Elaine Smith | Care & Maintenance
OUTDOOR PILLOWS:
One of the best ways to keep Outdoor pillows looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleaning is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
- To clean:
- Brush off any loose dirt.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water (less than 100°F/38°C).
- Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
For removable pillow covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100°F/38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap. Allow fabric to air dry.
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Spot Cleaning:
- Apply a light mist of our recommended cleaning solution using a spray bottle.
- Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
- Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
- Repeat these steps until the stain is removed.
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Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew:
- Outdoor fabrics do not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.
- Prepare a solution of 1 ounce (1/8 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric. Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush, sponge, or clean towel.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
- If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased.
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Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning:
- Outdoor fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use but may be refreshed after a thorough cleaning or extended use.
- We recommend 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Outdoor fabrics
- Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard:
- 303 should be applied to Outdoor fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency. Clean Outdoor fabric, using one of the cleaning methods: Allow Outdoor fabric to completely air dry.
- Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
- Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
- Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
For more information, please visit www.303products.com
- Professional Cleaners: Professional cleaners In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm’s experience in working with Outdoor fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Outdoor fabrics.
- Protect the area around your Outdoor fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-Outdoor fabrics.
- Always rinse Outdoor fabrics thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
- Outdoor fabric air-dries very quickly.
- Machine drying is not necessary.
- If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing the entire piece.
- DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.