Furniture Care & Maintenance
Teak
Care
- Remove cushions & throw pillows before cleaning
- Mix solution of 1/4 cup mild liquid soap & 1 gallon water
- Use sponge or soft scrub brush to clean surface, moving in direction of wood grain
- If stains remain, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove them
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Air-dry completely before replacing cushions or protecting with cover
- It is natural for teak to emit oils as it acclimates to a new environment. This is called surfacing & should only last 3–4 weeks. It is easy to clean – just follow the instructions above.
TERRA TIPS
- Do not scrub back & forth – this will cause discoloration
- Clean entire surface area – do not spot-clean, which will lead to uneven shading
- Avoid using bleach, steel wool & hard-bristle brushes
- Never clean with power washer
- To remove saltwater, hose down regularly
- Teak turns grey from the UV rays of the sun – not from water. If you want teak to weather slowly, keep it in the shade.
- Do not use teak cleaner on finished teak, such as our Weathered Teak
- Although teak itself will not mildew, dirt and other foreign substances on the wood can mildew. Mildew can also form when wet teak is covered before it has completely dried. This occurs more commonly in warm, humid climates. If this happens, follow the cleaning instructions above immediately to prevent stains that are difficult to remove.
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
- Make sure furniture & cushions are completely clean & dry before covering or storing
- Store cushions separately from teak furniture for the first year since the wood's natural oil can stain the cushions as it rises to the surface of the wood
- Note: We do not recommend covering our teak furniture, but if you choose to use a furniture cover, make sure teak is completely dry & free of dirt to prevent mold
- Do not store in a heated room; heat can dry out the wood & cause cracks
- Periodically check fasteners & tighten as needed
- As teak ages, it is normal for cracks to appear on the surface; these will not affect durability
- If you want to allow the teak to weather naturally, do not use a sealant
- If you want to preserve the original color of the teak, use a sealant
- Allow furniture to acclimate for at least 2 weeks before sealing
- Clean furniture before sealing
- Follow manufacturer’s directions for applying sealer, but be sure to apply all coats on the same day
- Reseal as needed, usually once per year (or twice per year if you live near saltwater
- Do not use sealant on our Weathered Teak furniture – it is already treated with a stain
- Use teak protector every 12–18 months to safeguard against stains such as wine, water & food
All-Weather Wicker
Care
- Remove cushions & throw pillows before cleaning
- Dust regularly with soft cloth or microfiber duster
- Brush with soft hand broom to remove dirt & debris
- Mix solution of 1/4 cup dish soap & 2 cups warm water
- Wipe down furniture using soft cloth or sponge
- Hose down furniture to rinse
- Spot-clean stains with damp cloth, rubbing gently
TERRA TIPS
- To remove hard water spots, mold & mildew, use solution of 1/4 cup dish soap, 2 cups warm water & 1 cup vinegar
- Use soft-bristle brush to clean tough dirt & stains
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel wool & scouring pads
- Use coasters & trivets to protect surface from hot & cold glasses & dishes
- Do not cut directly on surface
- If vacuuming furniture, use low-suction setting
- Clean 1–2 times per year to maintain longevity
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
- Make sure furniture & cushions are completely clean & dry before covering or storing
- Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect furniture from birds & tree debris
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out furniture
Aluminum
Care
- Remove cushions & throw pillows before cleaning
- Mix solution of 1/4 cup mild liquid soap & 1 gallon warm water
- Use clean, dry, lint-free cloth or sponge to clean surface
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Air-dry completely before replacing cushions or protecting with cover
TERRA TIPS
- To remove saltwater & chlorine, hose down then wipe dry with soft cloth
- Do not use paper towels or cotton rags, which can stick to frame
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, bleach & ammonia
- Do not use steel scrubbers
- Avoid scraping & rubbing
- Wash underside of furniture as well as all cracks & grooves
- Use separate cleaner for other materials, such as the glass top of a table; do not allow other cleaners to come in contact with aluminum frame
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
- Make sure furniture & cushions are completely clean & dry before covering or storing
- Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect furniture from birds & tree debris
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out furniture
- Use carnuba wax once per year to maintain or restore finish
Concrete
Care
- Use water & cotton cloth to clean regularly
- Wipe or gently scrub concrete
- To remove stains, use mixture of mild soap & water; alternatively, use mixture of 1 part standard bleach & 3 parts water
- Apply mixture to entire surface for even cleaning
TERRA TIPS
- Clean spills as quickly as possible to avoid staining
- Never use power washer or pressurized water to clean
- Avoid using caustic acids to clean or resurface
- Avoid contact with acidic, pigmented & alkali-based substances
- Use coasters, placemats trivets to protect surface from hot & cold glasses & dishes
- Do not cut directly on surface
- Do not expose to extreme temperatures
