Care

Marble is a beautiful surface for counters and tabletops. But because it is quite soft and porous, marble can easily be stained, scratched, and chipped. To help prevent staining, marble surfaces are often coated with protective sealers. Depending on use, these coatings should be reapplied every year or two. Regular cleanings should be as gentle as possible. Dust the surface once or twice a week with a soft cloth. Wash the marble periodically with a cloth dampened with warm water, and, if necessary, a bit of mild dishwashing liquid. Remove the soap with another damp cloth. Never use dusting sprays or abrasive cleaners on your marble. Apply marble polish (available in hardware stores) on a regular basis to maintain the stone’s luster.

To prevent ring marks, place coasters or trivets under glasses and dishes. Use mats or runners beneath hard objects that might scratch the surface. And always blot spills up immediately and rinse with a clean, damp cloth. If your marble does stain, you can try to remove it with a poultice made especially for drawing out stains.

Once a month, surface clean with a soft cloth and quality cleaner specified for wood along the grain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Twice a year, polish with a quality wooden furniture polish. Do not use aerosol cleaners or polishes, or oil-based, wax or abrasive polishes. If stains occur, blot immediately and apply a non-aerosol, non-abrasive wood cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spot test to ensure there will be no discoloration. If the stain or blemish is still present, please consult a furniture specialist.

After a few season on the porch, your furnishings may start to show their age with rust marks, mildew, or stains. These general maintenance tips will ensure that your chairs, tables, and cushions look beautiful for years to come.

Wicker Furniture

Regular cleaning is recommended for wicker, as it generally cannot endure harsh or abrasive treatments. This also minimizes mildew buildup. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any peeling paint, and touch up with paint as necessary.

Wood Furniture

To protect from ultraviolet rays, dirt, and moisture, or to preserve restored color, seal the wood. First, clean surfaces, and sand off any existing finishes. Touch up with paint if needed. Apply a clear water-repellent preservative, which contains a mildewcide, or a penetrating semitransparent stain. (The pigment in the stain helps minimize sun damage.) Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how often to reapply; in general, you’ll need to do so every one to three years.

Metal Furniture

After cleaning, apply a coat of quality liquid or paste auto wax with a lint-free cloth if recommended by the furniture’s manufacturer. Use a silicone spray to lubricate swivels and glides on chairs, as well as ribs and poles on umbrellas. Inspect for rust or chips regularly, especially in hidden areas where the surface may be unfinished (even stainless steel can corrode in salty environments).

Fabric-Covered Furniture

Regularly brush off dirt and debris, and rinse as needed. Wipe spills and stains immediately with a wet cloth and a mild soap solution, because certain liquids, such as sunscreen, may cause discoloration. Some fabrics have a water-repellent finish (check care guide) that loses effectiveness over time. To restore repellency, clean and dry the material, and then apply a fabric protector, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard (not suitable for vinyl or plastics). Let dry between coats. Repeat once a year or whenever water stops beading on the surface.

Plastic Furniture

Sunscreen residue can discolor some plastics, so wipe furniture with a wet cloth and a mild soap solution soon after exposure.

Regular care
Our ceramic is a high-strength, dirt-resistant material. This material does not need to be deliberately maintained when used outdoors. Pay attention to avoid external bumps, particularly on the glazed surfaces, and scrub regularly. Use a slightly damp cloth to clean as needed and wipe dry to maintain the overall appearance of the product.

Stains
If any stains or spots appear, you may clean with detergent, toothpaste, or a weak acid detergent to remove the stain. Spot test in a discrete area first. Do not scrub. For any stubborn or difficult stains please consult with a furniture specialist for professional advice.

Regular care
Our terrazzo is a durable, UV-resistant material that can withstand high (+50°C / 122°F) and low (-50°C / 122°F) temperatures. We recommend covering surfaces if left outside for long periods. For regular maintenance, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe as needed and wipe dry to maintain the overall appearance of the product.

Stains
If stains or spots appear, blot up as much of the spill as possible. If a cleaner is needed we recommend using a soft cloth with an environmentally friendly, neutral PH cleaning solution and spot test in a discrete area before applying to the entire surface. For any stubborn stains, we recommend consulting with a furniture specialist for professional care.

Regular care
For regular maintenance, clean with a mild detergent and water. Do not powerwash or sandblast. Do not use metal fiber brushes to clean or scrub the surfaces as they may leave stains or residue on the surface.

Stains
If stains or spots appear, blot up as much of the spill as possible. If a cleaner is needed we recommend using a mild cleaning solution and spot test in a discrete area before applying to the entire surface. For any stubborn stains we recommend consulting with a furniture specialist for professional care.

Do not use traditional heavy acid cleaners, which are formulated and may be suitable for commercial concrete installations or pool servicing. These acids are too caustic for use on outdoor concrete furniture. Use pH wipes. These are wipes that are sold in hardware, and sometimes grocery stores. They come pre-moistened and are designed to be gentle on natural stone surfaces. One benefit of these wipes is that they are so gentle that you can use them to wipe down your countertops on an everyday basis without sustaining any damage. They may also be sold under the label “pH-neutral wipes” or just “stone countertop wipes.” You can also simply dust your countertops with a dry cloth.