Outdoor Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide
Proper care and regular maintenance will help keep your outdoor furniture looking its best and preserve its appearance over time.
Our outdoor furniture collections feature a variety of materials, including rope weave, aluminium, weather-resistant fabrics and natural wood. Each material has its own care requirements to help maintain its condition throughout the seasons.
Please follow the care instructions relevant to the materials used in your furniture. Not all of the following sections will apply to every product.
Caring for Your Rope Weave
Rope weave furniture is designed to be durable and weather-resistant, offering a stylish and contemporary finish for outdoor living.
Regular cleaning helps remove everyday dirt, dust and debris, preserving the appearance of the rope material.
- Use Warm Soapy Water: Clean the rope weave using a soft sponge and warm soapy water.
- Gently Remove Dirt: Carefully wipe away any dust, dirt or debris without pulling or damaging the woven material.
- Rinse if Necessary: Remove any remaining soap residue with clean water.
- Allow to Air Dry: Leave the rope weave to dry naturally before use.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products: Do not use abrasive brushes, harsh chemicals or scouring pads, as these may damage the rope fibres.
Gentle, regular cleaning is the best way to preserve the appearance and condition of your rope weave furniture.
Cushion Care & Cleaning
Outdoor cushions are designed to provide comfort and complement the appearance of your garden furniture.
Regular gentle cleaning will help keep the fabric fresh and remove everyday dirt and marks.
- Hand Wash Only: Use warm soapy water and a clean, soft cloth to gently clean the cushion fabric.
- Remove Dirt & Marks: Gently wipe the affected areas without excessive rubbing or scrubbing.
- Air Dry Completely: Allow cushions to dry naturally and thoroughly before returning them to the furniture or storing them.
- Do Not Machine Wash: Cushions are not suitable for machine washing.
- Do Not Tumble Dry: Avoid tumble drying, as heat may damage the cushion fabric or filling.
- Store When Not in Use: We recommend storing cushions indoors or in a clean, dry storage space to help prolong their lifespan.
Important: Even where cushions are described as showerproof or weather-resistant, they should not be considered completely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to rain and moisture can affect their condition.
Always ensure cushions are completely dry before storing them to help prevent dampness, mould and unpleasant odours.
Cleaning Your Aluminium Frames
Aluminium garden furniture is valued for its lightweight construction, contemporary appearance and resistance to rust.
During winter months or periods of storage, the aluminium frames may collect dust, dirt and other environmental deposits.
Regular cleaning will help maintain the appearance of the frames and their protective finish.
- Warm Soapy Water: Use a soft sponge with warm soapy water to clean the aluminium surfaces.
- Wipe All Surfaces: Gently remove accumulated dust, dirt and marks from the frames.
- Allow to Air Dry: Leave the frames to dry naturally after cleaning, typically within approximately one hour depending on weather conditions.
- Avoid Abrasive Products: Do not use harsh chemicals, wire brushes or scouring pads that could scratch or damage the powder-coated finish.
Regular gentle cleaning is generally sufficient to keep powder-coated aluminium garden furniture looking attractive throughout the seasons.
Understanding the Natural Characteristics of Wood
Wooden outdoor furniture, including selected Bali, Martinique, Sicily and Porto collections, features a light polyurethane (PU) coating for additional surface protection.
However, wood is a natural material that responds to changes in temperature, moisture and humidity.
As timber naturally expands and contracts, cracks, splits and variations in the wood may develop over time. These are recognised natural characteristics of solid wooden furniture and do not necessarily affect its structural integrity or durability.
Important Warranty Information: Natural splitting and cracking caused by normal wood movement are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Customers should be aware that some natural movement and variation can be expected when purchasing solid wooden outdoor furniture.
This does not exclude any rights relating to manufacturing defects or other statutory consumer protections.
Regular Cleaning of Wooden Furniture
Regular cleaning helps preserve the natural appearance of wooden outdoor furniture and reduces the accumulation of dirt and environmental deposits.
