Gardeon Outdoor Furniture: Unpacking, Assembling, and Caring Guide
Gardeon Outdoor Furniture offers a variety of products made from different materials, including wood, wicker, and PU leather. This guide provides general advice on unpacking, assembling, and caring for your Gardeon furniture. Please note that for the most accurate information, it's best to contact Gardeon directly or refer to any instructions that came with your furniture.
Unpacking and Assembling
When you receive your Gardeon furniture, carefully unpack all components. Make sure to check the packaging for any small parts or hardware that may be needed for assembly. Follow the assembly instructions provided with your product. If no instructions are provided or if you encounter any difficulties, contact Gardeon's customer service for assistance.
Caring for Wooden Furniture
Oil Treatment Before Use
Treat your wooden garden furniture with oil immediately after unpacking and assembly. Even if the wood has already been treated with oil, it's a good idea to do it again since some time may have passed since the first treatment.
Thorough Cleaning
Always ensure thorough cleaning of garden furniture before applying oil. You can gently use a pressure washer for this, but always follow the instructions on the packet.
Ongoing Oil Treatment
Hardwood furniture must be completely dry before oil treatment. Use oil that is suitable for hardwood. It's recommended to apply oil two or three times during the season and just before you put your furniture away for the winter period.
Dealing with Mould and Fungus
Even with regular treatment, mould and fungus attacks can still occur. This is often visible when part of the furniture becomes dark, or in some cases almost black. You can usually solve the problem by washing your furniture thoroughly with wood cleaner. If the furniture is still dark after washing, you can try to wash the areas affected with a strong liquid chlorine solution, then rinse thoroughly with water. If that doesn't work, you might need to sand the affected areas until you reach fresh wood.
Regular Maintenance
Wood is a natural product and wooden garden furniture reacts to different types of weather. Cracks and imbalances may appear caused by tension in the wood. Therefore, it's important to retighten your furniture periodically.
Winter Storage
Your furniture will last longer if you store it properly over the winter. You should not put your wooden furniture in a dry, warm room as this can dry the furniture out. Instead, you should store your wooden furniture in a garage or shed where there is plenty of ventilation and protection from the rain and snow. It's not recommended to cover your furniture with plastic or similar materials, as this can cause rot and fungus in the wood.
Caring for Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture, whether made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or willow, or synthetic materials like resins, requires regular maintenance to keep it looking fresh. Here are some tips on how to care for your wicker furniture:
Routine Cleaning
For routine cleaning, brush off or vacuum as much of the surface dirt as you can. Then wash the wicker with a soft brush and soapy water mixed with 1 or 2 tsp. ammonia. Rinse well and let the piece dry outside in the sun.
Dealing with Grime
To remove grime from wicker furniture that's more than just dusty, use a mild oil-base soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap, diluted with warm water. For a homemade cleaner, mix 1⁄4 cup of ammonia, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water. Patio furniture cleaners may also work for outdoor wicker furniture, but be sure to read the directions carefully—some need to be diluted before use on wicker furniture.
Caring for Synthetic Wicker
Since resin wicker is more durable and less susceptible to rot and splintering than wicker made of natural materials, it can easily be cleaned with soap and water. Furniture made from synthetic wicker materials can also often withstand being hosed down.
Combatting Mildew
One of the downsides of wicker furniture is that it's prone to mildewing. To prevent unsightly stains and smells, routinely scrub away any mildew, using a mild oil-based soap, such as Murphy Oil soap, mixed with water. After cleaning, make sure to let your wicker dry well before covering it to help prevent mildewing. Place wicker furniture in the sun to dry or use a fan to speed up dry time.
Applying Oil to Wicker Furniture
To restore unpainted or natural wicker to its warm glow, rub it with linseed oil (available at art supply stores), then gently wipe off the excess. Let freshly-oiled chairs dry for several days before sitting on them or add cushions to keep the oil off your clothing.
Caring for PU Leather Furniture
Much like real leather, PU leather is best cleaned by using a damp non-abrasive cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt. Since PU is not a natural animal hide, its surface doesn't absorb spills or stains as much as real leather might. However, it's still important to clean up any spills immediately to prevent potential damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the material. For stubborn stains, a mild soap solution can be used. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Please note that these are general tips and may not be entirely applicable to your specific Gardeon furniture. For the most accurate information, it's best to Contact Gardeon directly or refer to any instructions that came with your furniture.