- Do not sit or stand on concrete tables
- Do not drag furniture; lift to relocate to avoid damage
- Do not attempt to move furniture alone; use multiple people to avoid injury
- If surfaces get wet, dry thoroughly with soft cloth to prevent water spots
- Remove items on tabletops and cover during rain & snow to prevent water from pooling on surface
- Do not allow water, snow or ice to stand on furniture
- Do not allow moisture to seep up from the ground into concrete legs & bases; use risers underneath furniture to prevent water
Maintenance
- If you live in an area where fluctuating temperatures cause water to melt & freeze, cover furniture and ensure no direct exposure to moisture
- Make sure furniture is completely clean & dry before covering or storing
- Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect furniture from dirt, debris & the elements
- Use tenting device to prevent covers from freezing to surface of furniture
- Use covers to protect surface color from fading
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out furniture
- As concrete ages, nonstructural hairline cracks & pores may appear on the surface; these are natural & will not affect durability or performance
- Apply a sealer 2–3 times per year to protect against stains & extreme weather
Textilene Mesh
Care
- Remove cushions & throw pillows before cleaning
- Mix solution of mild liquid soap & water
- Spray or wipe onto mesh
- Allow solution to soak into fabric
- Use soft-bristle brush or sponge to remove stains
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Dry with clean cloth to prevent water stains on frames
TERRA TIPS
- Avoid using harsh cleaners & scouring agents
- Do not use hard-bristle brushes
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
- Make sure furniture & cushions are completely clean & dry before covering or storing Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect furniture from birds & tree debris
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out furniture
Cushions
Care
- Remove from furniture before cleaning
- For best results, clean spills & stains immediately
- Dirt:
- Brush off regularly to prevent it from penetrating surface of cushion
- Liquids
- Blot dry with clean cloth – do not rub
- Mix solution of 1/4 cup mild soap & 1 gallon lukewarm water
- Spray cushions with solution
- Allow solution to soak into fabric
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Air-dry completely
-
Oil-Based Spills & Stains
- Apply cornstarch or similar absorbent powder & allow to absorb oils
- Brush off with crumb sweeper or similar straight-edged tool
- Spray with solution of water & mild dishwashing soap or delicate laundry detergent
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Air-dry completely
- Stubborn Stains
- Mix solution of 1/4 cup mild soap & 1 gallon lukewarm water
- Use soft-bristle brush to clean stains
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water
- Air-dry completely
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave cushions outdoors, protect them with a cover or store them indoors
- Store cushions separately from teak furniture for the first year
- The wood’s natural oil can stain the cushions as it rises to the surface of the wood
- Once silver grey patina develops, it’s safe to store cushions with furniture
- Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect cushions from birds & tree debris
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out cushions
TERRA TIPS
- Do not remove covers before cleaning – doing so can damage foam inserts
- Clean cushion from seam to seam – not just stained area – to avoid water rings
- Treat stains in well-ventilated area
- Avoid using hard-bristle brushes & abrasive cleaners
- Do not use bleach to clean
- Do not submerge cushions in water
- Avoid direct contact with sunscreen
- Stand cushions upright to drain faster after cleaning
- Do not put cushions in dryer
- Consult Sunbrella® Cleaning Guide for specific stains
Envirowood
Care
- Clean regularly with solution of mild detergent & water
- In coastal areas, wash or rinse stainless-steel fasteners regularly
TERRA TIPS
- Do not use pressure washer
- Avoid using harsh chemicals
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
Resin
Care
- Clean with water, mild soap & sponge
Maintenance
- Run water through lounger & table every 90 days for 5–10 minutes
- Drain water completely once per season
Polyolefin Rope
Care
- Remove cushions & throw pillows before cleaning
- Clean regularly with mild soap & water to avoid dirt buildup
- Brush with soft hand broom to remove dirt & debris
- To remove stains, apply solution of mild soap & water to stain with soft cloth or sponge
- Rinse thoroughly with hose
- Air-dry completely
TERRA TIPS
- Clean spills as quickly as possible to avoid staining
- Do not cut directly on surface
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners
- If hosing down furniture, do not use high-pressure setting
Maintenance
- In the off-season or during inclement weather, leave furniture outdoors, protect it with a cover or store it indoors
- Make sure furniture & cushions are completely clean & dry before covering or storing
- Furniture Covers:
- Use covers made of breathable fabric
- Use covers to protect furniture from birds & tree debris
- Remove covers every few weeks to air out furniture
Plastic
Care
- Unclip individual lamellas, then wipe clean with wet cloth
- Add small amount of mild dish soap or auto shampoo, if desired
- Avoid using harsh detergents & solvents
Maintenance
- Cover furniture when not in use to protect it from dirt, debris, rain & snow
- Store furniture in dry place during off-season to protect it from the elements