Outdoor Furniture Maintenance

We appreciate the investment you’ve made with Custom Outdoor Furniture & Restrapping.  Following are some tips to keep your investment looking fresh and new:

Framed Furniture

Metal frames should be cleaned with mild soap and water and rinsed thoroughly.  Do not use any abrasive materials or strong detergents on any surfaces; they could cause damage and discoloration.  During use, your furniture may get scratched or nicked.  We recommend touching up or covering small scratches and nicks to control corrosion.  You should always store your aluminum furniture in an upright position to allow for water drainage.  Placing the furniture upside down will restrict the drainage, and may lead to frame damage or corrosion.

Vinyl Cleaning & Maintenance

A towel on the vinyl can help keep the oils and chlorine from settling into the vinyl. Vinyl straps must be cleaned frequently with a sponge or soft bristle brush using a cleaning solution with 1/4 cup (2 oz.) mild liquid soap, such as Dawn dish detergent, in a gallon of lukewarm water (100° F / 38° C). Rinse thoroughly. Commercial casual furniture cleaners will help lift embedded dirt and oil from vinyl.  We offer 1 For All. Caution: Do NOT use abrasive cleaners on vinyl straps.

Certain suntan and sun block products contain “PABA”. PABA is harmful to vinyl and can permanently discolor it.  If contact is made, cleaning the vinyl immediately with a non-abrasive, mild soap and water solution followed by a fresh water rinse may minimize the possibility of discoloration. Again, laying a beach towel over the vinyl straps of outdoor furniture whenever you are using the furniture will help protect the vinyl from the discoloring effects of PABA.

Wicker

The wicker furniture we sell at Custom Outdoor Furniture requires minimal maintenance.  To properly care for your wicker, remove surface dirt using a soft brush, or duster. You can also vacuum most wicker without any negative effect.  You should then follow up by cleaning the furniture with a mild detergent and warm water, applied with a sponge.  Make sure you rinse thoroughly and allow the furniture to dry before replacing the cushions on the furniture.

Cushions & Fabrics

To clean your cushions or other fabrics, wash with a solution of soap or mild detergent and warm water.  Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to air dry.  Mix three gallons of warm water with one cup of household bleach and one cup of mild laundry detergent for more stubborn stains, but be sure to test for bleaching on a small area of the cushion.  Do not use solvent-type materials, they will damage the fabric.

Polylumber

Polylumber furniture is the most weather resistant furniture available, and needs minimal maintenance.  You can clean it with a mild detergent, mixed with water, and applied with a scrub brush.  After cleaning, rinse and dry.  We do NOT recommend using a pressure washer on polylumber, since it can damage the material, and actually raise “splinters” in the furniture.

Umbrellas

Rule number one for umbrella care is to keep the umbrella closed when it is not in use.  The umbrella should be secured with its ties whenever it is not in use.  We recommend that you always use a weighted base with your umbrella, even if it is being used with a table.  If you are using the umbrella without a table, you must use a free-standing base that is heavy enough to provide safe support for the umbrella.  Always lower an umbrella when it is windy.  To clean the umbrella material, you rinse it with water. If there is a spot that resists removal by rinsing, wash with a solution of mild soap and warm water.  Rinse the umbrella thoroughly with water and allow to air dry.