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CARE & MAINTENANCE
LIFE Outdoor Living sells a wide range of outdoor furniture consisting of a variety of materials. This page will guide you through the different materials and how to maintain for an optimal lifespan.
Aluminium
Robust Teak
Grey Teak
Polywood
Spraystone
Ceramic Concrete
All Weather Cushion
Soltex Cushion
Aluminium
LIFE Outdoor Living use Aluminium in a wide range of furniture. The reason why is because it has many advantages for outdoor use. Aluminium is corrosion resistant, lightweight and very easy to maintain.
When aluminium is used outdoors, slight surface dirt and a light form of surface corrosion may develop. This is not absorbed into the frame, is not permanent in nature, and can easily be removed.
The high quality powder coating ensures that the products will endure any type of climate as it is UV proof and colourfast. If damage to the paint occurs e.g. scratches, scrapes etc. can be easily retouched.
Aluminium Care
Aluminium furniture can be cleaned using water and a soft soap. Avoid using abrasive or harsh products or sponges. Alternatively, LIFE Outdoor Living Aluminium Cleaner & Protector can be used for cleaning and extra protection.
Aluminium Maintenance
We recommend that pistons on reclining components are ocassionally sprayed with e.g a silicone lubricant to protect and lubricate. Over time pistons may need adjusting. Please contact customer services for support.
Robust Teak
Teak is a hardwood which contains a high amount of oil and resin, making the wood naturally water-repellent and therefore suitable for outdoor use. Teak wood is very strong and does not easily damage.
LIFE teak products are all 100% sustainably certified. They work mainly with Indonesian SVLK teak, but also work with FSC certified teak. This means that the full process in manufacturing is registered and monitored.
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Normal use of the product will result in small cracks (hairline cracks) and openings appearing in the wood. This does not detract from the quality or the lifespan of the teak, and is characteristic of the charm of this product.
We advise against using a protective cover for teak furniture as this can lead to the growth of fungi.
Teak Cleaning
Before using any maintenance product on teak, the surface needs to be clean and dry. We discourage the use of any aggressive detergents or pressure cleaners. If you wish to use a different cleaner, always test the effect of this in a hidden spot. Teak maintenance products may cause staining of other materials so it's advised to cover workspace floors, patios, or chairs, cushions etc.
LIFE Outdoor Living Teak Cleaner can be used for intensive cleaning of weathered teak, and will kill fungi and algae within the teak wood. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and the colour of new teak will be restored. It is important when treating teak that you work along the direction of the grain for the best results.
Teak Maintenance
When the surface of the wood starts to feel rough it is time to treat your teak with LIFE Robust Teak Protector. A thin layer should be applied and left to soak into the wood. If too much is used, the colour will run off the surface and could stain chairs, patios etc. Once dry, treat with LIFE Teak Shield to repel moisture and protect against mould and mildew.
Because it takes some time and effort to clean teak, we recommend using LIFE Teak Shield at least 2-3 times a year.
During the teak manufacturing process LIFE Teak Shield is applied. To account for the time taken for shipping and purchase, we suggest that the LIFE Teak Shield is reapplied directly after purchase.
Grey Teak
Teak is a hardwood which contains a high amount of oil and resin, making the wood naturally water-repellent and therefore suitable for outdoor use. Teak wood is very strong and does not easily damage.
LIFE teak products are all 100% sustainably certified. They work mainly with Indonesian SVLK teak, but also work with FSC certified teak. This means that the full process in manufacturing is registered and monitored.
Normal use of the product will result in small cracks (hairline cracks) and openings appearing in the wood. This does not detract from the quality or the lifespan of the teak, and is characteristic of the charm of this product.
We advise against using a protective cover for teak furniture as this can lead to the growth of fungi.
Teak Cleaning
Before using any maintenance product on teak, the surface needs to be clean and dry. We discourage the use of any aggressive detergents or pressure cleaners. If you wish to use a different cleaner, always test the effect of this in a hidden spot. Teak maintenance products may cause staining of other materials so it's advised to cover workspace floors, patios, or chairs, cushions etc.
LIFE Outdoor Living Teak Cleaner can be used for intensive cleaning of weathered teak, and will kill fungi and algae within the teak wood. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and the colour of new teak will be restored. It is important when treating teak that you work along the direction of the grain for the best results.
Teak Maintenance
When the surface of the wood starts to feel rough it is time to treat your teak with LIFE Teak Colour Grey. A thin layer should be applied and left to soak into the wood. If too much is used, the colour will run off the surface and could stain chairs, patios etc. Once dry, treat with LIFE Teak Shield to repel moisture and protect against mould and mildew.
Because it takes some time and effort to clean teak, we recommend using LIFE Teak Shield at least 2-3 times a year.
During the teak manufacturing process LIFE Teak Shield is applied. To account for the time taken for shipping and purchase, we suggest that the LIFE Teak Shield is reapplied directly after purchase.
Polywood
Polywood is a sustainable product which has the appearance of wood due to its artificial pressed grain. It is low maintenance, lightweight and will not splinter.
Polywood Cleaning
Polywood can be cleaned using LIFE Outdoor Living Polywood Cleaner. Any dried on dirt or debris can be loosened by using water and a soft-bristle brush. Application of the LIFE Outdoor Living Polywood Protector will create a protective layer and help prevent stains and marks.
