To keep your furniture looking its best for years to come, we recommend some minimal care. Use the information below as a guide for spot cleaning your fabric covered outdoor furniture.
Casual furniture fabrics can survive with benign neglect. However, with care and periodic cleaning they will thrive, retaining their good looks far longer. Always read the fabric hangtags that come with the new furniture before cleaning.
Mildew grows in dirt, not fabric - another good reason to address stains promptly and keep furniture clean. Rinsing is very important. If soap is left, it becomes sticky and attracts more dirt. If bleach is left, it may breakdown fibers and weaken their strength. Taking cushions in when not in use will help to extend their good looks. In the winter, store cushions or slings out of the elements or, at least, keep them covered. Doing so will save a major spring clean up.
It is generally recommended to hose down all furniture once a week if used outside. When more thorough cleaning is needed, follow the directions below:
Use a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Heavy stains and mildew may be removed with a solution of one gallon of water, one cup bleach and two capfuls of dish detergent. Sponge this mixture on gently, allowing it to penetrate the fabric. Then, rinse very well several times.
Wash with a solution of soap or mild detergent and water. Rinse very thoroughly. Very important: Never use bleach or any other harsh cleaner on printed polyester.
Brush off any dirt and clean with a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Sponge thoroughly with water. For stubborn stains or mildew, mix three gallons of warm water with one cup of household bleach and one cup of mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
For basic dirt, use lukewarm water and mild detergent. For heavy stains, wash with a solution of one gallon of water, one cup of bleach and two capfuls of dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
For best results, rinse weekly with mild detergent and warm water. Regular cleaning will help prevent mildew by washing out dirt particles that may become trapped in polyester filling material. Shake out excess moisture after rinsing and allow to dry thoroughly before storing. To remove stains or mildew, clean with a solution of warm water, mild laundry detergent, and chlorine bleach (no more than 1/4 cup to three gallons of water). Never use a solvent type solution. Use X-14 Instant Mildew Stain Remover or Feron Clean for more severe growth. Wipe clean of insect repellents and suntan lotions with mild laundry detergent and warm water. Do not use bleach or harsh detergents under any circumstances.
Brush off loose dirt, hose down and clean with a mild natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. For stubborn stains: soak the fabric for twenty minutes in a solution of no more than 4oz. of non-chlorine bleach and 2oz. of natural soap per gallon of water. Following this type of heavy cleaning treatment and when water repellency is a factor, the fabric should receive an application of an air-curing re-treatment, such as 303-Hi Tech Fabric Guard or a similar product. Fabric may be dry cleaned but a water repellent treatment must be applied to the fabric after dry cleaning to re-establish water repellency. Do not subject to excessive heat, steam press or dry in dryers.
Protect with Armor-All. Clean with mild laundry detergent and warm water. Strap contains an effective fungicide and UV stabilizers. To remove scuff marks, apply toothpaste or gentle abrasive to a clean, dry cloth and rub gently. Restore shine with Armor-All. To remove mildew, use a solution of warm water, mild laundry detergent, and chlorine bleach (no more than 1/4 cup to three gallons of water). Never use a solvent type solution. Use X-14 Instant Mildew Stain Remover or Feron Clean for more severe growth. Do not use solvents, scouring agents, carbon tetrachloride, undiluted bleach, janitorial cleansers or gasoline.
Mix three gallons of warm water with one cup of household bleach and one cup of mild laundry detergent. Apply with soft brush or cloth and rinse thoroughly. Do not use solvent-type materials, which will damage the yarns.
Professional or dry clean only
Insect repellents and suntan lotions can reduce the life of vinyl plastic, accelerate fading, and stain fabrics. To avoid damage, wipe clean as soon as possible and clean with mild laundry detergent and warm water.