Cleaning & Maintenance
U & V Fabrics
Westminster uses U&V's range of 320gsm, 100% Solution-Dyed Polyester all-weather fabrics; it is made with pigmentation added prior to extrusion, offering a rich look and feel of cotton, but doesn’t fade or degrade.
The furniture can be left outside all year round and can be simply cleaned with plain water. To remove more stubborn stains, apply a mild solution of soapy water or a water and bleach solution, or carefully clean with a pressure washer on a low setting. When new the cushions can be firm due to the fire retardant but after a few uses and water permutation the cushions do soften.
All outdoor cushions and fabric lounge furniture are required by UK law to conform to UK Domestic Fire Regulations BS5852 Part 1 & Part 2. A specialised fire-retardant treatment is applied to both the quick dry foam filling and the Sunbrella® fabric during manufacture. This combined with the use of heavy-duty high quality “memory foam” increases the weight up to 3 times heavier than other non-treated products. This keeps the furniture and cushions stable in windy conditions and additionally ensures the fabric is tauter, which reduces wrinkles in the fabric.
Mould & Mildew Stains
Our fabrics do not promote mildew or mould growth; however, it may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. U&V fabric is an incredibly durable and weather resistant fabric. Please ensure that cushions/furniture are fully dry before covering to avoid excess mould and mildew/algae which could permanently stain the fabric.
UV & Fading
Traditional dyeing processes only leave colours on the surface of fibre, so they easily fade. U&V's upholstery fabric is a densely woven outdoor fabric, full of rich colour. Made from 100% solution dyed polyester fibres which are saturated to the core with highly UV-stable pigments. This makes the fabric resistant to fading and degrading effects of sunlight.
Quick Dry Foam
Westminster uses an advanced, high-performance foam designed specifically for outdoor cushions & furniture. The porous open-cell structure allows water to drain very rapidly and fresh air to circulate freely. After a heavy downpour and in good weather conditions the furniture can be ready to use within an hour.
Axroma 100% Mackintosh Olefin fabric.
Olefin fabric resists growth of bacterial and mildew & is quick drying, naturally repelling any surface water. Being pore less it is difficult for dirt and stains to adhere to, but surface debris can leave minor marks or stains. The fabric can be cleaned easily, either by gently hand washing with just plain warm water or a warm soapy water solution, then leave it to air dry, or carefully clean with a pressure washer on a low setting.
For any stubborn stains you can hand wash gently using a water & bleach solution or place in the washing machine on a delicate wash cycle (use a cool temperature only) & and then thoroughly air dry. Do not iron, heat treat or dry clean Olefin fabric as this will remove the protective chemical.
For a more in-depth run down, please visit Aroxma and read their Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions.
Sunbrella Fabrics & Quick Dry Foam
Westminster work with Sunbrella®, a fabric made of acrylic fibres with pigmentation added prior to extrusion, which ensures it will not fade or degrade. Even in the harshest climates Sunbrella® provides years of low maintenance service and is quite simply a superb outdoor fabric that is guaranteed against the elements. The fabric can be left outside all year round and can be simply cleaned with a solution of water and bleach followed by a thorough soaking of clean water to remove any bleach. Careful use of a high-pressure washer in collaboration with bleach is recommended for the removal of stubborn stains.
Fabric Mould & Mildew
Westminster fabrics do not promote mould or mildew growth, however, mould will grow on dirt or dust and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. Mould will obtain moisture from the air when the air is very damp. These conditions accelerate mould growth. Mould needs water to grow and decomposes dead organic material. Mould may have formed in the inside of the fabric, in which case fold outer case inside out and follow below procedure.
