Outer Care & Maintenance

Overview

Designing for the outdoors is tough. Products are exposed to sunlight, rain, freeze/thaw cycles, bird droppings, tree sap, dirt, leaves and the occasional spilled food or drink. With this in mind, we've spent countless hours researching what makes the highest quality outdoor furniture in the world and used the latest advancements in materials technology to provide you with a superior product. However, no product is foolproof. Here are general tips for cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life of your investment.

Cushion and Pillow Fabric & OuterShell®

Our patented OuterShell® provides light-duty protection from the elements and doubles as an easy way to transport the cushions when storing (like an oversized briefcase). The OuterShell zips to the back of the seat cushion and can be easily attached and removed for cleaning.

Try to Keep the Fabrics Dry

The OuterShell® was designed to protect against morning dew, dirt, and light to medium rain. If you're facing several days of rain, it is best to bring the cushions indoors. To make things even easier, the OuterShell has a grab and go handle to easily transport your cushions to a protected location. For transport, simply cover your cushions with the OuterShell, tuck the end under the bottom of your cushion and stick it to the Velcro underneath. After a rainstorm, uncover your cushions and turn them up on their side to provide enough air circulation to dry properly.

Cushion and Pillow Fabric & OuterShell® Care and Cleaning

Routine care and maintenance are important to the life of all fabrics. Clean fabrics at the beginning of the season, at the end of the season, and after parties. Clean stains immediately. We recommend that you first spray off the stain with a garden hose which oftentimes will completely remove a fresh stain. Watch our Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer, Terry, cleaning mustard, ketchup, and BBQ sauce off his cream cushion covers here.

For tougher stains. If spraying off the stain with your hose doesn't completely remove the stain, our suggested next step is to add 2 ounces of mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid to 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Clean the fabrics with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry.

For stubborn stains. Combine no more than 2 tbsp of bleach with 1 gallon of water and add to a spray bottle. Spray lightly on the fabric, while making sure to not fully soak the fabric. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the water ­repellent coating (DWR) and weaken the fibers of the fabric. Rinse immediately. Do not leave bleach solution on the fabric for more than 2 minutes. Cleaning with harsh cleaners such as bleach may require treatment with a fabric guard solution to restore water repellency.

Machine Washing

The OuterShell® contains an aluminum rod for strength and can not be cleaned in a washing machine. Please remove the OuterShell® from your cushion fabric before washing. The cushion covers are machine washable on gentle cycle, in cold water, with mild detergent. DO NOT PLACE IN DRYER. Allow your cushion covers to hang dry. It is recommended to replace the Velcro strips that originally shipped with your cushions before machine washing to avoid fabric pilling.

Storage

A moist environment creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. If possible, keep cushions or pillows under an umbrella, awning, or pergola. If possible, it’s a good idea to store your furniture at the end of the season. If you’re unable to store your furniture, make sure you buy covers that are designed to stand up to the rigors of the elements, which is especially vital if you live in a geographic location that receives harsh winters. The Outer All-Weather Cover was developed & tailored exclusively for the Outer Sofa to offer complete protection from the elements.

Sofa & Chair Frames 

Wicker Chair Frame

Start by removing leaves and other debris trapped between wicker strands with a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush. Wipe off any loose accumulated dirt with a cloth. Hose off the frame with a spray hose on a medium setting to loosen dirt and dust.

The same cleaning formula used on your fabrics can also be used to clean the all-weather wicker. (2 ounces of mild soap, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid, to 1 gallon of lukewarm water)

Clean the wicker with a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with a spray hose and let the frame and wicker air dry before storing it or putting it back in use. If possible, let it dry in filtered sunlight or partial shade rather than intense sun.

Warning: Bleach and abrasive cleaners can permanently damage the all-weather wicker leading to chronic dirt accumulation.*

Teak Chair Frame

Cleaning teak patio furniture is relatively simple, and most routines only require a mild detergent and water mix along with a bristled brush to keep your items looking great.

Teak contains natural oils that protect it from rot, and that's an important reason why craftspeople use it to make boat decks and outdoor furniture. While the high oil content in Grade A teak makes it more durable and resilient, the oil can transfer to fabrics when exposed to high humidity or rain, particularly during the first few months. 