- Use a Damp Cloth: Wipe wooden surfaces regularly using a clean, soft, damp cloth.
- Remove Dirt Promptly: Clean away food residue, dirt and marks before they become difficult to remove.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaning products, strong chemicals or scouring pads on wooden surfaces.
- Use Suitable Wood-Care Products: For deeper cleaning or additional protection, select products specifically designed for outdoor wooden furniture.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your chosen cleaning or treatment product.
Seasonal Wooden Furniture Maintenance
To help maintain the appearance and longevity of wooden outdoor furniture, the manufacturer recommends treating the wood twice per year using suitable outdoor wood oils.
Regular treatment can help maintain the timber's appearance and reduce the effects of natural weathering.
- Twice-Yearly Treatment: Apply a suitable outdoor wood oil approximately twice per year, following the furniture manufacturer's care recommendations.
- Clean Before Treatment: Ensure the wood is clean and completely dry before applying wood-care products.
- Light Sanding Where Required: In some cases, lightly sanding the surface before treatment may help achieve a more even finish.
- Choose Suitable Products: Use oils and treatments specifically designed for outdoor wooden furniture and compatible with the existing finish.
Please note: Some wooden furniture has an existing PU protective coating. Before sanding or applying oil, check that the proposed treatment is suitable for that particular finish and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Avoid Using Covers on Wooden Furniture
The manufacturer does not recommend using furniture covers on its wooden outdoor furniture.
Although covers may seem to provide additional protection, they can trap moisture and condensation against wooden surfaces, particularly during damp weather and changing temperatures.
Trapped moisture can contribute to:
- Mould & Mildew: Moisture accumulation can encourage mould growth on wooden surfaces.
- Excess Moisture: Condensation can remain trapped against the furniture rather than drying naturally.
- Warping & Swelling: Prolonged exposure to trapped moisture may contribute to timber movement and deterioration.
Important Warranty Information: The manufacturer advises against using covers on wooden furniture, as trapped moisture can cause damage. Damage resulting from the use of covers may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This does not affect your statutory consumer rights.
Regular cleaning and appropriate seasonal maintenance are the recommended methods for looking after your wooden outdoor furniture.
Natural Colour Changes & Weathering of Wood
Wood is a natural material and its appearance may gradually change when exposed to sunlight, rain, humidity and varying temperatures.
Untreated or naturally finished wood may develop lighter, darker or more weathered tones over time.
These natural colour changes contribute to the character and individuality of wooden furniture and form part of its normal ageing process.
To help minimise changes in appearance:
- Clean the wooden surfaces regularly to remove dirt and environmental deposits.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended twice-yearly wood treatment routine.
- Use suitable outdoor wood-care products that are compatible with the furniture's existing finish.
Some natural weathering and colour variation should be expected as part of owning outdoor wooden furniture.
General Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips
Following a few simple maintenance practices can help protect your furniture and preserve its appearance throughout the year.
- Clean Regularly: Remove dirt and debris before they accumulate on frames, woven materials and cushions.
- Store Cushions: Keep cushions indoors or in a clean, dry storage space when not in use.
- Dry Before Storage: Ensure furniture and accessories are completely dry before covering or storing, where covers are permitted for the particular material.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Products: Harsh chemicals, stiff brushes and scouring pads can damage protective coatings, fabric and woven materials.
- Follow Material-Specific Guidance: Different materials require different maintenance, particularly natural wood, aluminium, rope weave and outdoor fabrics.
Important Care & Warranty Information
Correct cleaning, storage and seasonal maintenance play an important role in preserving the appearance and condition of outdoor furniture.
Always follow any additional product-specific instructions supplied with your furniture, as the appropriate care methods may vary between collections and materials.
Natural changes in materials, normal wear and inappropriate maintenance may be treated differently from manufacturing defects under the applicable manufacturer's warranty.
Nothing in this care guidance affects your statutory consumer rights.