While using rubber gloves, prepare a mixed solution from a whole 1ltr bottle of thick bleach, 2 parts bleach and 1 part mild soapy water or plain water. Apply to entire fabric case area and allow to soak into the fabric for 10 minutes. Clean all surface areas with a bristle brush followed by using a high pressure washer while in motion keeping nozzle at least 2 inches away from the surface. In the case of mould forming on the FR treated inner side of the case, the bleach treatment should be left for 2 hours followed by the use of a power washer to remove all soap residue. For difficult to reach areas fill a bucket of solution and soak for 2 hrs. Finally air dry. It is best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and stains including external and internal cleaning of the outer case. Our outdoor fabrics are incredibly durable and weather resistant materials, to ensure that your cushions/furniture continue to look their best, avoid using an all weather covers when cushions/furniture are still wet/damp. Please ensure that cushions/furniture are dry before covering to avoid excess mould and mildew/algae which could permanently stain the fabric.
Please note: Westminster cannot be held responsible for mould or mildew growth on cushions as these conditions are out of our control.
Textilene
These materials require little maintenance. However, any household kitchen cleaner or bleach will quickly and easily restore the original appearance. A power wash can also be used while keeping the nozzle at least 3 inches away while in constant motion.
Aluminium
By its very nature, powder-coated aluminium is an extremely durable material. Being almost impervious to the elements, it requires little maintenance.
However, to maintain the look of your aluminium products we recommend that you periodically clean them with warm soapy water using a mild detergent, alternatively a power wash can be used ensuring the nozzle is at least 6 inches (15cm) away from the furniture surface.
If more cleaning is required, then a small amount of white spirit may be used, but the area must be thoroughly cleaned off afterwards with a water and soap solution & the item left to air dry before use.
Teak
One of the endearing qualities of teak is its amazing resistance to the elements. Teak can be left outside untouched and untreated for many years and over time the original colour will weather to a silver-grey.
To restore your weathered Teak furniture back to its original colour you can purchase Water-based Teak cleaners from any local DIY shop. If you wish to remove the silver-grey appearance and natural day-to-day grime, you can use an electric sanding machine to remove silver and marks with fine sandpaper to smooth any raised grain. The sanding also brings back the ‘new’ colour.
Teak can develop black spots which can be caused by Teak Oil, aswell as particles commonly found in guttering, scaffolding and railway tracks etc. After a period of time Teak can show cracks especially in the end grains. These are quite natual and no not detract from the timber's strength and durability.
PolyTeak
Poly Teak is 100% water resistant & durable, easy clean & crack, splinter & rot resistant, our products can remain outdoors for season after season. To clean Poly Teak use a soapy warm water solution & wipe it over with soft sponge/cloth or use a gentle bristle brush. Another option is to use a hose to spray your furniture and then wipe it dry using a clean cloth. Alternatively, you can also use a pressure washer on a low setting & leave to air dry, and even sandpaper can be used to refurbish if necessary.
For tough stains or dirt use a rougher sponge to scrub at the dirt and then wipe it away with a clean cloth or rinse off if preferred. If you need some extra cleaning power, you can use a solution of 25% bleach to 75% water when you wash.
Sintered Stone
Sintered Stone table tops are easy to clean, with almost zero water absorption, making them frost and weather proof.
Sintered Stone is a manufactured material composed entirely of natural minerals like quartz, porcelain and glass, that are compressed and heated at extremely high temperatures to create a dense, durable, and non-porous surface. Although dirt cannot penetrate the surface, we do recommended cleaning the surface in order to prevent the build-up of grease and contaminants with warm water and any kitchen mild detergent. Sintered Stone tops are highly scratch, UV/temperature resistant & easy clean.
Parasol Canopies
Westminster parasol canopies are made 100% solution dyed Olefin. It has 50+ UV protection & covers more than 98% of UVA & VB rays without fading.
This fabric is water, oil, alcohol & mould/stain resistant so it’s the perfect choice for outdoor parasols.
Liquid repels off the fabric, due to its tight, non-porous weave, if you do wish to clean it you can use a clean cloth with plain cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Parasol Disclaimer - Due to the cantilever parasol mechanisms and sliding parts the aluminium will wear in sensitive areas especially where aluminium parts touch each other. We strongly advocate the use of a base stand with all Westminster parasols. Always close parasols when not in use or unattended and do not use in windy conditions.