Polywood Maintenance
Hot items such as pans, candles or hot drinks should not be left on polywood surfaces. Do not leave glasses on the surface in the hot sun. Due to its “magnifying glass” effect it can damage the polywood by burning into the material.
Spraystone
Spraystone is a mixture of ground natural stone and high-quality resin sprayed onto a glass plate. Because this mixture is sprayed professionally as a layer onto tempered glass, the result is a lightweight table top that cannot be distinguished from genuine hard stone. The sides of the table tops also have the same finish to reinforce the luxury appearance.
Spraystone Cleaning
Spraystone should be cleaned with LIFE Outdoor Living Spraystone Cleaner. Alternatively, the surface can be cleaned using tepid water and a soft sponge (NEVER use hard detergents or abrasive scourers).
We recommend that LIFE Outdoor Living Spraystone Protector is used to apply an extra protective layer.
Spraystone Maintenance
In addition to cleaning, do not leave products on the table for long periods of time as they can cause the spraystone to lighten, leaving a mark. Ensure that protection covers are not left with water standing on top as this can also cause the spraystone to fade.
Do not use e.g. candles or tealights on the surface without protecting the spraystone as they can become hot and cause irremovable stains.
LIFE recommend to remove protection covers regularly to allow air to circulate around the spraystone.
Ceramic
LIFE’s ceramic table tops have a remarkable strength and is one of the hardest materials used in garden furniture. It has an extremely high scratch threshold, is UV proof and colour fast, and it is easy to maintain.
Ceramic Cleaning
Ceramic tops can be cleaned using LIFE Ceramic Cleaner & Protector. Alternatively, the surface can be cleaned using tepid water and a soft sponge.
Ceramic Glass
These 8mm thick low maintenance table tops are available in multiple sizes and can be combined with most of the LIFE tables, including coffee tables, dining tables and even the bar tables.
Tempered glass is carefully sprayed with 2-3 layers of ceramic to produce this hardwearing and attractive top.
Ceramic Honeycomb
Tables with a thicker table top are made of a honeycomb aluminium base. The ceramic panels are glued to the base to create a solid table top.
All Weather Cushion
All LIFE cushions are specially made for outdoor use. The various fabrics have fillings that have been carefully designed and treated to prevent the growth of mould. One of the most important properties is that they are water-permeable.
Around the filling there is a polyester liner that keeps the shape of the cushion. This polyester cover has an open structure which allows the cushion to breathe and let the water run through.
All cushions have a high colour fastness and are UV-protected.
The Soft-Touch textilene All-Weather cushions are water permeable and dirt-repellent. This means that the cushions will be wet after rain, but the special inner lining minimises the drying time. By pressing down on the cushions or placing the cushions on their edges, they will be dry in a relatively short period of time.
Using LIFE
Cushion replacements are available, but you should not need to replace any LIFE All Weather cushions for many years unless they have been damaged or experience some other misfortune.
All Weather Cushion Cleaning
Using LIFE Outdoor Living – Textilene and Wicker Cleaner ensures that the fabric is well protected and can be cleaned appropriately when necessary. It also ensures that the cushion structure remains “open” and will therefore dry faster.
The cover of the All-Weather cushions is made out of textilene. The anti-bacterial fibre provides long colour fastness and water can be wiped off easily.
These cushions can be left outside the entire season but you do need to clean the cushions regularly to make sure it keeps its All-Weather capabilities and to prevent moulding.To keep them clean and prolong their life, we suggest covering them when not in use and storing indoors for the winter months.
Cushions can be cleaned with LIFE Outdoor Living Textilene and Wicker Cleaner. This is a non-foaming cleaner for open-woven fabrics and wicker.
The outer cover can also be machine washed at 30 degrees on a gentle wash and with a small amount of laundry detergent. Do not tumble dry or dry clean. It is best to wash one cover at a time.
Before cushions are bagged and stored for the winter months, or a protection cover is placed over furniture with cushions, please ensure that the cushions are completely dry.
LIFE upholstered dining chairs such as Sense or Caribbean chairs can be tilted forward against the table to promote quick and easy draining after rainfall.
Soltex
Sit comfortably on the LIFE Soltex cushions. This cushion combines a polyester fibre with a special softer outdoor thread. The combination of All-Weather and a softer water resistant thread gives the cushion a more natural look and feel, bringing both worlds, interior and exterior, together.
We advise to bring the cushions inside during the winter. Cushions should be completely dry when you store them to prevent them from moulding.
Contrary to the All–Weather cushions, you do need some extra maintenance for these cushions by using an extra protective layer using the LIFE Outdoor Living Soltex Protector. The protector ensures that your cushion remains protected against dirt and stains.
Soltex Cleaning
We recommend cleaning with LIFE Outdoor Living Soltex Cleaner. For more stubborn dirt the outer cover can be cleaned at 30 degrees in the washing machine, on a gentle wash and with a small amount of laundry detergent. Do not tumble dry or dry clean. It is best to wash one cover at a time.
Before cushions are bagged and stored please ensure that they are completely dry.
Cushion replacements are available, but you should not need to replace any LIFE Soltex cushions for many years unless they have been damaged or experience some other misfortune.
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