A little effort before winter keeps your furniture looking good for years. Follow these simple steps for each piece.
For All Furniture
• Clean everything with warm water and mild soap. Rinse and dry completely – never store damp items.
• Store indoors if possible (garage, shed, basement). If not, use waterproof, breathable outdoor furniture cover with an air gap (place something under the cover to lift it off the surface to evacuate humidity). Stack chairs with soft cloths between them to avoid scratches. And place furniture in a sheltered spot away from dripping water.
• Lift when moving – do not drag, to avoid damaging the furniture legs and the terrace floor.
Sofas, Chairs & sunbeds
- • Frame: Wipe with soapy water, rinse, dry.
• Cushions: Wash cushions covers per label before storing.
- • Rattan/rope: Brush off dust, wipe with damp cloth, dry thoroughly. Repair any loose ends.
Dining Tables
• Frame: Clean and dry as above.
• Glass/ceramic/HPL/aluminium/polywood tops: Wipe clean. Tilt tabletop slightly if left outside unprotected, to let water run off.
• Wood tops: Clean, dry, then apply a thin layer of teak oil or sealer. Store indoors if possible; if not, protect with a furniture cover.
Parasols
- • Canopy: Remove from frame. Brush off dust, hand-wash with mild soap, rinse, and hang to dry in the shade
• Frame: Wipe pole and ribs. Apply silicone lubricant to moving parts (crank, tilt button.
- • Storage: Roll canopy loosely and store in a fabric bag (not plastic). Store pole flat. If left outside, close fully, remove canopy if possible. If not, use a waterproof and breathable parasol cover to protect.
Final Quick Checks
• Make sure furniture covers are clean and dry inside before putting them on.
• In spring, tighten bolts, and give everything a quick wash.
• Clean, dry, and sheltered – that is all it takes. Your furniture will be ready when warm weather returns.
