Outdoor Furniture Care
A practical care routine for wood, aluminium, steel, woven rope, rattan and cushions, from weekly cleaning to winter storage.
Outdoor furniture lives with sun, rain, dust, salt and changing temperatures. A little regular attention keeps it comfortable and attractive for many seasons. The routine below is general guidance; the care instructions supplied for your exact product, finish and fabric always take priority.
Before you start
Open the product page and read the Materials, Cushion and Finishing information. A single chair may combine a wooden frame, a powder-coated aluminium base, a woven rope back and a fabric cushion, and each part needs different care. Test any cleaning method on a small hidden area first.
Basic kit:
- a soft brush and microfibre cloths;
- a bucket of lukewarm water with a mild, pH-neutral soap;
- a garden hose with a gentle spray, not a pressure washer;
- clean towels for drying.
A simple care calendar
- Weekly in use: brush off leaves and dust, wipe spills promptly and stand cushions on edge after rain.
- Monthly: wash frames with mild soapy water, rinse and dry; check that feet, glides and fittings are secure.
- Start and end of each season: clean everything thoroughly, inspect joints and finishes, and decide where the furniture will spend the wet or cold months.
- Coastal or poolside locations: rinse metal and woven parts with fresh water more often to remove salt and chlorine.
Wood
Wash wooden surfaces along the grain with a soft brush and mild soapy water, rinse lightly and let them dry naturally. Unprotected hardwood exposed to sunlight gradually turns a silver-grey; this is a surface change, not decay. If you prefer the original warm tone, ask which oil or maintenance product is compatible with the finish on your item before applying anything.
Small surface checks and raised grain can appear as wood adjusts to humidity. Avoid leaving wooden feet standing in water, and lift rather than drag pieces across paving.
Powder-coated aluminium and steel
Clean coated frames with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse and dry. Do not use scouring pads, solvents or abrasive powders, which can dull or scratch the coating. Check the coating occasionally for chips, especially on feet and corners.
Steel needs more attention than aluminium: if the coating is damaged, moisture can reach the metal underneath. Ask for the recommended touch-up method for your finish rather than painting over the area with an unknown product.
Woven rope, synthetic wicker and natural rattan
Brush dust out of the weave, wash with mild soapy water and a soft brush, rinse and let the piece dry completely in a ventilated place. Do not pull at loose ends; report them so they can be secured properly.
Natural rattan should be kept in covered or indoor areas, away from rain and long hours of direct sun. Synthetic fibres are made for outdoor use, but their exact resistance depends on the material, so confirm the fiber for your product.
Cushions and fabrics
Follow the care label. Brush off dirt, blot spills with a clean cloth rather than rubbing, and clean spots with mild soapy water. Do not assume a cushion is waterproof or machine washable. After rain, stand cushions on their edge so water drains, and let them dry completely before covering or storing them.
Bringing cushions indoors when they are not in use is the single most effective way to keep colours and comfort for longer.
Covers and storage
A breathable cover protects furniture from dust and leaves, but a tight, airtight cover over damp furniture traps moisture. Make sure everything is clean and dry, leave space for air to circulate and keep covered items off standing water. For long periods without use, a dry, ventilated room is ideal.
Hardware, joints and feet
Wood and outdoor temperatures make materials expand and contract slightly. Check bolts and screws after the first few weeks of use and then at the start of each season, tightening them gently with the correct tool; over-tightening can crush wood fibres or strip threads. Replace worn floor glides promptly, because a missing glide lets a frame scrape on paving and lets water reach the end grain of wooden legs.
Folding and adjustable pieces need their mechanisms kept free of sand and grit. Rinse hinges with fresh water, let them dry, and operate them carefully rather than forcing them.
Removing common marks
Act quickly: most marks are easier to remove while they are fresh. Always start with the gentlest method and test it first.
- Food and drinks: blot, then wipe with mild soapy water and rinse. Red wine, coffee and sauces can stain light wood and fabric if left.
- Grease and sunscreen: use a little more mild soap and lukewarm water, working gently with a soft brush; avoid solvents on coatings and fabrics.
- Bird droppings: let them soften with water before removing, rather than scraping them off a dry surface.
- Tree sap and pollen: clean regularly if furniture stands under trees, and consider moving it or using a cover during flowering seasons.
- Mildew spots: they grow where dirt and moisture remain. Clean the area, rinse, and above all dry it well and improve ventilation; use only treatments allowed by the care label.
Preparing furniture for storage
- Clean every surface and let the furniture dry completely, ideally for a full sunny day.
- Remove cushions and store them separately in a dry, ventilated place.
- Check joints, feet and coatings, and note anything to repair before next season.
- Stack only pieces designed to stack, and protect contact points with soft material.
- Keep furniture off bare soil and away from walls that become damp.
Commercial and hospitality settings
Restaurants, hotels and resorts use furniture far more intensively than a household. A short daily routine, wiping tables and seats after service and standing cushions or bringing them in at night, prevents dirt from building up. Assign a weekly wash and a monthly inspection of joints and feet, and keep a simple log so that the same people check the same items. Ask Duc Toan about care instructions suited to the level of use in your project.
Things to avoid
- pressure washers, steel wool and abrasive cleaners;
- bleach or strong chemicals unless the care label allows them;
- dragging furniture, standing on seats or sitting on arms and tables;
- placing hot pans or grills directly on tabletops;
- leaving light pieces and cushions unsecured in strong wind.
When to contact us
Contact Duc Toan if a joint feels loose, a coating is damaged, woven strands come undone or you are unsure which product is safe to use. Include the SKU, a photo and a short description so we can advise on the correct procedure.
Related pages
Choosing Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics
Understanding Product Specifications
