Teak
Do I need to care for teak?
You do not need to do anything - ever - and teak will last for decades. (If only our retirement savings accounts could be made of teak!) When left to weather, teak will turn a soft grey.
Should I cover teak?
No. This could cause mildew.
Should I oil teak?
No. Oiling can cause mildew, as dirt and grime stick to the oil.
Should I wash teak?
To help keep your teak furniture looking close to its original condition scrub it down with soap and water using a nylon brush or Scotchpad ™ each spring. We recommend using a biodegradable, non-toxic household cleaning product such as Simple Green ®. Gloster Teak Cleaner, which is stocked at Backyard Living, is an excellent product that will help make the job easier.
If there are black spots (mildew), add a cup of bleach to the bucket of soapy water.
What if I haven't washed my teak furniture for several years, and wish to do so now?
Clean as instructed and apply Gloster Teak Sealer, which is available at Backyard Living. Teak Sealer lasts for one year.
Can I protect teak from stains?
Yes. Teak Protector, which is available at Backyard Living, shields teak from grease, wine and food stains. Apply Gloster Teak Protector when your furniture is new or following a washing. Teak Protector lasts for one year.
Can I powerwash my teak furniture?
Yes. Just keep the PSI lower than 1,000 and avoid the joints.
Does Backyard Living offer cleaning services?
Yes. Please call early as our schedule fills up by March.
Woven Fabrics
How do I care for natural wicker?
Natural wicker is typically used on a covered porch or indoors. To clean, wipe down with a mild soapy water solution and a soft cloth. If used outside in full exposure, Natural wicker will eventually need refinishing, and should absolutely be covered in the winter.
How do I care for Lloyd Flanders "Natural Synthetic"?
Although made of natural materials, Lloyd Loom is much more weather-proof than natural wicker. This product can be left in full exposure, but must be covered in the winter. To clean, wipe down with a mild soapy water solution and a soft cloth.
How do I care for synthetic wicker?
Synthetic wicker does not have to be covered. However, since covering helps keep the furniture clean and extends the life we recommend covering in winter. Clean first with a mild soapy water solution and either a soft cloth or nylon bristle brush.
How do I cover furniture?
Backyard Living offers covers to fit almost any piece of furniture. When covering a table 'tent' the cover by placing something such as a ball or plastic toy under it. This improves air circulation under the cover, preventing condensation and mildew. Only cover clean furniture - placing a cover on anything dirty promotes mildew.
Metal
Does aluminum and wrought iron furniture need to be covered?
We recommend covering all metal furniture that has a painted surface. The weakest part of metal furniture is the paint, which can be chipped off if scraped.
How do you maintain metal furniture?
Each fall, examine your furniture for scratches, chipped paint, or other damages. These must be repaired to prevent rust and/or paint from peeling off. Touch-up paint is available at Backyard Living.
How do I cover furniture?
Backyard Living offers covers to fit almost any piece of furniture. When covering a table 'tent' the cover by placing something such as a ball or plastic toy under it. This improves air circulation under the cover, preventing condensation and mildew. Only cover clean furniture - placing a cover on anything dirty promotes mildew.
Stone Tables
Are stone tables frost-proof?
No. Stone tables must be covered or brought indoors before any frost.
How do I maintain stone tables?
Stone tables must be scrubbed down and sealed each spring. Sealers like Granite Gold ® work well on most stone and are easy to apply. Apply sealers (2 - 3 coats) each spring to prevent naturally porous stone from soaking up spills.
Cushions and Umbrellas
When should I clean cushions and umbrellas?
Clean before dirt and stains become embedded in the fibers, always prior to storage for the winter.
How do I clean cushions and umbrellas?
Brush off loose dirt and beat the cushions to knock off surface dirt and dust. Clean with water and a mild soap solution (no more than 100 degrees Farenheit). If the fabric can be removed, place in a washing machine that has been set at a gentle cycle. Do not dry in an electric or natural gas dryer.
Our recommended cleaning solution consists of 0.5 ounce of antibacterial dishwashing liquid to each quart of warm water.
How do I remove stains?
- Remove any residual soil by lightly brushing or scraping the stain. Attempt to remove stain by sponging with water.
- If further cleaning is needed, apply light mist of our recommended cleaning solution using a spray bottle.
- Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
- Remove cleaning solution with a wet-vac if possible, but at the very least blot with a clean soft towel or sponge to remove the stain and excess cleaning solution. Repeat steps 2-4 until stain is removed.
- Rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water applied with a spray bottle and extract the remaining moisture using a wet-vac, sponge, or towel. Repeat rinsing method if needed to thoroughly remove cleaning solution from the fabric.
