DIRECT OUTDOOR LIVING antonia User manual

WWW.DIRECTOUTDOORLIVING.CO.UK
E: [email protected].uk | T: 03333 202 477
Antonia
CARE GUIDE
BY DIRECT OUTDOOR LIVING
This care guide will guide you on how to get the best
from your Direct Outdoor Living garden furniture.

WWW.DIRECTOUTDOORLIVING.CO.UK
E: [email protected].uk | T: 03333 202 477
Teak Care
The Teak used in our products is highly durable and treated with a weather proof finish to help our
garden furniture stand the test of time. With its high level of natural oils, Teak has got the natural
quality of self protection against water, rot and insects which makes it perfect for outdoor use and
renowned for being low maintenance.
Teak wood naturally fades in colour from golden honey to classic silvery grey when it is exposed to
the elements. This fading process can start within a couple of weeks from purchase. If you are happy
with the beautiful silver grey colour, then sit back and watch as your furniture evolves. If you would
like to keep your furniture a sunny golden honey shade, we advise you to use a sealant on your
furniture within seven days of receipt – this will slow down the weathering process. This does not
affect the strength or longevity of your set, however once you have begun to seal your furniture you
will need to apply the sealer periodically to ensure there is continuous protection.
You will need to clean your furniture and ensure it is fully dried before you apply the sealant to avoid
trapping any dirt or moisture underneath the sealant which could cause mould growth. The use of
Teak oil can destroy the Teak’s natural protective oils and your furniture will then need to be oiled
regularly to keep the furniture suitable for outdoor use where as Teak sealant does not affect the
wood’s natural oil and does not have to be used as often.
CARE
To do a basic clean on your Teak garden furniture we advise you to softly scrub the furniture with a
clean wet cloth / sponge and mild soapy water, then wash the soap suds off with a hose and dry it
off with a clean towel. We suggest that this should be done every 1-2 weeks on a sunny day to help
dry the furniture off quicker. Alternatively, use a specialised Teak Cleaner and carefully follow the
instructions on the label.
We do not advise the use of a power washer as this could damage the furniture and roughen the
surface of the wood.
Although our Teak furniture is mould and mildew resistant, it is not impossible for your furniture to
be affected by it - this is not problematic. To remove mould or mildew growth or musty odours, we
advise the use of a small amount of white vinegar or a specialised cleaning product for Teak
furniture.
Any spillages should be wiped up as soon as possible to avoid any staining e.g. Red wine. To
remove stubborn stains, the use of copper or brass wool (avoid any harder wools to avoid
scratching) or the use of stain removers designed specifically for Teak furniture.

Cushion Care
Direct Outdoor Living’s cushion covers are made
with high quality machine washable luxury
materials and filled with superior quick-dry foam
allowing the cushions to dry quickly if left in the
rain. Soft to the touch, our cushion covers are
treated to withstand everyday wear and tear.
CARE
Although our cushions can be left outside we do
advise you to store them away in a dry place
when they are not in use (especially in the winter
months) to help maintain their appearance for
longer. Dark coloured cushions should be stored
out of sunlight when not is use to prevent any
fading. if you are storing your cushions away
ensure they are fully dry first.
Cushion covers should be washed on a 30°C
wash. Do not tumble dry the covers. Do not wash the foam insert as you run the risk of causing
mildew or mould growth. If you do wash the insert, ensure the insert is fully dried before replacing the
cover.
Any spillages on the cushions should be cleaned up as soon as possible with an absorbent clean cloth.
Once a year we advise you to give your cushions a basic clean, putting the cushion covers through a
low cycle with a mild detergent.
If your cushion covers are heavily soiled, we advise you to soak them first to loosen the ingrained dirt
that has built up.
PREVENTION
To help prevent any stains, we recommend the use of Scotchgard™ Outdoor Fabric Protector before
using your cushions. This spray creates an invisible barrier which repels water-based liquids e.g. rain
and tea and protects against stains, making the cushions easier to keep clean.
WWW.DIRECTOUTDOORLIVING.CO.UK
E: [email protected].uk | T: 03333 202 477
The use of a water-based, non-toxic Teak protector will help your furniture to repel water and
moisture and prevent adhesion of dirt and stains from food and drink. These protectors will generally
retain the silver-grey colour of your aged furniture (please read the label carefully) – you will need to
use a sealant if you want to return your furniture to the original golden colour before you use the
protector.
A light sanding may be needed at times to remove any raised grain or stubborn stains. Use this as a
last resort. Note, the sanded area may appear a different shade at first however this will soon be
evened out as it is exposed to the elements.

