Care Guide
How to Clean & Sanitize
Regular cleaning
Use this method for a quick clean-up here and there throughout the season — adding in the bleach solution to easily sanitize and eliminate any stubborn stains or dirt build-up from the winter months.
- 1.Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
- 2.Use a clean cloth to wipe the soapy mixture onto the surfaces of your furniture, cleaning off any dirt.
- 3.For extra cleaning power or to sanitize, mix 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water.
- 4.Apply bleach mixture to furniture with a clean cloth and allow it to sit on the lumber for a few minutes (this will not affect the color).
- 5.Loosen any dirt and debris that may catch in the surface grooves of the lumber by scrubbing the bleach mixture with a soft-bristle brush.
- 6.Rinse thoroughly.
Added cleaning power — annual deep clean
If you haven't cleaned your furniture in a year it's time to go big. Plus, using a high-pressure power washer is pretty satisfying.
- 1.First, use a high-pressure power washer (not to exceed 1,500 psi — exceeding this may cause damage to the look of your polywood furniture) for an initial deep clean. This will really help get into the texture of the lumber.
- 2.Then, follow the regular cleaning steps above for any persistent spots, rinsing thoroughly when complete.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your wood outdoor furniture, the process is fairly simple. You can power wash your piece, but remember to always follow the grain of the wood and to keep your pressure low — too high a pressure can remove the finish or cut into the wood. We recommend a setting between 500 to 600 psi for pine and cypress furniture, with the nozzle kept about a foot away from the surface at all times.
Before beginning to clean, test your settings on a discreet area first to be sure you are not going to damage the wood. From there, you can increase or decrease the pressure as needed.
If you wish to avoid the risk of power washing or don't have access to a power washer, a soft brush and non-bleach cleaner make for a more than adequate substitute. Gently scrub the piece and rinse — that's all there is to it.
Finishing & Long-Term Care
Pressure-Treated Pine (PTP)
Pressure-treated Pine is the best wood we have found for pieces exposed outdoors. The pressure-treating process injects chemicals into the wood for insect and decay resistance. However, pieces made from PTP still need to be finished for best protection and longevity. Your piece needs to be well finished initially, and we recommend refinishing every other year.
When finishing pressure-treated pine, use a penetrating deck stain, not paint, so it can absorb into the wood. When shopping, inform a sales associate that you are finishing a pressure-treated pine item — they'll direct you to the best product. Then simply follow the instructions regarding sanding and preparation.
Cypress
Cypress can be either stained or painted. However, it does best in a covered area rather than fully exposed. If left totally exposed, it will need to be well finished at purchase and refinished every year thereafter.
Finishing Conditions
Do not apply stain in direct sunlight or on a wood surface that is hot to the touch. Pick a day with no rain predicted and a temperature between 50°F (10°C) and 95°F (35°C). The finish may require 48 to 72 hours to fully dry before using the furniture again.
Ongoing Maintenance
Exposure to rain and sun cycles will cause wood furniture to expand and contract. This natural process can cause hardware (bolts, screws, etc.) to become loose over time — periodically check and retighten any loose fasteners. To prevent unwanted warping, always place your furniture on a level surface.