Material-Specific Care Instructions for Terrace Furniture
Restaurant terrace furniture will last longer and retain its appearance better when stored correctly and maintained regularly. Material-specific care instructions for terrace furniture help maintain each piece properly. Read more about terrace furniture maintenance here: Terrace Furniture Maintenance.
Wood: The best cleaning method for wooden terrace furniture is hand washing with water or a mild detergent, and a soft brush, sponge, or cloth. Wood cleaned with water should be allowed to dry thoroughly, as excess moisture can cause poor paint adhesion and premature peeling. The best result is achieved when the wood is treated as dry as possible. Optimal wood moisture is a maximum of 18%, the treatment area's temperature is 15-20 °C, and the humidity is about 50%. Recommendations may vary depending on the treatment product, so always check the instructions on the product label.
Oiled Wood: Oiled wood must be clean and dry before treatment. Clean oiled terrace furniture with water or a mild neutral cleaning solution on a damp cloth. Strong cleaning solutions can damage the surface of the furniture and cause color changes. Wipe the furniture along the grain of the wood. Although oiled wood is water-resistant, excessive use of water should be avoided. For stubborn stains, you can try a slightly stronger cleaning solution. Apply the oil to a dry surface using, for example, a sponge.
Stained Wood: Stained wood comes in many types. If it has a lacquer-like surface, the loose lacquer should be removed from the furniture and then treated with lacquer or oil paint. If it has a translucent wood protector, the surface should be brushed clean and washed before re-treatment. The color shades of stained wood can be changed if desired.
Varnished Wood: Varnished terrace furniture should be treated with thinned varnish. The varnish is absorbed into the wood, preventing water from penetrating, and the varnish does not come into contact with the skin. Many wood protectors contain active ingredients that can cause irritation in sensitive skin, so thinned varnish is a good alternative for protecting terrace furniture.
Teak: Teak is an oily type of wood and does not require special treatment. Over time, teak weathers to a beautiful gray color without treatment. If teak terrace furniture needs a color change, clean the furniture and allow it to dry well for a few days before oiling. If teak is oiled, it should be treated annually thereafter.
Painted Wood: Painted terrace furniture should be washed with a diluted detergent solution, such as diluted pine soap, a couple of times during the summer. If the painted surface begins to peel, the furniture should be treated. Once the surfaces are cleaned, remove loose paint with sandpaper and repaint. Thoroughly painted surfaces usually withstand rain better than others, although re-treatment requires more effort.
Rattan: Rattan terrace furniture deteriorates quickly in the rain, as it does not tolerate moisture well. Therefore, rattan outdoor furniture should be placed in a sheltered spot under a canopy. Rattan terrace furniture can be cleaned with a damp cloth using water or a mild neutral detergent solution.
Polyrattan: Polyrattan is a much more durable plastic-based material than rattan and withstands rain well. This forgiving furniture material is suitable for outdoor use and can even handle frost. Polyrattan is easy to clean with soapy water and a cloth.
Plastic: Plastic terrace furniture withstands weather changes better than other materials. Plastic is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with soapy water and a cloth or brushed clean. Plastic gets dirty easily, so regular cleaning is necessary in addition to more thorough cleaning once in a while. Especially white plastic terrace furniture is prone to staining. For stained plastic terrace furniture, you can try cleaning with chlorine.
Aluminum: Aluminum terrace furniture is easy to keep clean and withstands weather changes well. Due to its soft material, aluminum terrace furniture can dent and scratch easily. Clean aluminum terrace furniture with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Mild neutral detergent water is suitable for cleaning.
Iron: The toughest and most durable iron's worst enemy is rust. If iron terrace furniture gets rusty, the rust spots should be sanded clean with sandpaper. Smooth out dents and paint over rusty and dented areas to prevent rust from spreading. Water or a mild detergent is sufficient for cleaning. Before treatment, the furniture should be dried thoroughly.
Natural Stone and Concrete: Natural stone and concrete provide a pleasant, earthy feel to the restaurant terrace. Concrete and stone stay clean with regular brushing, but if necessary, terrace furniture can be washed with a neutral detergent solution. When using detergent, rinse the cleaned surfaces thoroughly with water and dry them well. Moss growing on the surface can be conveniently removed with a wire brush, for example.
Textiles: The textiles of restaurant terrace furniture are exposed to the sun and moisture. Fading and mold are the biggest enemies of terrace textiles. Many protective agents help textile surfaces repel water and dirt. It is advisable to protect chair cushions with a suitable protective agent to extend their lifespan. Move textiles under cover during rain, and if they get wet, dry them thoroughly on both sides to prevent mold damage.