Maintenance

FURNITURE MAINTENANCE

Purchasing new aluminum patio furniture is a big investment and you will want to keep it looking good and safe for as long as possible. This can be done by following these easy instructions.

A WORD ABOUT WHAT DAMAGES FURNITURE
The most damaging materials are suntan oils, human perspiration, and environmental pollutants such as an unfiltered well or groundwater, pollen from trees, exhaust, and salty air*. When these materials are baked by the sun into the finish/vinyl/fabric of outdoor furniture day after day without proper cleaning and waxing, the damage will result.

*In seaside use: salt can accumulate on the finish, leading to finish failure. In indoor pool areas, chlorides can accumulate on the finish, leading to finish failure. In both of these environments, repeated cycles of condensation followed by evaporation cause the build-up of these aggressive corrosives.

TOOLS/PRODUCTS YOU WILL NEED
Dawn detergent (mild biodegradable liquid soap)
Soft Sponge
Soft Bristle Brush (and an extension pole for umbrella top cleaning)
Bucket
Water Hose
High-grade automotive liquid wax

CLEANING MIXTURE AND STEPS: Combine 1/4 cup (2 oz.) mild biodegradable liquid soap with one gallon of lukewarm water. Wet furniture with water using a hose. Dip sponge (or brush) into a bucket of cleaning mixture and wipe down all parts of the furniture. After cleaning, rinse furniture thoroughly with the house. Reminder: NEVER USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR BLEACH.

FREQUENCY OF CLEANINGS: Clean using the above directions at a minimum of every two weeks. In between cleanings, wash or spray down with water regularly.

VINYL STRAPS: Use a soft sponge or brush, based on how dirty vinyl straps are. Please note that with basketweave straps, be sure to lift and clean beneath the strap at strap intersections.

POWDER COAT FINISHES: Use a soft sponge. Powder coat and painted finishes are used on aluminum frames and tabletops, and even umbrella poles. In addition to frequent cleanings, additional protection can be gained with the use of a clear liquid car wax. Over time the finish may dull, just the same as if a car is not waxed. Product used in a coastal environment may experience additional demands on the surface finish due to the salt air. Quarterly waxing of the finish is recommended to maintain a strong finish that will withstand the demands of this type of environment. This is recommended to clean away any buildup of salt residue and the possibility of oxidation.

SLlNG, CUSHION, & UMBRELLA FABRIC: Use a soft brush (when cleaning umbrella tops, use extension pole on open tops). The life of furniture fabric largely depends on its care. Fabric life can be extended simply by regular cleaning. Clean all spills promptly, clean regularly with Dawn, and rinse regularly with water.

TABLE TOPS: Use a glass cleaner with ammonia.

UMBRELLAS: Always close umbrellas in their stands when not in use. Umbrellas must always be closed and removed from service in windy conditions to protect umbrellas against damage from inclement weather and to protect persons from potential injury due to umbrellas toppling or moving in such conditions. If umbrellas become wet, open for a complete airing and make certain they are thoroughly dry before closing. Occasional lubrication of the moving parts of umbrellas and with a silicone lubricant spray is recommended. Caution: Do NOT get lubricant on fabric or finish.

FRAMES: Regularly tighten all hardware to avoid loosening which can lead to bolt failure and product breakage. Replace missing hardware (remove the product from service until repaired). Regularly tighten the headrest bolts on all chaise lounges and recliners. Confirm movement is smooth without binding and that the ratchet engages properly at each position.

GLIDES/END CAPS: Glides (often referred to as “nylon feet”) are sometimes lost or become worn with use, and should be replaced when lost or worn for stability and safety. Replacement glides and end caps are available from Outdoor Furniture Connection. Furniture should be checked annually for worn/missing caps.