When you receive your teak furniture, wipe down all surfaces of the teak, including underneath the frame or table, with soapy water prior to placing the new cushions on top. This will help prevent natural teak oil from staining the cushion fabric. To clean natural teak oil from cushion fabric, quickly combine equal parts dishwashing liquid and warm water on the stain and rinse thoroughly.

It's a good idea to give teak a light cleaning at the end of the season, but no regular maintenance routine is required. If left unmaintained, teak will naturally develop an attractive silver-gray patina.

For deeper cleaning or to restore the color back to the original golden tone, you can use teak cleaner such as Star Brite’s Teak Cleaner and Losso’s Teak cleaner. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer for best practices.

To finish, you can apply teak oil to your furniture which helps keep the grain from cracking and give the material a nice sheen.

For the Teak Coffee Table with Concrete Inlay, simply clean spills with a clean, dry cloth and avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives.

Aluminum Chair Frame

For general cleaning, spray down the frame with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washers, which can chip the powder-coated finish. For tougher stains, make a cleaning solution with mild detergent and warm water. Dip a sponge or lint-free rag into the solution and wring out excess. Gently wipe the entire surface, including underneath and in the corners. Rinse with water and allow to dry completely before using. Cover furniture with an Outer All-Weather Cover when not in use and during inclement weather, and store indoors during the off-season if possible. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

If needed, please contact us for touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches.

Chaise Lounges

Mesh Sling Fabric

For basic maintenance, the sling fabric can be easily spot cleaned with warm water and mild soap. 

For deep stains or messes, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth, spray a solution of 1 tbsp liquid detergent and 2 tbsp household bleach mixed with a gallon of water onto the dirty areas, let set for 2 minutes, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush, and rinse.

Aluminum Frame

For general cleaning, spray down the frame with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washers, which can chip the powder-coated finish. For tougher stains, make a cleaning solution with mild detergent and warm water. Dip a sponge or lint-free rag into the solution and wring out excess. Gently wipe the entire surface, including underneath and in the corners. Rinse with water and allow to dry completely before using. Cover furniture with an Outer All-Weather Cover when not in use and during inclement weather, and store indoors during the off-season if possible. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

If needed, please contact us for touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches.

Cushion Fabric

The fabric is identical to our sofa cushions. Please reference the Cushion Fabric & OuterShell section for care instructions.

Dining Tables & Dining Chairs

Teak & Aluminum Dining Table

Teak contains natural oils that protect it from rot, and that's an important reason why craftspeople use it to make boat decks and outdoor furniture. While the high oil content in Grade A teak makes it more durable and resilient, the oil can transfer to fabrics when exposed to high humidity or rain, particularly during the first few months. We recommend removing any chairs with fabric components (including our Teak Director’s Chairs) from underneath the table for the first few rainfalls or until the furniture has started to patina.

Clean the teak sections of the furniture using a mild detergent and water and a soft bristled brush. Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives.

Over time your teak furniture will fade from the original golden color to a distinct silver gray finish. The color change is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the strength or durability of your furniture.

For a deeper cleaning or to restore the color back to its original golden tone, use a teak cleaner such as Star Brite® or Losso® and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. To finish, apply teak oil, which helps keep the grain from cracking and gives the material an attractive sheen.

Wipe down the aluminum parts with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt, leaves and debris. For tougher stains, spot clean using a solution of mild detergent and warm water, rinse with clean water, and allow to completely dry before using.

Teak Director's Chair

When you receive your chairs, wipe down all surfaces of the teak, including underneath the frame, with soapy water. This will help prevent natural teak oil from staining the sling. To clean natural teak oil from the sling, quickly combine equal parts dishwashing liquid and warm water on the stain and rinse thoroughly. This mixture can be used for everyday cleaning as well.

To clean the teak frame, avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives. Use a mix of mild detergent and water, along with a soft bristled brush to keep your items looking great.

Over time, the teak will fade from the original golden color to a distinct silver gray finish. The color change is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the strength or durability of your furniture.

