Furniture Care

The Ellis Outdoor furniture range is designed to withstand outdoor weather.

However, it is recommended to store outdoor furniture undercover as much as possible, especially from the harsh Australian sun.  Thus, you can extend the life of your furniture by not leaving it continually exposed to the sun with its harmful UV more than you need to.

Preservative Maintenance

  • Store your outdoor furniture in a dry and shaded area when not in use or during periods of inclement weather.
  • It is highly advisable to use coasters and placemats to avoid damage from plates, cups, dishes, and potted plants.
  • Painted steel furniture, or timber furniture should be stored undercover after use.
  • Timber furniture will naturally expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause timber to split and/or fade in colour when left exposed to outdoor elements. This is a natural occurrence and is not considered a fault.

Do's

  • Furniture made from polyester, synthetic wicker and aluminium can be washed down with wash & wax car polish or with warm soapy water and left to dry naturally.
  • Clean and treat timber furniture regularly with an approved oil, to maintain its finish and integrity.
  • Clean the entire surface of upholstered pieces, from seam to seam, to avoid water rings and stains.
  • When repositioning furniture always lift, do not drag.
  • Keep sharp objects away from furniture. They can cause scratches and splinters to the surface.
  • If possible, store unused furniture in a cool dry place indoors. If the furniture is stored outside, cover with a waterproof cover when dry.
  • After rain, wipe off excess water from flat surfaces. Allow air to circulate to avoid condensation.
  • Clean spills and stains immediately with a clean cloth.

Don't's

  • Avoid leaving timber furniture uncovered in direct sunlight for extended periods of time as it may cause warping or splitting under the heat.
  • Avoid leaving furniture outside during periods of inclement weather including storms and extreme hot weather.
  • Avoid scrubbing using a hard bristle brush and/ or other abrasive cleaning methods when cleaning GRC tables, aluminium painted tables and cushions.

Specific Materials

Coated Metal

Wash down with a wash & wax car polish or clean with a soft cloth soaked in detergent and warm water. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Do not use abrasive, acid, alcohol-based, or solvent-based cleaners as they could damage the paint finish.

Iron and steel frames will rust if the finish is scratched or if your furniture is exposed to excessive humidity particularly in locations near saltwater.

Cushion Fabric/Upholstery

All fabrics fade when exposed to sunlight, including outdoor fabrics. It is important to keep cushions inside when they are not being used, or ensure they are covered with waterproof furniture covers.

  • Regular cleaning: vacuum or lightly brush to remove dust and grime.
  • Light stains: spot clean with a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Thoroughly rinse with clean water, then stand cushions on one end and allow to air-dry completely.
  • Mildew and/or heavy stains: use high quality commercial outdoor furniture cleaner.

Rope

Use a microfibre cloth with water to remove dust from the rope. To avoid frizzing, avoid using a brush to clean the rope. The items can also be washed down with a wash & wax car washing product.

Wicker

Brush the dirt and dust with a soft bristle brush.  Try to get into the cracks between the weaves as it helps immensely in loosing up dirt and grime.  Wipe clean with a damp cloth.  The items can also be washed down with a wash & wax car washing product.

Teak

Teak is a dense and extremely durable hardwood with a high oil and wax content. It can be left outside untouched and untreated for many years.  Over time, the natural colour of golden brown will weather to a soft, silver grey due to the oxidised oil layer.

If this is the look you prefer, simply clean your teak once a year. If you prefer to bring back the original teak colour, use a solution of soft detergent and warm water. Apply the solution to the timber and use a soft-bristled scrubber (such as a kitchen/pot scrubber) to rub in the direction of the wood grain.  Repeat the process, as necessary.

Acacia

Wipe with a clean damp cloth; do not use harsh chemicals; treat the wood periodically with garden furniture oil; to prolong its life, it is recommended to protect with a furniture cover or store out of the weather when not in use for long periods.

Eucalyptus

Keep standing water off your eucalyptus-wood furniture, and keep the furniture out of direct sunlight, which breaks down the surface layer of wood fibres and causes discolouration and finish failure. For regular cleaning, scrub the surface of the wood using a soft bristle brush, with a solution of bleach and water. Dry the wood with clean towels; this removes any residue from the wood and kills any mould or mildew spores.

Apply polyurethane sealer to the surface periodically; this will help the wood resist water damage and protect it from scratches, stains, nicks, and weathering.

Glass

Keep glass surfaces dust-free to avoid scratching. Clean with mild detergent or household glass cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or paper towel to avoid streaks. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.