Maintenance Tips

Wrought Iron: At season's end, a careful inspection of each piece should be made. Check that the plastic glides on the legs are in place and that they are not overly worn. Look for the start of rust near welds, at the edges of the mesh, as well as on chips on the legs and sides. Rust spots should be sanded well and then sprayed with the touch-up paint color-coded to your furniture. Use several light coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.

Wrought iron furniture will require less maintenance if stored indoors for the winter, but many customers prefer to enjoy the use and look of the furniture year-round, leaving it permanently in place.

Cast Aluminum: The quality aluminum furniture pieces you have purchased were finished with an electrostatically applied powdered paint that forms a durable long-lasting bond with the metal. We recommend the following maintenance of your aluminum frames: Apply a coat of spray car wax to non-textured frames annually. Spray the wax on a rag, wipe onto the frame, move on to the next frame, and then go back and buff/wipe the first frame. Do not get wax on vinyl strapping or on fabric. New furniture should be waxed as soon as is convenient, and then once a year thereafter. The wax retards the effects of acid rain and pollution, helping maintain the original luster. In Fall, clean frames with warm, soapy water (Spic-N-Span Pine Cleaner works well) and re-wax non-textured frames if they will be stored outdoors.

Your aluminum frames are designed to withstand the rigors of winter, either covered or not. We recommend that glass-topped dining tables be moved to the most protected area available. Use a covered cinderblock to weigh the table down if the area is open, unprotected and windy. We recommend use of covers for winter storage outdoors.

Teak: Your furniture will appear polished when first assembled (please read the enclosed assembly instructions carefully when putting together your furniture). After the piece is put together, wipe lightly with a damp cloth to remove any dust from manufacturing. The polished appearance comes from oil occurring naturally in the wood. The oil on the surface will evaporate after a few days outdoors - it is the oil that remains below the surface that gives the wood its durability.

The furniture, when left outdoors, will turn a handsome silver-gray. This process will take approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure. During the weathering process a slight "checking" or lifting of the grain may occur on the top edges of the arms and legs. You may even notice a few small cracks. This is perfectly natural, as wood expands and contracts slightly when left outdoors. The grain will return to its original smooth finish after the initial weathering process and has no affect on the stability of the furniture in any way. To aid this process, simply clean the furniture with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Water spots or other discoloration may also occur during the weathering process. These will even out, and the furniture will achieve a uniform silver-gray.

The only maintenance necessary for your furniture is periodic cleaning. This should be done with a solution of four parts laundry detergent or dish-washing soap and one part bleach in water. Use a soft bristle brush to clean your furniture. When you are finished, rinse the entire piece to remove the dirt and any remaining solution. This is sufficient for general cleaning. For deeper cleaning - grease, red wine stains, etc. - we recommend the use of our teak cleaner. This will remove the silver-gray patina and restore the furniture's original color.

Cushions: Most of the cushions supplied by Leisure Living are made of Sunbrella™ fabric. One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following: Always use a natural soap, never detergent. Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100 degrees. Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.