For a deeper cleaning or to restore the teak back to its original golden tone, use a teak cleaner such as Star Brite® or Losso® and follow the manufacturer's instructions. To finish, apply teak oil, which helps keep the grain from cracking and gives the material a nice sheen.

Store indoors during the off-season. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

Aluminum Dining Table 

For general cleaning, spray down the frame with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washers, which can chip the powder-coated finish. 

For tougher stains, make a cleaning solution with mild detergent and warm water. Dip a sponge or lint-free rag into the solution and wring out excess. Gently wipe the entire surface, including underneath and in the corners. Rinse with water and allow to dry completely before using. 

Cover furniture with an Outer All-Weather Cover when not in use and during inclement weather, and store indoors during the off-season if possible. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

If needed, please contact us for touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches.

OuterStone Dining Table 

The OuterStone Dining Table's surface is made from Sintered Stone and the frame is made from aluminum. Both surfaces should require only periodic cleaning.

For general cleaning, wipe the tabletop and frame with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris. For a deeper clean, use a soft sponge or soft cloth and a bucket of warm, soapy water (diluted dishwashing detergent). Carefully wet the dirty section and allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping with a sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials. Complete instructions are included in the user manual. 

If needed, please contact us for aluminum touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches on the frame.

Aluminum Director's Chair & 595 Essential Dining Chair

For general cleaning, spray down the aluminum frame with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. 

For a deeper clean, use a soft sponge or lint-free rag, mild detergent, and warm water. Rinse thoroughly with a spray hose. Let the frame air dry before using or storing it. If possible, let it dry in filtered sunlight or partial shade rather than intense sun. 

For the teak armrests, a mild detergent and water mix along with a bristled brush will keep them looking great. If left unmaintained, teak will naturally develop an attractive silver-gray patina. 

The Director's Chair sling fabric can be easily spot cleaned with warm water and mild soap. For deep stains or messes, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth, spray a solution of 1 part bleach and 1 part water onto the dirty areas, let set for 2 minutes, scrub gently with a soft bristle brush, and rinse. 

If needed, please contact us for touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches.

Coffee Tables & Side Tables

Concrete Side Table

To clean, wet the dirty area with a solution made from equal parts detergent and water. Allow the solution to sit on the surface for 2 minutes and then wipe with a soft cloth. Do not use any abrasive materials such as scouring pads or stainless steel scrubbing pads as these will chip the concrete surface.

Aluminum Coffee Tables & Side Table

For general cleaning, spray down the frame with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washers, which can chip the powder-coated finish. For tougher stains, make a cleaning solution with mild detergent and warm water. Dip a sponge or lint-free rag into the solution and wring out excess. Gently wipe the entire surface, including underneath and in the corners. Rinse with water and allow to dry completely before using. Cover furniture with an Outer All-Weather Cover when not in use and during inclement weather, and store indoors during the off-season if possible. Make sure furniture is completely dry before storing.

If needed, please contact us for touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches.

OuterStone Coffee Table & Side Table 

The OuterStone Table surface is made from Sintered Stone and the frame is made from aluminum. Both surfaces should require only periodic cleaning.

For general cleaning, wipe the tabletop and frame with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris. For a deeper clean, use a soft sponge or soft cloth and a bucket of warm, soapy water (diluted dishwashing detergent). Carefully wet the dirty section and allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping with a sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials. Complete instructions are included in the user manual. 

If needed, please contact us for aluminum touch-up kits that can be used for minor surface scratches on the frame.

Teak Coffee Table

Teak contains natural oils that protect it from rot, and that's an important reason why craftspeople use it to make boat decks and outdoor furniture. Cleaning teak patio furniture is relatively simple, and most routines only require a mild detergent and water mix along with a bristled brush to keep your items looking great.

It's a good idea to give teak a light cleaning at the end of the season, but no regular maintenance routine is required. If left unmaintained, teak will naturally develop an attractive silver-gray patina.

For deeper cleaning or to restore the color back to the original golden tone, you can use teak cleaner such as Star Brite’s Teak Cleaner and Losso’s Teak cleaner. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer for best practices.

