OUTDOOR FURNITURE

care GUIDE

At the firstsign of sun...

...there’s nothing better than relaxing outside,lighting a barbeque and pouring a cool, iced drink.

All of which is even more enjoyable if you can appreciate those lazy summer days with garden

furniture you know will last for a long time.

Garden furniture should be around long enough foryou to enjoy it and get the most use out of it. Takingcare of your garden furniture not only helps it to lastlonger, it helps it to look good for longer too – savingyou time and money. Our helpful guide will give youhandy tips and information on how to care for your

garden furniture and accessories...

Metal patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, due to its classic, versatile look and durability.

Different metals can be cast in different ways: from moulds - where hot liquids are poured into a design mould; wrought from metals - where they are shaped by hammering; or formed intodesigns.

With the exception of aluminium, metal furniture can rust and lose its finish, which is why it can benefit from extra care.

MaintenancePreventing rust is the best way to keep your metal furniture looking good and lasting for a long time. It is recommended to cover metal furniture or store it someplace dry when not in use, as exposure to the harsh elements such as wind and rain can damage your furniture. If metal furniture has been exposed to wet conditions, it is best to dry off the furniture with a clean cloth to prevent water accumulating and rust

building up.Any ‘bubbles’

of paint that are forming on your metal furniture are an indication that rust

is developing beneath the coating, so it is best

to remove these bubbles gently with a wire gauze and

touch up the area with car paint to prevent further rusting.

Deep Cleaningn Mix together lukewarm water anda gentle soap that you would use forhandwashing.n Scrub the furniture gently with a cleancloth, removing any dirt or debris.n Rinse furniture with a bucket of cleanwater - do not use a hose as the waterpressure could cause further paint damageand chipping.n Let it dry, and check for signs of rust. You can gently sand off any further flakesor chips of paint that you see, with circular motions using a wire gauze.n Use car paint in a matching colour to gently touch up any areas that need care.

Keep car paint handy so

you can touch up any blemishes that you see

on your metal furniture.

Caring for

metal furniture

Aluminium furniture is lightweight, easy to clean and requires little maintenance.

It has rust proof properties so that when it is exposed to air, it will develop a layer of oxide, preventing it from developing a build up of rust.

Often aluminium furniture is combined with other materials to enhance its design, so it is important to check the care guides for these materials also.

MaintenanceEven though aluminium garden furniturewill not rust, it can become discolouredor corroded when it is affected by harshweather or pollution.

It is always a good idea to cover your aluminium garden furniture when it is not in use, or keep it in a dry place in order to prevent it becoming dirty or discoloured.

Deep Cleaningn Wash your furniture with lukewarmwater and a gentle soap.n Adding a kind acid such as lemon juiceor vinegar will help your furniture to keep its shine.n If the colour has worn away due tochemicals in the air or exposure to theelements, it can be treated with a touchup of matching car paint to disguise theseblemishes.

Plastic furniture can bea great addition to youroutdoor area due toits durability and easymaintenance.

This type of furniturerequires little maintenance andis ideal for kids, as it can be wipeddown easily and moved around the gardenor indoors if necessary.

This type of furniture can be blendedwith aluminium steel or wood among otherproducts, so check the care guidelines ofeach material when cleaning.

MaintenancePlastic garden furniture can be left out allyear round, however it is a good idea tostore it in a dry place when it is not in use orin bad weather conditions.

If other materials such as wood oraluminium steel are blended with the plastic,storing this furniture when not in use or inharsh weather conditions can prolong itslifespan.

Deep Cleaningn Wipe all dirt and debris from your plasticfurniture with a dry cloth.n Mix together lukewarm water and ahousehold soap, and gently wipe down thesurfaces with a soft, absorbent cloth.n If some stains will not budge, mixtogether some lukewarm water and asmall amount of bleach and wipe down thesurface - make sure to wear gloves if usingbleach to protect your hands.n Leave to dry naturally, or wipe away with a clean towel.

Caring for Resin Wicker Furniture (or Rattan Effect Furniture)

Resin or Rattan Effect wicker furniture is a synthetic material thathas the look and design of real wicker but is much more durable.It has the aesthetic of real wicker but has an in-built resistance to the elements.

Due to its properties, it can be kept outside in hot or cold weatherwithout losing its colour and can be left out all year round.

However it is recommended to cover or store your resin wicker furniture during periods when it is not in use as adverse weather conditions can - over time - deteriorate the furniture.

Most resin wicker garden furniture is woven over a steel or aluminium base to increase sturdiness while maintaining a lightweight feel, making it ideal for outdoor furniture.

MaintenanceIt’s always a good idea to cover your resin wicker garden furniturewhen not in use, or store it someplace dry, as this will lessen its exposure to the elements.

Deep Cleaningn Clean your resin wicker furniture regularly to prevent build up ofdirt and grime in the small, interwoven spaces.n Spray the furniture lightly with a hose, washing off all dirt and debris.

n Mix together lukewarm water with a gentle soap that you woulduse for handwashing.n Lightly scrub the furniture using a soft bristle hand-held brush -this is ideal for removing dirt from smaller spaces.n After cleaning, spray the furniture lightly with the hose again, removing all soapy residue.n Let your furniture dry naturally, or if that is not possible, lightlypat with a clean towel.

