergent for every gallon of water. Apply the solution carefully, and rinse thoroughly.
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When drying cushions, place them in an upright position in the sun and rotate them every 30 minutes. This ensures complete drainage and quick drying.
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Apply a light mist of mild soap and water mixture using a spray bottle.
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Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
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Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
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Allow to air dry. Rinse and repeat drying steps until all soap residue is removed.
- For stubborn stains or mildew, prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
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Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
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Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or soft bristle brush until all soap residue is removed.
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Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Allow fabric to air dry.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella® fabrics. They are treated with a fluorocarbon finish to enhance water repellent properties, which lasts for several years but must be replenished after thorough cleaning with Fabric Guard.
- Avoid machine drying; if there are wrinkles, use an iron on the synthetic* setting not exceeding 150°F/66°C. DO NOT use a steamer or steam setting.
- Store cushions when not in use or cover them with a breathable furniture cover to reduce unnecessary wear.
Recommended Products: 303 Aerospace Protectant, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, 303 Fabric Guard, Faron Guard, Faron Clean, Simple Green, and/or mild dishwashing liquid like Dawn.
Slings, Straps & Fabrics – NON-Sunbrella® – PVC Blends PHIFERTEX / TWITCHELL
Cleaning sling and strap furniture is easy with these simple steps:
- Wet your furniture and apply a non-foaming cleanser like Simple Green. Use a non-abrasive sponge to clean any problem areas. IMPORTANT: Use a non-foaming cleaner on slings to prevent residue buildup in the weave gaps. For deeper cleaning, a pressure washer on a low setting can be used without cleansers.
- For moderate use, clean the fabric once or twice a year; more frequently for heavy-use applications.
- Be cautious with sunblocks and suntan lotions containing harsh chemicals, as they may permanently discolor or damage the fabric. Clean promptly if direct contact occurs.
- To make a cleaning solution, mix 1 tbsp. liquid dish detergent and 2 tbsp. household bleach in a gallon of water. Clean the fabric with a sponge or soft cloth dipped in the solution.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry. Repeat the rinsing and drying steps until all soap residue is removed.
- When drying cushions, place them upright and rotate every 30 minutes for complete drainage and quick drying.
Recommended Products: 303 Aerospace Protectant, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, 303 Fabric Guard, Faron Guard, Faron Clean, Simple Green, and/or mild dishwashing liquid like Dawn.
All-Weather Wicker Maintenance
To repair scratch marks or abrasions on furniture fiber edges, briefly and carefully apply heat (e.g., the flame of a lighter) to the affected area and rub along the length of the fiber with hard cardboard to restore a smooth edge. Even if fibers are accidentally cut or broken, this method can generally lead to successful repairs.
Cleaning the furniture is straightforward:
- Remove cushions and pillows.
- Brush off surface dirt or debris using a semi-soft bristle brush.
- Wet the furniture and use a non-foaming cleaner like Simple Green or 303 Cleaner. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or car wash mitt.
- Work on small areas at a time to prevent the cleanser from drying in the sun.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe off excessive water.
- Allow the furniture to air dry in the sun.
- Apply a protectant to the furniture annually.
NOTE: Use a non-foaming cleaner on slings to avoid residue buildup between the weave, which can attract dirt. It’s acceptable to use a pressure washer on a low setting for weave furniture.
Recommended Products: 303 Aerospace Protectant , 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, 303 Fabric Guard, Faron
Guard, Faron Clean, Simple Green and/or a Mild Dishwahsing liquid such as Dawn.
Tables, Table Bases & Table Top Maintenance
To maintain the life and beauty of your tables, follow these cleaning instructions:
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For frames: Refer to the above instructions for cleaning and maintaining the frames.
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For glass tops: Use any glass cleaner with ammonia or a mixture of equal parts water and ammonia to remove dirt and spills.
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For Stone or Mosaic Table Tops: Clean weekly by brushing off surface dirt and debris with a soft brush, then use mild detergent or Simple Green. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a terry-cotton towel or chamois. Clean up spills immediately to prevent damage to the sealant. Re-seal stone or mosaic tops every 6-12 months with a stone sealant/protectant. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners on stone or mosaic tables, as it can break down the table sealant prematurely.
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For Porcelain Tile Tops: Keep porcelain tops free of dust with regular cleanings. Use mild liquid soap, water, and a soft rag, followed by a clean water rinse to remove soap residue. For tougher stains, use a pH-balanced cleaner designed for use on porcelain. Store or cover the tops during extended periods of non-use.
Umbrellas, Shades & Pavilions
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Fabric Cleaning: If your umbrellas have Sunbrella or olefin fabric, clean them according to the instructions provided for that type of fabric. Address stains and dirt as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in.
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Closure when not in use: Always close your umbrellas and shades when they are not in use. This protects them from unnecessary wear and tear caused by exposure to the elements.
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Secure base attachment: Ensure that each umbrella and shade has an adequate and securely attached base with screws. This prevents the risk of uplift during strong winds, which could lead to damage.
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High wind precautions: During periods of high wind, it’s essential to take precautionary measures. Remove the umbrellas and shades to avoid potential damage to both the umbrellas themselves and other furniture or structures nearby.
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Pavilion maintenance: If you have pavilions with curtains, anchor them properly to the ground. During high winds, draw back or remove the curtains to prevent damage.
By following these maintenance practices, you can extend the life and performance of your outdoor umbrellas and shades, ensuring they remain in good condition for many seasons to come.
*******NOTE: NO WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR ACTS OF NATURE******