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Furniture Maintenance 101: How to Clean & Care for Your Outdoor Furniture

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Keep your outdoor furniture looking as good as new with our simple care guidelines

Whether you’re looking for a new outdoor dining set for your patio or just bought some sun loungers for poolside relaxation, Kinso covers your outdoor living needs. 

Speaking of covered, how you care for and maintain your outdoor furniture will depend on what it’s made of and its recommended use.

While all outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements to different extents, items created for full outdoor use, such as sunbeds, require minimal care. In contrast, items intended for undercover or occasional use, like fabric outdoor lounges, may require additional attention.

All our products come with specific care information to help prolong their lifespan. However, this guide will walk you through our recommended tips for our most popular outdoor furniture materials. 


General Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Your Kinso Outdoor Furniture 

Polypropylene outdoor furniture 

Polypropylene is one of the most popular, environmentally friendly materials for modern outdoor furniture. Fully recyclable and ultra-durable, polypropylene furniture is lightweight, waterproof, and UV-stabilised, perfect for withstanding Australia’s climatic extremes. 

Many of Kinso’s stylish outdoor tables and chairs, available in various colours, are made from polypropylene, ensuring peace of mind for you and our planet. 

Recommended cleaning & caring for your polypropylene furniture

For regular cleaning

Use a commercial or hospital-grade disinfectant or a spray-and-wipe solution to remove dirt and dust. 

For a deeper clean and tougher stains

  • Mix a suitable chemical to the correct strength before liberally spraying the cleaner on all polypropylene surfaces.
  • Rinse and wipe down thoroughly with a cleaning cloth or wipes, removing all residue.
  • For stubborn stains, apply more cleaner to the area and scrub with a soft brush.
  • Use a drying cloth to dry any surfaces that are still wet.

Important instructions

  1. Don’t Use Harsh Cleaners: Avoid abrasive detergents, bleach, acetone, or harsh substances. These can scratch or damage the surface.
  2. Test First: Before using any cleaning solutions, test it on a small, hidden area (like under the table) to ensure it's safe to use.


Fabric outdoor furniture

Now that seamless indoor-outdoor living is all the rage, we’re seeing a massive leap in outdoor-friendly fabric furniture and decor, from plush outdoor lounges to occasional throws and rugs. 

While outdoor upholstery fabrics are often thicker and tougher to withstand the elements, they usually require more care than their plastic or wood counterparts. Look for high-performance outdoor textiles that are waterproof, resistant to UV, mould, mildew, and easy to clean. You can also check if any removable covers can be thrown in the washing machine.

During the colder or wetter months, when you spend less time outdoors, consider securely covering your fabric outdoor furniture or storing the cushions in a dry area. 

Recommended cleaning & caring for your fabric outdoor furniture

For regular cleaning

Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the fabric surface. If necessary, gently spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent or suitable fabric cleaner in a circular motion and allow complete drying.

For a deeper clean & tougher stains

  • Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface.
  • Fill a spray bottle with soapy water from a mild detergent or a fabric cleaner, lightly mist the fabric and gently scrub in a circular motion.
  • Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe down the fabric, absorbing excess moisture. Let your furniture completely dry before using it again.

If your fabric furniture is prone to regular soiling due to kids or pets, we recommend engaging a professional upholstery cleaning service at least once a year to bring it back to life. 

Important instructions

  1. Know Your Fabrics: Different fabrics have different cleaning requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines.
  2. Stay Away from Harsh Cleaners: Avoid abrasive detergents, bleach, acetone, or harsh chemicals. If misused, these can cause further damage and staining.
  3. Spot-Test Beforehand: Before using any cleaning solutions, please test them on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure their suitability. 

 
Resin rattan outdoor furniture 

In many styles, resin rattan furniture is exceptionally durable, weatherproof, and ideal for long-term outdoor use. It does not fade, warp, unravel or crack like traditional natural rattan. 

As part of a complete set or mixed and matched with other pieces, resin rattan furniture is rugged yet lightweight, making it easy and convenient to move and rearrange your outdoor setting as often as needed. Made from recyclable materials, you can also donate or recycle your outdated resin rattan items in the future without worrying about contributing to landfills. 

Recommended cleaning & caring for your resin rattan furniture

For regular cleaning

Remove loose dirt, dust and debris using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Then, gently wipe down with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse and thoroughly dry all surfaces.

For a deeper clean & tougher stains

After dusting, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge with a specialised cleaning solution to scrub any areas that require extra attention. Then, meticulously rinse and wipe away all residue before drying all surfaces. 

Important instructions

  1. Don’t Be Harsh: Avoid abrasive detergents, bleach, acetone, or harsh substances. These can scratch or damage the resin-rattan surface.
  2. Always Test: Before proceeding with any cleaning solutions, please spot-test them in a small, discreet area to ascertain their suitability. 

Timber outdoor furniture

Timber furniture, like an outdoor dining table or a cushioned armchair with a wooden frame, adds a warm, charming touch to any outdoor space. Popular choices like teak, Merbau, and treated pine showcase their natural yet durable beauty, effortlessly merging with the surrounding landscape to elevate your outdoor area.

Earn extra brownie points with outdoor timber furniture that's both ethically and sustainably sourced. Not only does it add timeless character to your space, but it also offers excellent potential for future recycling or upcycling. Kept, sold or donated, it can be enjoyed for years while minimising your environmental footprint.

Recommended cleaning & caring for your timber outdoor furniture

For regular cleaning

Dust all surfaces to remove any loose dirt or debris, then gently wipe down with warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap or specialised timber cleaner. Rinse and thoroughly dry all surfaces to prevent water spots.

For a deeper clean & tougher stains

After dusting, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any required areas with a cleaning solution, then follow the steps above to rinse and dry all surfaces. 

If your outdoor timber furniture looks dull or worn out over time, you can buff and restore the surface with a specialised timber polish or wax. 

Important instructions

  1. Cover Up: Use coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect timber surfaces and prevent water stains and heat marks.
  2. Harsh isn’t Best: Avoid abrasive detergents or harsh substances that may scratch or damage the timber.
  3. Always Test: Before using any cleaning solutions, test them on a small, hidden area (e.g., under the seat) to ensure they're appropriate for use.


With regular TLC, your Kinso outdoor furniture will last for years to come

Kinso furniture is intentionally designed for all of life’s moments - from lazy mornings to indulgent weekends, messy birthday parties to merry Christmas BBQs, the quiet and the loud. Timeless, durable, and super low maintenance, we’ve sourced only the best outdoor furniture pieces so you can spend less time cleaning and more time living.  

That said, set yourself an auto-reminder to inspect, clean, and maintain your outdoor furniture at least once every season. During the warmer months, when you spend more time outdoors, a quick clean and wipe-down can be done weekly. 

If you ever need specific advice for any of your Kinso furniture, you’re more than welcome to contact our friendly customer care team.

Let us know how we can help elevate your Kinso experience. 

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