Weather conditions, climate, and environmental factors will determine how frequently the outdoor furniture will need to be washed. Furniture exposed to salt air prevalent in coastal areas will require more frequent washing. A good rule of thumb is to treat the furniture finish as you would treat your car, and to regularly wash it to prevent salt spray buildup.
We highly recommend removing cushions before cleaning the frame.
We suggest using a cleaner designed for fine finishes, like the McKinnon and Harris Furniture Wash we provide in our Care & Maintenance kit. This premium cleaner is specially formulated to remove tough dirt and grime without damaging the finish.
Use a microfiber towel, soft rag, or sponge (the same thing that you would use on your car or boat) to clean the frame. Work into a rich lather and rinse away.
Following cleaning, we recommend using the McKinnon and Harris Protective Spray, to add an extra layer of protection and keep your furniture looking its best between deep cleanings. The Protective Spray may also be used as a spot cleaner.
Tabletops
Our tabletops can scratch if a rough or coarse object (such as a terracotta pot) is placed directly on top and then dragged across the surface.
We highly recommend using our surface protectors (included in our Care & Maintenance Kit) on any table tops being used with coarsely textured objects. Scraping items across the powder coat finish will void warranty.
Scratches and Chips
Small scratches and scuffs can often be removed by using a rubbing compound or automotive paste wax.
For chips in the finish, please use our touch-up kit. Our touch-up paints are custom formulated to match our standard colors. Simply shake the touch-up bottle for over 60 seconds. Shake time is essential as the paint must properly blend.
Clean the area affected with an alcohol swab and let dry.
Open the paint bottle and gently paint the scratch or chip with long even strokes. Do not over apply paint to the surface. And voilà, it’s like new!
If the imperfections are too big or you want professional help, feel free to give us a call and inquire about our furniture Spa Treatment.
Water Spotting
Water spotting on the finish is likely a result of mineral and salt deposits in the water. The water spotting can also be a result of pollutants or salt in the rainwater. Water spotting can occur on the powder coat finish as well as stainless steel and component parts.
The problem can easily be remedied by using an automotive wax. This would promote “beading” of the water without allowing surface dirt to dry on the finish. It will also make the outdoor furniture easier to clean when it becomes dirty. We recommend Meguiar’s Quik Wax®.
Water spotting may be more pronounced on darker frame colors and in particular coastal areas. Although the water spotting may re-occur after an extended period (just as a car gets dirty), the water spots can be removed easily by hosing off the furniture.
Products to Avoid
To protect the longevity and finish of your furniture, please avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, or highly acidic solutions. Using these products can permanently damage, etch, or discolor the surface and may void your warranty.
Do not use any of the following products: MEK, Hydrochloric / Muriatic Acid, Concentrated Degreasers, Vinegar & Vinegar-Based Cleaners, CLR (Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover), Comet, Ajax, The "Magic Eraser" Citrus Cleaners, or Acetone.