Outdoor Care Tips
Soak up the sunshine, throw an al fresco rager and sip red wine atop white cushions. Maintaining the beauty of our outdoor designs is easy breezy with a few simple care tips.
No-fuss fabric.
Sunbrella™ fabrics are treated to be water and stain repellant. (Eating chocolate ice cream with preschoolers just got slightly less terrifying.) They also do not promote mildew growth. However, we recommend regular cleaning as mildew can grow on dirt and dust embedded in the fabric. To prevent this, we also recommend vacuuming your upholstery regularly.
Should mold or mildew appear, we recommend applying a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild dish soap per 1 gallon of water. Allow the solution to set for up to 15 minutes. Clean the entire surface with a soft sponge and rinse throughly to remove any residue, wiring from seam to seam. Let air dry.
While Sunbrella can handle rain, shine and red wine, you’ll still want to lean up any spills quickly, blotting your fabric dry. And avoid placing anything heavy or sharp on your cushions for an extended period. If you notice any snags, carefully tuck loose threads into fabric. Never pull out or cut off loose threads.
Freak for teak?
You should be. Durable and naturally weather-resistant, Grade A solid wood teak has long been an outdoor favorite. Teak weathers to a silver-gray patina over time. How much and how quickly it changes depends on climate, exposure to the elements and level of care. The beauty of teak is that you can maintain its original color with teak sealant. We suggest Bayes Teak Cleaner and Restorer.
Like an aged grey effect? Then let nature do its thing. Note that exposure to moisture can raise the wood grain. Simply sand with fine sandpaper to smooth it out. Either way, teak will last long and look good. To keep your teak extra pretty, avoid letting water stand on surfaces, cover furniture when not in use, and store it in a dry location during periods of inclement weather and throughout winter.
Into heavy metal.
Our metal and plastic designs are about as easy to clean as a nonstick pan. They won’t fit in your kitchen sink, but a damp rag will do the trick. Prefer an organic spray cleaner that smells like the lavender fields of Provence? You do you. Common sense care (and specification) is always important. Store in a dry location if you reside in a place with a long, cold winter. We feel you.
Patio prep.
We have plenty of outdoor designs to choose from, but before you start filling your cart, consider your climate. While all of our materials are durable and resilient, some will require a little bit more care and attention depending where you live.
Need help figuring out what would work best for your outdoor situation? Check out our free design services. Already know what you want? Start planning with our digital downloads and don’t forget to request free swatches so you can see firsthand what suits your space.
