Care and Maintenance
Reclaimed Teak
When left outdoors teak furniture will naturally weather to a silver-grey colour. You will begin to notice the "greying" after a few months, depending on the amount of sun and rain your furniture is exposed to. Total weathering usually takes about 6-8 months. During the weathering process, a slight "checking" or roughening of the grain may occur in spots. You may even notice a few small cracks. Checking is not a structural defect, but a perfectly natural process, as the wood expands and contracts, adjusting to the elements. Water spots or other discolouration may also occur during the weathering process. These will eventually even out, and the furniture will take on a uniform silver-grey colour. Solid wood "lives" and will adapt to its surroundings. Small cracks and bursts may appear and disappear in a changing environment. Sudden and extreme changes will result in more extreme reactions. When used outdoors, the ageing of the wood will enhance its natural charm.
Periodic cleaning of your teak furniture is always a good thing, as it will help to maintain the general appearance and prevent dirt from building up. Hosing your teak off will do the trick, but we don't recommend a high-pressure washer. Clean using a mild solution of warm water and a little detergent. Then rinse with fresh water. Some people prefer to cover their furniture when they are not using it for long periods of time, which will help keep it clean and protected (especially in areas with a lot of tree sap or dust), but is not essential. If you do choose to use protective covers, it is very important that you use only "breathable" covers that don't trap the humidity, but allow constant ventilation. Teak is a very forgiving hardwood, and scratches, scrapes and stubborn stains (like oil and red wine) can usually be removed using light to medium-grade sandpaper.
Manutti Synthetic Wicker
- Resistant to great and extreme variations in temperature
- Fibre dyed in mass, UV-resistant
- Swimming pool and sea water resistant and repellent
- Each item of furniture is assembled by hand
- Toxin-free, ecological, 100% recyclable
Most synthetic weaves are made from high-density polyethylene material. They have exceptional qualities, being extremely strong and soil resistant. The combination of woven fibres and frames of either aluminium or galvanised steel make the furniture suitable for outdoor use.
Over time dirt may build up inside the weave and provide a hold for mould and algae, so it is recommended that you regularly clean your synthetic outdoor setting with soap and water. Use a soft brush and rinse with cold water. To prolong the life of your cushions, bring them inside when not in use (even if the foam and fabric are outdoor grades).
Powder Coated Aluminium
Fluidised powder coating is applied to the aluminium structure by electrostatic spray. To ensure the solidity and resistance of the powder coating, the whole thing is stoved at a temperature of between 160 and 210 degrees Celcius according to the type of powder. Easy to clean and maintain. Outdoor and indoor use.
All Fermob products are delivered with pads that protect the furniture feet as well as floor surfaces. These pads prevent any degradation or damage to the feet resulting from contact with the ground, which can sometimes be damp or harsh. We recommend that you replace any lost pads by ordering a new set from Plaisir du Jardin.
Any scratches should be quickly treated using the available Fermob after-sales tools (such as touch-up pens and sprays in the colour of your furniture).
If rust begins to appear as a result of a scratch or bump, you should not sand it, but instead, repaint the area as quickly as possible using the appropriate Fermob retouch pen or aerosol spray. If rust develops on stainless-steel parts, then a polish (liquid or paste only) should be applied as soon as the first traces appear. The sooner action is taken, the less rust will spread.
Do not cover your furniture with a tarpaulin or plastic tablecloth and avoid prolonged contact with any object that can hold water and humidity (such as flower pots, plate stands, etc.): in combination with heat, moisture can damage the appearance of the paint. To prevent moisture retention, we recommend that you tilt tables (using wedges) and chairs (resting against the table and not placed upside down on them) when not in use.
Table tops should not be covered with plastic sheeting: the chemical components in this type of material can, over time, alter the appearance of the paint as well as its protective anti-corrosion and anti-UV properties.
For coastal environments, we recommend our aluminium products.
The lifespan of your furniture will vary in relation to the conditions and type of use. To maximise the lifespan of your product, we recommend that you store it in a dry, well-ventilated place during the winter, and ensure it is protected from any knocks and bumps.
We recommend that you clean off any traces of bird droppings as quickly as possible, as these can be particularly damaging and may lead to permanent corrosion or staining of your furniture.
Stainless Steel
The name originates from the fact that stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel. However, while stainless steel does 'stain less'; it is not actually stain or rust-proof.
