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PATIO FURNITURE ~ Tips for keeping your patio furniture looking its best for many years
WROUGHT IRON PATIO FURNITURE
- Clean with warm, soapy water.
- Do not use abrasive materials or cleansers.
- Damage to the paint finish may cause corrosion.
- Clean the frame as soon as possible after exposure to suntan lotions and insect repellants.
- Do not cover wrought iron patio furniture.
- In cold, wet climates, be sure to drain any water accumulated inside the frames before storing for the winter.
WICKER PATIO FURNITURE
- Wash and rinse the weaving material and aluminum frame with a mild household detergent several times a season. This will remove dirt, body oils, chemicals and other substances.
- Heavy stains on wicker patio furniture can be treated with household cleaners.
TEAK PATIO FURNITURE
- Teak patio furniture requires little to no care and when left outdoors, will turn a handsome silver-gray. This process will take approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure.
- Clean teak furniture with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Water spots or other discoloration may also occur during the weathering process. These will even out, and the furniture will achieve a uniform silver-gray.
- Periodically cleaning your tak furniture with a solution of four parts laundry detergent or dishwashing soap and one part bleach in water.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean your furniture. When you are finished, rinse the entire piece to remove the dirt and any remaining solution. This is sufficient for general cleaning.
- A teak cleaner will remove the silver-gray patina and restore the furniture's original color. The cleaner will restore the furniture to the natural golden color regardless of how long the piece has been outside.
- Oiling outdoor teak may cause mildew or irregular coloring.
ALUMINUM PATIO FURNITURE
- Clean aluminium patio furniture with a solution of warm water and mild soap.
- Use a fine automotive wax to maintain gloss on non-textured finishes.
- On textured finishes, periodically apply mineral or baby oil, this results in a stain resistant finish.
- Severe stains may require light sanding and touch-up painting.
- To avoid discoloration, clean aluminium frames as soon as possible after exposure to suntain oils, lotions or insect repellants.
PATIO FURNITURE CUSHIONS
- Most patio furniture cushion fabrics can be cleaned with warm soapy water.
- Woven fabrics should be cleaned with gentle detergent.
- Mildew stains can be cleaned with a mild solution of one cup of Clorox Plus and two caps of detergent per gallon of water.
- Hose frequently to avoid dirt build-up and allow to air dry. Loose threads should be clipped with scissors, never pulled.
- Cotton: Do not leave cotton cushions outside in elements. Dry wet cushions immediately. Vacuum regularly to avoid dirt build-up.
- Vinyl: Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap solution.
- Acrylics: Wash with soap and water. If stain remains, use a mixture of one cup bleach and one cup laundry detergent in a gallon of warm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
- Printed Acrylics: Wash with a mild detergent and sponge. Do not use abrasive materials or bleach. Allow to air dry.
GLASS TABLETOPS
- Clean regularly with a soft cloth, a mild detergent and warm water. Buff dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
- Do not use cleansers or abrasive materials.
PATIO UMBRELLAS
- Hose down frequently to wash off dirt.
- Wash periodically with soap or mild detergent using a sponge or soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- Close when windy to avoid damage.
- Air-dry patio umbrellas before closing.
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