Caring For Garden Furniture

General Maintenance Instructions

To prolong the life of your furniture we advise the following:

Cleaning

  •  To maintain the appearance of your product we recommend regular dusting with a soft cloth. It may occasionally be wiped with a soft cloth that has been very lightly dampened with a mild bleach-free detergent solution. Dry with a lint-free cloth
  •  Remove all spills from garden furniture cushions immediately. Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry, white cloth and work towards the centre of the spill. Do not rub or use abrasive cleaners as this may damage the furniture.
  •  Pieces of food and debris can sometimes get caught down the side or underneath removable surfaces, such as glass tops on items like dining and coffee tables. To clean items such as these, they must be disassembled, and all surfaces wiped with a soft cloth that has been very lightly dampened with a mild bleach-free detergent solution. Dry with a lint-free cloth.

Care

  • We recommend that all outdoor furniture is stored inside a cool, dry place such as a garage, shed or outbuilding during extreme hot or cold weather, and winter months. Alternatively, use a protective cover when the items are not in use.
  • Never place hot dishes or mugs directly onto surfaces; always use placemats and coasters.
  • Protect delicate flooring from potential marking by using felt pads or castor cups on feet or legs.
  • Do not drop furniture onto corners or feet and do not lean backwards on two legs as this can weaken and damage frames, feet or legs.
  • Prevent sharp objects such as toys, buckles and shoe heels from coming into contact with your furniture.
  • Avoid exposure to water or excessive sunlight to prolong the life of the product.
  • Avoid contact with chemicals such as haircare and skincare products, fake tans, insect repellents and other cosmetics, or household cleaning materials, other than those recommended, as these may affect the finish.
  • If your furniture becomes soiled, scratched or chipped, or suffers other damage, we recommend seeking advice from a professional service.
  • If you have insurance you may wish to contact your provider for advice.

Following the guidelines above will ensure product performance is maintained. OKA is not responsible for defects caused by product misuse.

Levelling, Assembly and Moving Products

  • Furniture must be positioned on a level surface to ensure that it does not tip or move. If the product is moved, levels should be rechecked. The use of wedges on feet can assist if the ground is not level.
  • Take care when moving products. We recommend that they are lifted by two people. Dragging items across the floor will cause damage.
  • Large items that are assembled on site from multiple sections should be disassembled before relocation to a new position.
  • Self-assembly items should be assembled at the intended location and lifted carefully into position.
  • The fixings and joints of assembled products have a tendency to become loose over time which can cause squeaking sounds and create movement, so we recommend tightening them every so often.

Sunlight, heat and rain

  • Direct sunlight may cause the colour of the product to change.
  • Leaving items such as vases or ornaments in one place on a piece of furniture in sunlight may cause marks upon removal. Such marks should blend with time.
  • The cushions supplied with the products are showerproof, however when not in use, we recommend they be moved to a cool, dry environment.
  • Never place hot dishes and cups directly onto a surface. We recommend you use placemats, coasters and/or tablecloths.
  • Prolonged use of hot equipment – such as a laptop – on top of furniture may also cause scorching.
  • Avoid placing electrical or other equipment with dark rubber feet on furniture surfaces as they occasionally contain chemicals that can leave a permanent mark.

Specific Material Care

Concrete and Resin

  • To maintain the appearance of your product we recommend regular dusting with a soft cloth. It may occasionally be wiped with a soft cloth that has been very lightly dampened with water. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
  • Remove all spills immediately. Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry, white cloth and work towards the centre of the spill. Do not rub or use abrasive cleaners as this may damage the furniture.
  • Do not place resin (polyresin) products within close proximity of a heat source such as a radiator.
  • Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight to prolong the life of the product.

Reconstituted Stone

To preserve the beauty of reconstituted stone, proper maintenance is crucial. Reconstituted stone is naturally porous and requires special care.

  • Prior to cleaning, dampen the surface with water to prevent the cleaning solution from sticking to the finish. Make sure all excess cleaner is removed to prevent staining.
  • Avoid the use of ceramic cleaners, abrasives and chemicals containing acid or bleach, as these can damage the finish and existing sealers.
  • Only use concentrated neutral pH cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.
  • Blot spills immediately and wipe with a clean, damp cloth to prevent staining.
  • Reconstituted stone should be cleaned on a regular basis to remove abrasive agents from its surface.
  • If left uncovered or exposed to the elements, non-structural hairline cracks may appear on the tabletop, lending the look of natural, beautifully aged stone. This will not impact the integrity of the structure.
  • Do not place hot dishes directly on the table; used felt-back placemats or trivets to preserve the beauty of the stone.
  • Reconstituted stone will develop a beautiful, silvery grey patina over time.

Synthetic All-Weather Rattan

  • Our synthetic ‘all-weather’ rattan furniture may be kept outdoors all year round. However, doing so will alter its appearance over time as it naturally ages. If you wish to maintain the appearance it has when new for longer, we recommend that the furniture is stored inside a cool, dry place such as a garage, shed or outbuilding during poor weather and winter months. Alternatively, use a protective cover when the items are not in use.
  • Due to their weave, the tabletops on synthetic rattan items are not always flat or level. Coasters should be used to keep glasses from tipping or falling over.
  • The structure of synthetic rattan and timbers will display movement from season to season because of changes in atmospheric temperature and humidity.

Outdoor Cushions

  • During summer showers, the water resistant fabric simply allows water to bead and run off. However, heavier rain may penetrate through the seams, so we advise you bring the cushions inside in these conditions.
  • It is advisable to store the cushions in a warm, dry environment during winter months.