We recommend applying a special stainless steel wax protector several times a year. This will help avoid dirt particles penetrating and oxidising the surface. Stainless steel is not recommended near the sea or in humid climates. Electropolished Stainless Steel This special treatment draws chrome and nickel and other materials present in the steel to the surface, hence giving a brilliant appearance and providing an additional protective coating.
Batyline & Textilene
Batyline® is a finish made of UV-resistant, mass-coloured PVC fibre. It is water-repellent and resistant to water from swimming pools and seawater. It can be used in extreme temperatures -30°C (-22°F) to +70°C (158°F). Easy to clean and maintain. Can be used outdoors and indoors. Contains no toxins, is environmentally friendly and is 100% recyclable.
Textilene® is a mesh fabric woven of strong polyester yarns that are individually coated with PVC, specifically designed for outdoor use. This product is the best choice for sling furniture because it is elegant, strong and very durable for outdoor exposure.
- Brush off loose dirt
- Hose down
- Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents)
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean
- Allow soap to soak in
- Rinse thoroughly
- Air dry
One of the best ways to keep Batyline® & Textilene® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose the fabric off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. These fabrics can be cleaned while still on a frame or they can be removed for cleaning.
Sunbrella Fabrics
The Sunbrella® fabric consists of 100% acrylic and has been specifically developed for outdoor use.
The fabric is mass-coloured, UV-resistant and does not fade under the influence of light or sunshine.
Sunbrella® is water-repellent and resistant to water from swimming pools and seawater.
Travertine
Travertine deposits can be found all over the world, including Iran, the U.S., Mexico and Italy, among other nations. Italian travertine has great historic importance, and because of its closeness to Rome, it was used in many of the city's monuments, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Colonnade of Saint Peter's, which all testify to the ancient use of travertine as a construction material. Travertine has also found applications in the present day, as it was used for Lincoln Center in New York, the ABC Entertainment Center in Los Angeles and most recently the new mosque in Rome. It is also being used in residential applications around the world.
Our Travertine table tops are made of natural stone found in Italy that has been polished until smooth and shiny. Small indentations/shrinkage cracks and colour variations must be expected on the polished surface. Travertine requires minimal maintenance, but we recommend using a sealer on the surface at least once a year i.e. clear floor polish.
Daily use:
- The top should not be exposed to acids or products containing acids, as these can damage the stone. Spills of wine, fruit juice and the like should be wiped off at once to avoid damaging the surface.
- If objects are placed on the table, e.g. pot plants, please note that these could leave marks on the surface.
- Hot objects should not be placed directly on the table.
Cleaning:
- After use, it is advisable to clean the tabletop with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
- Travertine cannot withstand strong cleaning agents.
Regular care:
The impregnation should be maintained regularly. You are advised to check at least once a year that the surface is water-repellent. If moisture is absorbed, the tabletop needs to be re-treated. Normal products for the care and impregnation of stone can be used to seal the surface and make the stone more resistant to dirt and grease etc.
Winter storage:
Travertine tiles do not withstand hard frost and should, therefore, be stored indoors or as a minimum under a lean-to or in a garage during the winter.
Umbrellas
Sunbrella Fabric
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on the umbrella frame or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild detergent such as Woolite
- Water should be cold to lukewarm
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue
- Air dry only
Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics
General or light cleaning:
To clean Sunbrella fabric while still on an umbrella frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt
- Hose down
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild detergents, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all detergent residue is removed.
- Air dry
Aluminum Parts & Stainless Steel Hardware
Umbrella structures and hardware must be cleaned by spraying with fresh water from time to time to remove dirt and dust build-up.
Use a soft cotton cloth or chamois to wipe down the anodised and powder-coated aluminium surfaces as well as the stainless steel hardware.
AVOID using a scourer or abrasive materials as this would affect the integrity of the surface finishes.
If in a marine/seaside environment, the maintenance procedures described above must be followed more frequently.
Saligna Eucalyptus Hardwood
Follow the instructions above for aluminium parts and stainless steel hardware.
AVOID using a scourer or abrasive materials as this would affect the integrity of the surface finishes.
If in a marine/seaside environment, the maintenance procedures described above must be followed more frequently.
Problems resulting from failure to maintain the products is not covered under warranty.