Arla WOODEN GUIDE BY DIRECT OUTDOOR LIVING This care guide will guide you on how to get the best from your Direct Outdoor Living garden furniture.
Acacia Care The Acacia used in our products is highly durable and treated with a weather proof finish to help our garden furniture stand the test of time. Due to the furniture being exposed to dirt and dust regular maintenance of your Acacia furniture is important to keep it in tip top condition, to avoid the dirt from penetration the wood and leaving stains and to prolong its life. It is also advised that the furniture is stored indoors or under a waterproof, breathable cover during the winter months to keep it protected until the following spring. To do a basic clean on your Acacia garden furniture we advise you to softly scrub the furniture with a clean wet cloth / sponge or household bristle brush (not too hard) and mild soapy water, then wash the soap suds off with a hose and dry it off with a clean towel. We suggest that this should be done every 1-2 weeks on a sunny day to help dry the furniture off quicker. We do not advise the use of high pressure hoses, steel wool or steel wire brushes as any residue left in the grain will rust and discolour the wood. We do not advise the use of a power washer as this could damage the furniture and roughen the surface of the wood. Although our Acacia furniture is mould and mildew resistant, it is not impossible for your furniture to be affected by it - this is not problematic. To remove mould or mildew growth or musty odours, we advise the use of a small amount of white vinegar or a specialised cleaning product for Acacia furniture. Any spillages should be wiped up as soon as possible to avoid any staining e.g. Red wine. To remove stubborn stains, the use of copper or brass wool (avoid any harder wools to avoid scratching) or the use of stain removers designed specifically for Acacia furniture. However, it is important to only use these specialised cleaners only when needed and not for your routine cleaning as they are made of harsh chemicals which could damage your furniture over time, removing its natural oils. If you are unable to remove stubborn stains, gentle sanding the furniture in the stained area is also an option however this will remove a thin layer of wood and should only be used as a last resort. If you do this, and your furniture has already changed colour due to the elements, the sanded area will appear a different shade this will soon be evened out by the sun. To preserve your Acacia furniture s original colour and to prolong its life, it is recommended that a thin coat of wax is applied to seal out the moisture and restore the shine periodically. You will need to clean your furniture and ensure it is fully dried before you apply the sealant to avoid trapping any dirt or moisture underneath the sealant which could cause mould growth. *use a wood preservative product, furniture wax or bees wax depending on your preference. Apply the product to your furniture according to the product instructions.
Cushion Care Direct Outdoor Living s cushion covers are made with high quality machine washable luxury materials and filled with superior quick-dry foam allowing the cushions to dry quickly if left in the rain. Soft to the touch, our cushion covers are treated to withstand everyday wear and tear. Although our cushions can be left outside we do advise you to store them away in a dry place when they are not in use (especially in the winter months) to help maintain their appearance for longer. Dark coloured cushions should be stored out of sunlight when not is use to prevent any fading. if you are storing your cushions away ensure they are fully dry first. Cushion covers should be washed on a 30 C wash. Do not tumble dry the covers. Do not wash the foam insert as you run the risk of causing mildew or mould growth. If you do wash the insert, ensure the insert is fully dried before replacing the cover. Any spillages on the cushions should be cleaned up as soon as possible with an absorbent clean cloth. Once a year we advise you to give your cushions a basic clean, putting the cushion covers through a low cycle with a mild detergent. If your cushion covers are heavily soiled, we advise you to soak them first to loosen the ingrained dirt that has built up. PREVENTION To help prevent any stains, we recommend the use of Scotchgard Outdoor Fabric Protector before using your cushions. This spray creates an invisible barrier which repels water-based liquids e.g. rain and tea and protects against stains, making the cushions easier to keep clean.
Wicker Care Our all weather wicker is made with PE (polyethylene) resin fibres. This highly durable, high-quality rattan is strong, flexible, eco-friendly, recyclable, lightweight and mould resistant. The wicker is dyed to the sets colour during the manufacturing process hindering any flaking or peeling over time and then wrapped around a non-rusting, strong aluminium frame - making this set stand the test of time. To keep your wicker furniture in tip top condition: - Vacuum with a soft bristle brush tool to stop dust particles building up in the weave - Use a soft bristle brush to get rid of any trapped debris and dirt e.g. pet hairs - Hose the rattan down to remove any grime - Use a soft cloth with a damp cloth/sponge with a mild detergent, rinsing away any soap after
Weather Resistance All of Direct Outdoor Living s garden furniture products are produced to a high standard to ensure they stand the test of time. Although the go through a thorough manufacturing process, we strongly recommend that your furniture is stored away or covered (with a waterproof, breathable cover) during the winter months to protect it from the harsh winter weather. Please note: all furniture must be completely dried before putting into storage or being covered to ensure no mildew or mould growth. To help prolong the life of your garden furniture we recommend the use of a cover to protect your product from severe rain. Please note: When moving your furniture, please lift and not drag to avoid any damage to the furniture and the area it has been placed. Thank you for choosing Direct Outdoor Living!