Outdoor Furniture Care and Maintenance

At Modern Style Outdoor Furniture, we are committed to bringing you durable, high-quality outdoor furniture.

Our furniture is designed to last, but it does need to be looked after to ensure you can enjoy your investment for years to come.

Our climate here in New Zealand can be challenging, with harsh conditions such as intense sunlight, strong winds, heavy rain, frost, high humidity, and proximity to seawater and airborne particles like pollen. All of these can cause deterioration of outdoor furniture. Regular cleaning using our guide for outdoor furniture care and maintenance will keep it looking great!

FABRICS – SUNBRELLA / SOLUTION DYED ACRYLICS / OLEFIN
We use French Sunbrella® , Solution Dyed Acrylics (SDA) and Olefin fabrics because of their excellent qualities and weather-resistant properties. These fabrics are amazingly easy to maintain and should be cleaned regularly or any time they are dirty. We recommend keeping the covers on the cushion when cleaning the fabric, which makes it easier to clean and helps protect the cushion, cover and zips. NOTE WELL – The only exception is on our furniture made with normal foam inners, please remove the cushion cover to clean.

To keep it looking its best:

  1. Brush off any loose dirt.
  2. Use a sponge or soft brush to apply mild soap and warm water to the fabric.
  3. Let it sit for a moment before rinsing off thoroughly with clean water.
  4. Allow to air-dry fully outside.

SDA’s, including Sunbrella, and Solution Dyed Olefin fabric itself is designed to resist mould and mildew, but if surface dirt and contaminants (like bird droppings, dust and pollen) are not cleaned off, then mould will grow on the surface dirt. Simple routine cleaning will prevent this from forming.

For more stubborn stains and mildew:

  1. Add 1 cup of bleach to approximately four litres of mildly soapy water.
  2. Apply directly to the stain.
  3. Use a soft brush or sponge to clean.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Allow to air dry fully outside.
  6. If necessary, repeat with additional bleach and rinse thoroughly.

Bleach will not harm the Sunbrella or SDA or Olefin fabric, but it does need to be rinsed thoroughly with plenty of water; a garden hose is best. These fabrics air-dry quickly. Avoid drying covers in a clothes dryer. Olefin is sensitive to high heat, so must be air dried.

Although most of our outdoor fabric cushions and sofas are designed to be left outside all year round, we advise either bringing them indoors or covering them during the winter months, and during heavy rain, or if your outdoor area is particularly shady during the off-season.

Talk to us about our furniture covers. Please note, teak furniture should not be covered. Therefore, you will need to store cushions inside rather than covering your teak lounge furniture.

ALUMINIUM OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Aluminium is a great option for outdoor furniture. It is lightweight, strong, durable, needs minimal maintenance, and will not rust. Our aluminium furniture, including frames and tables, has been powder–coated to ensure it is best suited for the outdoors. 

Caring for it is simple:

  1. Use mild, soapy, warm water and a very soft brush or soft cloth to clean.
  2. Rinse with fresh, clean water and towel-dry if necessary.

Be gentle with the surface of your aluminium furniture. Avoid any abrasive cleaners or anything that may scratch it as this can make it susceptible to rust. If chipping does happen, you will need to give the area a light sand and touch up with a matching outdoor paint.

Sunscreen and grease can mark or stain the surface of your powder-coated aluminium furniture, so please avoid any contact to prevent this from happening.

A quick hose-off will be necessary more often in areas exposed to salt air or salt water to remove the build-up of salt on the furniture. Salt will affect the life of the powder coating.

It is worthwhile twice yearly to wash with car wash and wax (eg. Turtlewax “Car Wash and Wax”) and apply a silicone spray (when the frames are dry) to further protect it from the elements. We also recommend using Golden Care Metal Protector.

RATTAN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Our Rattan furniture is made from high-quality PE (polyethylene) synthetic wicker. This weave is manufactured using a high-density polyethylene strand with UV stabilisers built-in, so it can withstand extreme outdoor conditions. It can be left outside all year round and although maintenance is minimal, you will need to clean it from time to time. Use of chemical outdoor cleaners or mould-killing products is not recommended. We sell Golden Care products for use on wicker outdoor furniture to clean and protect it.

To clean outdoor rattan:

  1. Vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dust.
  2. Spray with a low-pressure hose to rinse.
  3. For a deeper clean, use a bucket of mild soapy water (not too much detergent) and a soft sponge or cloth, then gently rinse off with fresh water.
  4. Any food, drink, or other stains need to be cleaned away immediately.
  5. Allow to air-dry or use an old towel to dry off.

We have covers available for use in winter or heavier weather.

POLYESTER ROPE
Our range of outdoor lounge and dining rope designs are all made with high-quality solution dyed polyester for superior weather resistance and durability. However, like any outdoor furniture, rope chairs and sofas can become dirty over time. To keep them looking their best and to extend their lifespan, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your outdoor rope furniture.

Light Cleaning – If your rope chairs and sofas have accumulated some dirt, follow these simple steps to clean them:

1. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep off any crumbs, dirt, pollen, leaves, or dust.
2. Mix a cleaning solution using a small amount of mild detergent and warm water.
3. Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and gently apply it to the rope. Make sure the rope is liberally soaked and allow the soap solution to soak in for a few minutes.
4. Use a gentle scrubbing motion to clean the rope. Be careful not to damage the fibres while applying light pressure.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue and allow to air dry.

