Outdoor furniture care: before and after the season
Outdoor contract furniture is a significant investment for a hotel, restaurant or beach bar. How many seasons it lasts depends largely on care: a simple cleaning routine during the season and proper winter storage make a huge difference.
Below you will find practical advice by material, a before and after season checklist, and the common mistakes that wear furniture out early. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product first.
Powder-coated aluminium
Aluminium does not rust, but its coating needs care, especially near the sea. Salt left on the surface can over time attack the coating, mostly where there are scratches or chips.
Rinse regularly with fresh water, particularly at coastal sites, and clean with a mild detergent and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasives, wire wool and strong solvents. If a scratch goes down to bare metal, cover it with touch-up paint in the furniture's colour so the damage does not spread.
Teak and outdoor timber
Untreated teak weathers to a silver grey patina over time. This is normal and does not affect its strength. If you prefer the original honey colour, it needs cleaning with a teak cleaner and an application of oil or protector once or twice a year.
Clean with a soft brush, lukewarm water and mild soap, always working along the grain. High-pressure washers can raise the fibres and roughen the surface, so avoid them or use a very low setting. If the wood has roughened, a light sand with fine sandpaper restores the surface.
Stainless steel, synthetic rattan and textilene
Stainless steel by the sea can develop brown tea staining, even in grade 316. These marks usually come off with a stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth. Regular fresh-water rinsing is the best prevention.
HDPE synthetic rattan cleans with a soft brush, water and mild soap, then a thorough rinse so no residue stays in the weave. Textilene sling fabric is cleaned the same way. Sunscreen and body oils mark both materials, so a quick wipe at the end of the day helps a lot.
Cushions and fabrics
Cushions are usually the first thing to wear. During the season, bring them in or stand them on edge at night and when it rains so they dry. Outdoor fabrics generally clean with lukewarm water and mild soap. For mildew, some fabric makers allow diluted cleaning solutions, but always check the instructions for the specific fabric.
Before storage, remove covers where they are removable, wash them as the label says, and let covers and foam dry completely. A cushion stored even slightly damp will smell and show mildew next spring.
Checklist: before and after the season
A written routine helps staff not to skip steps and makes it easier to order spare parts in good time. Give one person responsibility and keep a simple log of any damage you find.
- After the season: wash all furniture, dry it fully, check for loose screws, broken glides and worn fabrics.
- Store in a dry, ventilated space. Stack with protective spacers between pieces so they do not scratch.
- If furniture stays outside, use breathable covers. Airtight plastic traps moisture and causes mildew and staining.
- Before the season: tighten screws, replace glides, touch up coatings, oil teak if you want the honey colour, check lounger mechanisms.
- During the season: regular fresh-water rinsing near the sea and quick cleaning of sunscreen marks.
Easy care starts with the right choice
The easiest furniture to maintain is furniture chosen correctly for its setting. Before you buy, ask the supplier for care instructions, spare part availability and fabrics with removable covers. Almeco manufactures contract furniture at its own factory in Oraiokastro, Thessaloniki, and can suggest materials and finishes depending on whether your space is by the sea, around a pool or on a city terrace.