Even high-performance textiles require routine maintenance
Journal
How to care for outdoor textiles
Thoughtfully designed and luxurious to touch, our outdoor ranges fit seamlessly into transitional and indoor spaces. In a superior blend of comfort and performance our outdoor textiles offer qualities including UV, stain, and mildew resistance, and are often even machine washable.
Stronger cleaning solutions like bleach can strip the colour from traditional yarn and piece dyed textiles, as colour is only applied to the yarn or fabric surface. Instead, we recommend textiles composed of solution-dyed acrylic, olefin, or polypropylene yarns for enhanced fade resistance, colour stability, and long-term durability even in the harshest conditions.
Additionally, Eco and Oeko-Tex labels identify those composed of recycled yarns and certified free from harmful chemicals, ensuring they are safe for your home and the environment.
Noosa colour Sky Blue by James Dunlop | Image courtesy of Tait
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Each fabric is unique in composition and texture and must be cared for accordingly. Regular light cleaning and proper storage will prolong the life of your furniture and fabrics in response to ongoing exposure to variations in temperature, moisture, and dirt.
Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or on the attached furniture/fabric label. Below are a series of general suggestions which can be followed in-line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Blot any spills immediately with a paper towel.
- Be aware that while fabric covers may be moisture resistant, cushion inners may not be. Please check and proceed carefully.
- An annual deeper clean using a mild detergent and warm water (approximately 3 caps per litre) may be helpful. Some fabric covers can be removed and machine washed, air dry in shade.
- Rotate cushions/furniture periodically to limit sun exposure. While outdoor fabrics are highly UV resistant, ongoing direct exposure will affect all textiles over time.
- During the off-season, store outdoor fabrics and furniture in a dry, ventilated area. Ensure they are completely dry first to prevent mildew.
CLEANING SPILLS AND STAINS
CLEANING SPILLS AND STAINS
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions first, then continue with the most appropriate cleaning instructions.
1. Scrape off spill residue if necessary.
2. Apply some water and blot with a white paper towel.
3. Apply a mild soap and warm water solution to the stain and blot with a clean microfibre cloth or sponge. If stains persist, a soft brush may be helpful.
4. If recommended by the manufacturer, you could escalate the detergent to a stronger soap, vinegar, oxygen or chlorine bleach. Only use bleach on solution-dyed or tested olefin/polypropylene textiles. Use vinegar and bleach at a 1:10 dilution ratio bleach to water.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, failure to do so attracts dirt and encourages mildew.
6. Air dry in partial or full shade.
FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- Always read the care tag. Some cushion inserts aren’t waterproof even if the cover is.
- Test in an inconspicuous spot (inside the hem) before full treatment, especially when using anything stronger than dish detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly – detergent residue attracts dirt and encourages mildew.
- UV is good for bleaching mould spores, but prolonged direct sun-drying accelerates the fading of piece dyed goods. Dry covers flat in dappled shade when possible.
- Consider re-protecting solution-dyed olefin/polypropylene if water beading declines or ceases.
Explore our complete range of outdoor textiles or contact your sales rep to learn more.
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