Mildew – this can be a common problem with outdoor furniture, especially in areas with high humidity or rainfall. It’s not the material of the rope itself where mildew grows but the dirt and organic material that may have attached or been left on the rope. To clean, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a solution using the ratio of 4 teaspoons of household bleach and 1 teaspoon of mild detergent per 250ml cup of lukewarm water.
2. Spray or apply the cleaning solution onto the stained area and allow to soak in for 15 minutes.
3. Take a sponge or a soft bristle brush and gently scrub away the mildew.
4. Rinse the furniture thoroughly as all the bleach must rinse out and allow it to air dry.

For particularly stubborn stains, you can use Golden Care Fabric Cleaner, which is suitable for use on outdoor fabrics and outdoor rope furniture. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Allow the rope to dry completely before using your furniture. You may also wish to apply Golden Care Fabric Protector to the rope.

TEAK OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Teak is one of the strongest and most durable hardwoods. It is a popular choice for outdoor furniture; it’s beautiful, long-lasting, and naturally weather-resistant. With the correct care, it can be left outside permanently.

You have two options with teak, either you leave it untreated and let it weather to a silvery-grey over time, or you can apply a teak protector and shield to maintain the natural warm brown tones. We recommend Golden Care products, which we stock, to keep your teak looking as good as new. Teak should be left uncovered as it needs to breathe. You may wish to store the cushions inside over the winter period.

To maintain the natural colour and prevent aging of the wood from occurring, we recommend applying Golden Care Teak Protector after you first purchase the furniture. Teak Shield should also be used to help prevent stains and protect against moisture and the adhesion of dirt and mould growth.

If dark, black patches develop on the teak surface, this can be due to the growth of mould on the furniture. This can happen if there are mould spores present in the air, or if the furniture stays wet for a period of time, which can encourage its growth in damp conditions. It is not a sign that the wood is rotting or a defect. If mould starts to grow on the surface, wash it down with teak cleaner, or a mild bleach solution. Rinse off thoroughly. Please ask about specific instructions on using the Golden Care products.

Teak wood is a natural product, so variations in grain and colour occur. It can crack and split over time as it acclimatises to its surroundings. It will naturally expand and contract with weather changes, and with age, “checking” or cracking almost always occurs. It does not look perfect.

Teak furniture requires minimal cleaning and maintenance:

  1. A general brush down with a soft brush will remove built-up dust and dirt.
  2. For a more thorough clean, use mild soap and water with a soft brush or cloth.
  3. Rinse with fresh water.
  4. For any stubborn stains, we advise using Golden Care Teak Cleaner.

RESIN (POLYPROPYLENE) CHAIRS

Our resin polypropylene chairs are designed to be durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for New Zealand conditions. With simple, regular care, they will retain their colour and finish for seasons ahead.

Cleaning

  • Wipe chairs down regularly using warm water and a mild dish soap solution.
  • A soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge is ideal for removing dust, pollen, food marks, or bird droppings.
  • For more stubborn grime, gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water before drying.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach, chlorine-based agents, or solvent cleaners, as these can scratch or dull the surface. High-pressure water blasting is also not recommended.

Sunlight & Weather Protection
While resin and polypropylene are weather-resistant, prolonged exposure to direct UV, heavy rain, or harsh coastal conditions can cause gradual fading. If you are located near the coast, rinse your chairs occasionally to remove salt build-up. For best long-term results, store chairs undercover when not in use for extended periods.

General Use
Avoid standing on the chairs or dragging them across rough surfaces, as this can stress the material. By following these simple steps, your resin chairs will stay looking smart and performing well — ready for everyday outdoor living.

CERAMIC TABLES

Our ceramic tables are designed to offer excellent durability and long-lasting beauty outdoors. With gentle, regular care, they will maintain their smooth finish and modern appearance for many years.

Cleaning
Wipe your ceramic tabletop regularly using warm water and a mild dish soap solution. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to remove dust, food marks or environmental residue. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Ceramic is strong, but abrasive products can still dull or scratch the surface. Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, harsh chemical cleaners, acidic products, or bleach. High-pressure water blasters are not recommended, as they may damage the surface or joints.

Heat Protection
While ceramic tops are heat-resistant, sudden temperature changes can cause stress. Use placemats, coasters or wooden boards under hot plates or cookware to avoid thermal shock. Do not place extremely hot items directly on the surface.

General Care
Clean spills promptly. Avoid dragging the table when relocating it—lift instead, to protect both the frame and ceramic top. With proper care, your ceramic table will stay looking pristine and ready for everyday outdoor living.

QUICK-DRY FOAM CUSHIONS
Quick-dry foam is a high-performance material designed for use in outdoor furniture. We use this for all the cushion inners in our settings. It drains quickly, allowing the cushions to dry out fast, even after being saturated. Thanks to the large open cell structure, water and air easily pass through. They remain cleaner than conventional normal foam as dirt and dust do not get trapped. After cleaning the complete cushion with the covers on, tip them on their side to allow the water to run out. The foam has built-in anti-microbial protection to prevent the growth of common mould and fungus.

Please note – Normal foam is not designed to get wet and is not suitable for regular cleaning. If your outdoor furniture has normal foam inners, please use waterproof furniture covers or bring the cushions inside during wet weather. If the normal foam does get wet, please dry thoroughly to avoid the growth of mould.

 

Please be aware that before using furniture covers, your furniture needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Ensure you periodically uncover your furniture and let it dry out so as not to let moisture form due to changes in temperature, or rain.

By following these outdoor furniture care and maintenance guidelines, your furniture will remain looking its best.

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