Stainless Steel Care
Our furniture is made with premium stainless steel. This supremely tough, strong and weather
resistant metal is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and is fully moisture and mould resistant – plus
it won’t fade, peel or crack when exposed to direct sunlight! Although stainless steel is low mainte-
nance, it will still be exposed to dust and dirt in its surrounding and will needs regular care and
attention to keep it looking all shiny and new.
CARE
To clean your stainless steel, use a damp cloth to wipe it down and then polish with a dry cloth to
bring out the shine every couple of weeks. You may also choose to use a specialist stainless steel
cleaner and polisher to clean and polish your furniture – be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
For stubborn stains you can also try a combination of warm water, mild washing up liquid and a
small amount of household bleach. Wipe the mixture over the stainless steel and leave it for 1-2
minutes ensuring the mixture does not fully dry (this will make the steel go streaky), then rinse it
down with cold water, dry it off with a clean cloth then polish with a dry clean cloth. Be careful,
some products can contain harsh chemicals and can damage your furniture if you are not careful.
Always ensure that you test any cleaner on a small part of your furniture first.
Stainless steel can sometimes develop small brown spots over time due to surface deterioration
and prolonged exposure to air-borne particles and salt water. This is not a sign of damage to your
furniture, it is simply superficial discolourations and can be removed. To remove these brown spots,
rub the surface gently with a specialist stainless steel cleaning pad following the grain of the metal
so you don’t damage the finish. Then rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive
cleaners/cloths, steel wool or pressure washers as these can scratch the steel and ruin the shine.
Finish with a polisher on your furniture once you have removed the spots to add a repellent to water
and dirt.
WWW.DIRECTOUTDOORLIVING.CO.UK
E: [email protected].uk | T: 03333 202 477

The Teak used in our products is highly durable and treated with a weather proof finish to help our
garden furniture stand the test of time. With its high level of natural oils, Teak has got the natural
quality of self protection against water, rot and insects which makes it perfect for outdoor use and
renowned for being low maintenance.
Teak wood naturally fades in colour from golden honey to classic silvery grey when it is exposed to
the elements. This fading process can start within a couple of weeks from purchase. If you are happy
with the beautiful silver grey colour, then sit back and watch as your furniture evolves. If you would
like to keep your furniture a sunny golden honey shade, we advise you to use a sealant on your
furniture within seven days of receipt – this will slow down the weathering process. This does not
affect the strength or longevity of your set, however once you have begun to seal your furniture you
will need to apply the sealer periodically to ensure there is continuous protection.
You will need to clean your furniture and ensure it is fully dried before you apply the sealant to avoid
trapping any dirt or moisture underneath the sealant which could cause mould growth. The use of
Teak oil can destroy the Teak’s natural protective oils and your furniture will then need to be oiled
regularly to keep the furniture suitable for outdoor use where as Teak sealant does not affect the
wood’s natural oil and does not have to be used as often.
CARE
To do a basic clean on your Teak garden furniture we advise you to softly scrub the furniture with a
clean wet cloth / sponge and mild soapy water, then wash the soap suds off with a hose and dry it
off with a clean towel. We suggest that this should be done every 1-2 weeks on a sunny day to help
dry the furniture off quicker. Alternatively, use a specialised Teak Cleaner and carefully follow the
instructions on the label.
We do not advise the use of a power washer as this could damage the furniture and roughen the
surface of the wood.
Although our Teak furniture is mould and mildew resistant, it is not impossible for your furniture to
be affected by it - this is not problematic. To remove mould or mildew growth or musty odours, we
advise the use of a small amount of white vinegar or a specialised cleaning product for Teak
furniture.
Any spillages should be wiped up as soon as possible to avoid any staining e.g. Red wine. To
remove stubborn stains, the use of copper or brass wool (avoid any harder wools to avoid
scratching) or the use of stain removers designed specifically for Teak furniture.
WWW.DIRECTOUTDOORLIVING.CO.UK
E: [email protected].uk | T: 03333 202 477
Weather Resistance
All of Direct Outdoor Living’s garden furniture products are produced to a high standard to ensure
they stand the test of time. Although the go through a thorough manufacturing process, we strongly
recommend that your furniture is stored away or covered (with a waterproof, breathable cover)
during the winter months to protect it from the harsh winter weather.
Please note: all furniture must be completely dried before putting into storage or being covered to
ensure no mildew or mould growth.
To help prolong the life of your garden furniture we recommend the use of a cover to protect your
product from severe rain.
Please note: When moving your furniture, please lift and not drag to avoid any damage to the
furniture and the area it has been placed.
Thank you for choosing
Direct Outdoor Living!