To finish, you can apply teak oil to your furniture which helps keep the grain from cracking and give the material a nice sheen.

For the Teak Coffee Table with Concrete Inlay, simply clean spills with a clean, dry cloth and avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives.

Fire Pit Table & Accessories

Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Griddle Pan 

After the griddle pan has completely cooled, use a soft sponge to handwash with warm, soapy water and rinse well. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Soak in warm water for 15-20 minutes to loosen any remaining food residue. Do not allow it to drip dry, as cast iron can rust if left wet for too long.

To maintain the griddle pan’s seasoning, rub a very light layer of cooking oil on the surface and wipe clean with a paper towel. Store the clean, dry griddle pan indoors because cast iron can rust if left outdoors. Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Fire Pit Table Body (Concrete & OuterStone)

The Concrete Fire Pit Table body (around the burner pan) is made from Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. The OuterStone Fire Pit Table body (around the burner pan) is made from Sintered Stone. Both of these surfaces should require little maintenance but may require periodic cleaning. 

For general cleaning, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris. 

For a deeper clean, first make sure the Fire Pit Table is turned off and cool to the touch. The valve on the propane tank or natural gas line should be in the Off position, and the burner cover should be in place to help protect the burners from getting wet. With a soft sponge or soft cloth and a bucket of warm, soapy water (diluted dishwashing detergent), carefully wet the dirty section of the base, and allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping the surface with the sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can damage the concrete and/or painted surface. Complete instructions are included in the user manual. Make sure the fire pit table has dried completely before using or covering. 

Stainless Steel Parts

Wipe these parts with a damp cloth and soapy water until clean. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or pads as the satin finish of the stainless steel surfaces will become scratched and damaged. Rinse with damp cloth and clean water. Allow surfaces to air dry. It is normal for the surfaces of the burner parts to show different colors over time. Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Burner Outlet Orifices

Each of the two burners includes several small openings along the length. These are called burner outlet orifices and they help evenly distribute the propane or natural gas just before being burned to create the flames. These orifices can get clogged over time and require periodic cleaning. The user manual includes complete instructions on how to clean the orifices as well as indications that they might be clogged.

Splatter Guard

Hand wash with soap or wash in your dishwasher. Use a gentle brush for tough stains. Dry thoroughly before storing. Store the clean and dry splatter guard indoors before the next use. Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Ceramic Spheres

Minor carbon deposits resulting from combustion are natural and add to the beauty of the set. If carbon becomes excessive, it can be lightly brushed or vacuumed away. If not in use for a prolonged period of time, store the ceramic spheres in a dry area. Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Propane Tank Cover

Wet the dirty area with a solution made from equal parts of detergent and water. Allow the solution to sit on the surface for 2 minutes and then wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials as these will chip the concrete surface. Complete instructions are included in the user manual.

Rugs

Although indoor/outdoor rugs are totally synthetic and mold can’t grow on its fibers, mold can grow on the soil and moisture trapped inside of the rug. To keep your all-weather rug looking its best, try to occasionally vacuum it to keep dirt from settling deep beneath the fibers.

To clean a fresh spill, remove any excess debris or liquid that’s on top of the rug, and then blot the area repeatedly with a soft, dry cloth. Do not rub the spot.

If necessary, use a mild detergent, water, and a soft brush to remove any residue that is left. Then, blot until it’s almost dry. Use a hose to thoroughly rinse it, and allow it to dry outdoors.

Outdoor Bug Shield Throw Blankets

Blanket care and cleaning

Our Outdoor Bug Shield Throw Blanket is machine washable and can be cleaned with a mild detergent in warm water on the gentle cycle. It's best wash it separately from other items.

Dry cleaning is not recommended.

Please do not retreat the blanket with other permethrin insect repellent products.

Aluminum Patio Umbrella

Umbrella care and cleaning

Cleaning the canopy regularly will keep it looking fresh, which can be done without removing it from the frame. To clean, wet the dirty area with mild detergent and use a soft brush. Rinse with water and allow to air dry. To protect the life of the umbrella, remember to close the canopy when not in use, or in inclement weather.