When it comes to outdoor furniture, durability and maintenance are key factors in ensuring your investment lasts for years to come. Whether you have Olefin fabric, Sunbrella cushions, stainless steel, teak, or any other material, proper care is essential to maintain appearance and functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the specific maintenance requirements for various outdoor furniture materials, of our current furniture, some we no longer produce, and some we never have, but are still popular, providing you with valuable tips to keep your outdoor space looking pristine.
Olefin Fabric:
Olefin fabric, such as Westminster's choice of Axroma 100% Mackintosh Olefin fabric, offers exceptional resistance to bacterial growth and mildew. To maintain its pristine condition, follow these simple steps:
Gently hand wash with plain warm water or a warm soapy solution to remove marks and brush off any dirt and debris periodically.
For stubborn stains, use a water and bleach solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive products.
Always air-dry Olefin fabric thoroughly to prevent damage to the fabric fibres. Westminster have a wide range of Olefin furniture in for the 2024 season.
Sunbrella Fabric:
Sunbrella® fabric is renowned for its fade-resistant and durable properties. Here's how to keep it looking its best.
Gently wash with plain warm water or a warm soapy solution to remove marks and brush off any dirt and debris periodically.
Clean with a solution of water and bleach for regular maintenance to remove dirt, stains, and mildew.
Use a high-pressure washer for stubborn stains, ensuring constant motion and careful distance to prevent damage to the fabric. You can also use a solution of water and bleach for regular maintenance to remove dirt, stains, and mildew.
After washing, ensure thorough rinsing to remove any residue from the fabric.
Always air-dry Sunbrella fabric thoroughly to prevent damage to the fabric fibres. Westminster have a wide range of Sunbrella furniture and cushions, it is proven to be a reliable choice.
Other Outdoor Cushions:
Most other outdoor cushions offer showerproof covers, and need slightly different maintenance to maintain their quality.
Remove covers from inners and hand wash gently with warm water, or machine wash on a cold delicate cycle using a mild detergent to remove dirt and stains.
Allow cushion covers to air dry naturally, however, replacement of inners while covers are still slightly damp, will help shrinkage when drying. Store cushions in dry conditions to prevent mould or mildew growth. The cushions at Westminster are Sunbrella or Olefin and have superior weather resistance.
Sling Material:
Sling is a low-maintenance material but can benefit from occasional cleaning.
Use a little washing-up liquid or bleach solution for easy restoration of the original appearance. Rinse thoroughly after washing.
Allow the sling material to air dry completely before using, stacking or storing. Westminster have sold many variations of the ever popular sling chair over the years, this year we have the Aspen range.
Parasol Canopies:
Westminster's parasolWestminster's parasol canopies offer 50+ UV protection & block more than 98% of UVA & VB rays without fading.
Clean with plain cold water using a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris. Always put down when unsupervised and on when windy. Store in a dry and sheltered location to prolong their lifespan.
Woven Resin:
Woven resin furniture requires minimal maintenance.
Use a high-pressure washer or warm soapy water for cleaning. Ensure thorough drying to prevent mould or mildew growth. Westminster have stocked a lot of weave furniture in the past, and have a lot of experience with this material.
Rope:
Rope is a more modern garden material, softly use soapy water applied with a sponge, or something non-abrasive. Avoid using excessive scrubbing or a high-pressure washer, to prevent damage.
Ensure thorough drying to prevent mould or mildew growth. Our 2024 Westminster range has some new rope style designs, however, it is made with similar materials as our older resin weave furniture.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is durable but may show signs of tea-staining over time, softly use soapy water applied with a sponge. Or use Scale-x for effective removal of rust stains, more info here. Thoroughly clean off any residue after treatment to prevent discolouration.
Dry thoroughly before use or storage.
Aluminium:
Powder-coated aluminium is highly durable and resistant to the elements.
Periodically clean with warm soapy water or a power washer to remove dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly after washing.
Dry thoroughly before use or storage. At Westminster, b>aluminium furniture is a perennial favourite.
Wrought Iron:
Wrought iron can sometimes catch and hold extra dust and dirt, contributing to rust.
Soft use of soapy/vinegar water applied with a sponge. Or use Scale-x for effective removal of rust stains. Thoroughly clean off any residue after treatment to prevent discolouration.
Use mineral oil or an automotive wax to protect the Iron.
Dry thoroughly before use or storage. Westminster does not stock wrought iron furniture.
Plastic:
Durable and tough, plastic furniture is very low maintenance.
You can use warm soapy or vinegary water, or even careful use of a power washer. If you have discoloured white plastic furniture you can use a solution of water and oxygen bleach to brighten yellowing white plastic. Although Westminster has previously sold plastic furniture, as pictured, we have moved our designs on from then.
Sintered Stone and Ceramic:
Sintered stone tabletops are low maintenance and weather-resistant.
Use warm water and mild detergent to wash the surface and prevent the build-up of grease and contaminants.
Pebble Glass:
Westminster's toughened safety pebble glass is designed for outdoor use.
Clean with water only, avoiding household detergents that may leave behind residue or streaks. Remove efflorescence deposits with a damp sponge if necessary. Treat with WD40 once a year for added protection, for more info click here.
Glass:
Westminster's toughened safety glass is designed for outdoor use.
Clean with either window cleaner or a non-alkaline soap, using a soft damp cloth.
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL):
HPL furniture is weather-resistant and easy to clean.
Use gentle household cleaning agents for regular maintenance. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the table's surface.
Teak:
Teak furniture offers a natural resistance to the elements.
Wash teak with a water-based cleaner and a sponge, or careful use of a power washer.
Restore grey/silver teak, to the 'like new' teak wood appearance, by sanding down the silver patina, to reveal the brown/orange fresh wood, to maintain the colour longer apply a water-based sealer to protect the wood. Westminster was started with traditional teak garden furniture, and we have substantial experience with how to clean and restore it.
Weathered Teak:
to maintain the appearance of weathered teak you can remove the 'weathered' finish, as it may have peeled from the wood.
Use an all-weather cover during the winter months to shield the furniture from moisture and freezing temperatures.
Power wash and sand as needed to remove the weathered finish. If you want to return your teak to the 'silver/grey' colour, you can either let the weather naturally grey the teak or use a water and bleach solution to expedite fading.
Mould and Mildew Prevention:
Prevent mould and mildew growth with regular cleaning and proper storage.
Thoroughly wash fabric surfaces to remove dirt and foreign substances. Allow cushions or fabric surfaces to air dry completely before storing them to prevent mould or mildew growth.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your outdoor furniture remains in pristine condition for years to come. Whether you have Olefin fabric, Sunbrella cushions, stainless steel, or teak furniture, proper care is essential to prolong its lifespan and enhance your outdoor living experience.
With the right maintenance routine, you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest, season after season.