Caring for Resin Wicker Furniture (or Rattan Effect Furniture) contd.

If using water and bleach to clean

plastic, fill the mixture in a handy

spray bottle, protecting your

hands.

Caring for

plastic furniture

If wooden furniture loses its colour, it can be

painted or finished with a varnish to keep it looking good as new.

Wooden garden furniture is easy to maintain, and due to its versatility can be

moved indoors during harsh weather conditions.

It can be wiped down easily and there is no need to worry about

it rusting. However wooden furniture can be used with other materials such as steel, so make sure to check the care guidelines for other materials if that is the case.

MaintenanceIt is always a good idea to cover your wooden furniture when it is not in use, or store it someplace dry, as this will lessen its exposure to the elements.

Deep Cleaningn Wipe any dirt and debris away with a dry cloth.n Rinse with cold water - do not use a hose as the water pressure can be harsh on the wooden surface.n If dirt and grime still remain, mix together lukewarm water and a mild household soap and wipe surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.n Rinse the surface with water, removing any soapy residue.n Let your furniture dry naturally, or if that is not possible, lightly pat with a clean towel.

Keep Resin Wicker furniture

away from sources of direct heat such as BBQs

or outdoor heaters, as the heat can damage the

fibres, causing it to melt.

Caring for

aluminium furniture

Caring for

wooden furniture

Apply a coat of car wax to

your aluminium furniture to keep it shiny and clean.

GARDEN ACCESSORIES care GUIDE

n Follow all manufacturer instruction sheets carefully when assembling your garden furniture.

n Most importantly - loosely fix any screws or bolts to all positions

before fully tightening. Have each screw inserted into each position loosely before tightening all screws. If you tighten some earlier than others this could create stress on the furniture and damage it.

Assembly Tips

CARING FOR PARASOLSGarden parasols are an ideal way to protect you from the sun when you are sitting outside.

To ensure longevity, parasols require care to ensure you get the most use out of them as possible.

Parasols must be kept inside during harsh weather, as if they are left outsidewind and rain can damage its cover. Parasol bases are generally hard wearing and durable - concrete parasol bases can be left out all year round, while polyresin and brass parasol bases can be brought in during harsh weather.

MaintenanceParasols must be stored in a dry placewhen not in use or during harsh weatherto avoid overexposure to the elements.

Deep Cleaningn If you wish to clean your parasol, you can brush away all dirt and debris with a towel or brush.n Wipe the surface - if plastic or polyester only - with a solution of warm water and mild soap, before leaving it to dry naturally. If this is not possible, wipe down with a clean towel.n Its aluminium frame can be wiped down with lukewarm water and a gentle soap - adding lemon juice or vinegar to this solution will help it keep its shine.n Concrete parasol bases can be hosed down with water, while polyresin and brass bases can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap.

CARING FOR GAZEBOSGazebos provide a stylish and fun way to relax outside in the shade, while adding design to your outdoor space. It’s important to care for your gazebo as the proper maintenance will ensure longevity.

MaintenanceDo not set up your gazebo close to an open fire. Gazebos should not be used in heavy rain and windy conditions,

as they do not provide adequate shelter against adverse weather

conditions. When taking down the gazebo, let the canopy dry completely before storing it to avoid a build up of mildew. Gazebos - including both cover and

frame - should be stored in a dry place when not in use, as

this will ensure their longevity.

Deep Cleaningn Your gazebo can be cleaned by brushing all dirt and debris off the cover with a towel or brush.n Wipe down the surface - if plastic or polyester only - with a solution of lukewarm water and a mild soap, before leaving it to dry naturally. If this is not possible, wipe down with a clean towel.n Its aluminium or steel frames can be cleaned using a clean cloth and a warm water and mild soap solution - see previous instructions/care tips for Metal and Aluminium.

CARING FOR CAST IRON/STEEL CHIMENEASee previous instructions/care tips forMetal.

CARING FOR CLAY CHIMENEA

A clay chimenea can be a fantastic addition to your garden or outdoor seating area if cared for properly.

Your clay chimenea should not be left out all

year round, as excess water and frost can cause the clay to

soften - instead you should bring it inside during the winter or long periods of rain.

MaintenanceUse a wax or sealer to coat the chimenea in order to ensure its longevity.

Make sure to keep your clay chimenea as dry as possible - do not leave it exposed to harsh or wet weather.Keep your chimenea inside or in a dry place when it is not in use.

Deep Cleaningn Water should not be used to clean a clay chimenea as this will soften it and could damage it. n Clean out the ashes and debris, making sure you wear gloves to protect your hands.n If you notice paint chipping, gently scrub off the flakes of loose paint with a wire gauze.n Use a heat resistant paint to touch up any blemishes.

CARING FOR CHIMENEAS TIPS n Ensure your chimenea is placed on a flat, fireproof surface.n Check the area for any debris or flammable materialsand remove if necessary.n You can seal a chimenea with waxor sealer to protect it further from theelements and ensure its longevity,however chiminea’s should be kept inside when they are not being used or stored in a dry place in order to ensure protection from the elements.

Make sure to loweryour parasol when

not in use as thiswill protect it from

the elements andensure itslongevity.

Keep yourchiminea away fromleaves, trees or bushyareas as the burningmaterials and smoke

can cause a firehazard.

GARDEN ACCESSORIES care GUIDE