Furniture Maintenance

Post created by: Victoria S.
Last reviewed: 29 Jan 2025

Our garden furniture is easy to take care of, but there are a few simple tasks recommended to undertake in order to keep it looking its best. In this post, we focus on frame and cushion maintenance of our major brands: Hartman, Kettler, Leisure Grow, LIFE and Norfolk Leisure.

Aluminium Frames

Aluminium is ideal for garden furniture as it is rust proof and can be left out all year round. However, the frame will get dirty if left uncovered. To clean the frame, simply wipe with warm, soapy water. It's better to use non-foaming soap if possible as this will not leave behind residue. We would strongly advise against using a pressure washer to clean your garden furniture as it may cause damage and will not be covered by your warranty.

Synthetic Resin Weave Frames

Our Weave garden furniture ranges are made from synthetic, plastic-based resin and, for this reason, are resistant to all weathers. They can be left outdoors all year round and only require a quick wipe-over at the beginning and end of the summer (cover in winter to keep it clean). To clean the weave, simply use a cloth or sponge and some warm soapy water. It is advisable to use non-foaming soap as this will not leave behind residue which could attract dirt. As with the aluminium sets, it is advisable not to jet wash your weave furniture.

Wooden Frames

Wooden garden furniture is becoming increasingly popular, but requires a little care to maintain its appearance. As a natural material, wood will react to weather conditions. Depending on weather type, the wood can swell or dry resulting in small cracks. The risk can be minimised by cleaning and/or treating the furniture at regular intervals and keeping it clean and dry with a soft clean cloth. We would advise applying appropriate wood treatment at regular intervals.

Reclining Mechanisms

We recommend that mechanisms on Garden Reclining Sets are occasionally sprayed with a silicone lubricant to protect and lubricate. Use reclining mechanism regularly to ensure smooth function. Over time, pistons may need adjusting.

Hartman Weatherready Cushions

Hartman furniture features Weatherready cushions, which are weatherproof and can be left out in any weather over summer. During the summer showers, the water-resistant fabric simply allows water to bead and run off the cushion. During heavier persistent rain, the Weatherready technology allows water to penetrate through the cushions' sewing seams. Any water that penetrates the surface will flow through the permeable fibres, fully exiting through the mesh base beneath. Drying time will vary depending on local conditions.

To keep them in best possible condition, we would recommend storing them somewhere dry during the colder months. In the event of spillages and stains, wipe with a cloth and warm, soapy water.

Kettler Signature Cushions

Many of Kettler's garden furniture sets now come with Signature Cushions, which are weatherproof and environmentally friendly. They are made from 100% recycled material which repels water and is vented at the base to allow it to breathe. It is recommended to cover the cushions when not in use so that you can use them immediately. Store them in a dry environment during winter months.

If the cushions get wet from a shower, they will take approx. 20 minutes - 2 hours to fully dry.

The cushions are not suitable for dry cleaning and cannot be machine washed. To clean the cushions, sponge wash with warm water.

Leisure Grow’s Eden Seasonproof Cushions

Eden season-proof cushions from LG Outdoor bring you all the benefits of a weatherproof cushion, with no compromise on comfort. Eden cushions feature fabric covers that are soft to the touch. Special fibre-filled back cushions and textilene backed seat cushions allow air and moisture to escape, and the cushion to give like a normal cushion when you sit down for maximum comfort.

LG's cushions also use StainSAFE technology that forms an invisible barrier over the cushion fabric, so all you need to do is sponge-clean the spillage to get the cushion looking brand new once again. To clean, unzip the covers to take them off and wash with warm soapy water.

LIFE All-Weather Cushions

LIFE All-Weather Cushions can be left outdoors throughout the entire summer season. These cushions are produced from high-quality synthetic products – when it rains, the water goes through the cushion cover and into the microporous inner cushion. By pressing down on the cushions or placing the cushions on their edges, they will be dry in a relatively short period of time.

Although the cushions are All Weather, to keep them clean and prolong their life, we suggest covering them when not in use and storing indoors for the winter months (before cushions are bagged and stored for the winter months, or a protection cover is placed over furniture with cushions, please ensure that the cushions are completely dry).

Stains can be removed by cleaning with a non-foaming cleaner for open-woven fabrics and wicker. For more stubborn stains, the outer cover can be cleaned at 30 degrees in the washing machine, with a small amount of laundry detergent. It is best to wash one cover at a time.

Norfolk Collection Cushions

The Norfolk Collection Easy-Care cushions feature an inner shower-resistant coating designed to withstand light showers. Protecting your cushions from the elements will prolong their life and keep them looking as good as new. The cushions can remain outside in a light shower; however, you should store your cushions away in prolonged bad weather and when not in use.