Wrought Iron Furniture
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Although wrought iron offers some unique and classic furniture styles it has one
problem: iron has a natural tendency to rust. Knowing how to minimize the rust and
how to care for wrought iron pieces will greatly enhance your investment and enjoyment.
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To Clean:
1. Wash with mild soap and water periodically and rinse well.
2. DRY THOROUGHLY. NEVER LET THE FURNITURE SIT IN A PUDDLE OF WATER.
3. Twice a year apply a good quality auto wax or a liquid furniture spray that won't
leave a white powder in the crevices. FeronFinish is also an excellent product to use as a protectant finish.
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To Touch-Up:
1. Touch-up paint is usually available form the manufacturer.
2. Watch the weld areas _ these are usually the first place rust appears.
Spray with a product like 409 and use a toothbrush to clean rust off.
Dry thoroughly and apply touch-up paint.
3. If scratched down to the bare metal _ sand with a fine grained sandpaper, and
use Rustoleum and/or the touch-up paint.
4. Use WD-40 in any steel-action mechanisms
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Maintenance:
1. During the winter and rainy months keep the furniture covered or bring indoors.
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Wicker and Rattan Furniture
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Wicker products are woven from either a natural reed or from man-made strips,
Rattan is a hardwood that comes from palm trees that grow as a long vine.
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Natural Wicker:
1. Indoor: dust often and keep away from direct heat
2. Outdoor: spray with the hose and scrub lightly with a brush and let it dry in the
shade; lemon-oil may be applied to a clean and dry surface
3. If painted: inspect for chips or cracks in the paint, use touch up paint for small
areas, but after several years use any premium quality latex paint to give the
furniture a fresh look.
4. Do not use plastic to cover this type of furniture: It is recommended to use a
sheet or blanket because these will not trap moisture.
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All Weather Wicker: resin or vinyl
1. Hose often and wash with a mild detergent or commercial cleaner as needed.
Use a soft brush or sponge and dry with a soft towel.
2. Some manufacturers recommend a spray-on auto wax to protect the surface.
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Resin Furniture
Because resin furniture requires low maintenance and is very easy to maintain it
has become very popular. But, like all outdoor furniture, it needs to be cleaned
regularly to keep its original appearance.
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Molded Resin:
1. Hose off often and dry with a soft towel.
2. Use a mild soapy solution or a commercial cleaner, such as FeronClean, to
remove pollution and dirt as needed. Rinse and dry with a soft towel.
3. Avoid abrasive cleaners or those with bleach.
4. Car wax can add extra protection and luster.
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Resin Weave:
1. Hose off frequently.
2. Use mild soapy solution or commercial cleaner - rinse well and towel dry.
This can be left in the sun to dry without damage.
3. Watch for any unraveling strands. A broken strand can be rewoven or tied
to the frame or to another strand.
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Teak Furniture
Teak is a beautiful and durable hardwood. It requires little care and will maintain
its strength and attractiveness for decades.
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Weathering
At first teak furniture appears to be almost polished. This comes from the oil
occurring naturally in the wood. As it sits outside the surface oil will evaporate but the oil
which remains below the surface gives teak its durability.
If left untreated, it will weather to a silver gray as it is exposed to the sun and the
rain. Most manufacturers do NOT recommend using teak oil on outdoor furniture
because it actually attracts dirt and takes more maintenance.
Wood will slightly expand and contract during the weathering process. Small cracks
or areas where the grain is lifting - especially on the top edges of arms and legs - are
perfectly natural and the grain will return to its original smooth finish after the initial
weathering process. This has no effect on the stability on the furniture in any way.
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Cleaning
1. Be aware of DIRT and DAMPNESS!! Mildew can grow in this setting and
make the teak look very unsightly!!!
2. Clean as needed with mild soap and water. A solution of four parts laundry
detergent or dishwasher soap and one part bleach is recommended. Use a
soft bristle brush.
3. Rinse well.
4. To remove the silver gray - use a special teak cleaner.
5. Scratches can be removed with fine-grain sandpaper.
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Cushions:
1. Until the teak has turned to silver-gray be careful to remove the cushions when
the wood gets wet.
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Aluminum Furniture
Extruded _ Wrought _ Cast
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To Clean:
1. Wash with a mild liquid detergent or a product like FeronClean made
specifically for removing dirt and pollution from outdoor furniture.
2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Avoid contact with any sunscreen product that contains Paba -- it can
cause staining.
4. For added protection, many manufacturers recommend applying automobile wax
every 6 months to the frame and strapping.
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To Store:
1. Covers are available in many sizes if furniture is to be left outside.
2. In areas with freezing weather conditions it is best to store the
furniture right side up in a dry protected place.
3. Rinse well.
4. To remove the silver gray - use a special teak cleaner.
5. Scratches can be removed with fine-grain sandpaper.
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Touch Up:
1. Matching touch-up paint is available from most manufacturers.
2. For scratches, scrapes and small rust spots: Sand the area with steel
wool or 400-600 grit wet or dry sandpaper. Then apply light sprays
of touch-up paint.
3. WD-40 is a good lubricant to use on any action mechanism.
4. Check your local retailer for a variety of care products especially designed
to remove stubborn discolorations.
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