Product Care
Proper care and maintenance of your furniture is essential for longevity, it's important that you enjoy your new furniture for many, many years.
OUTDOOR TEAK MAINTENANCE
Teak is a strong, long-lasting hardwood naturally rich in oils, providing excellent resistance to moisture, decay, and pests, with each piece exhibiting unique tones and textures. All our outdoor teak is supplied unsealed, and we recommend leaving it in its natural state rather than applying oils or varnishes, which can prevent the wood from breathing, encourage mould growth, and cause uneven weathering. Prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or fluctuating temperatures can lead to drying, fading, or surface cracks, and branch teak—with its more porous sapwood—is particularly sensitive to humidity. Reclaimed and root teak may shift or lighten over time. To protect surfaces, use coasters, placemats, trivets, tablecloths, mats or runners, avoid placing hot, wet, or abrasive objects directly on the wood, and rotate objects regularly to prevent permanent discolouration. Regular dusting with a soft-bristled brush in the direction of the grain is recommended, and spills should be blotted immediately with a soft cloth; gentle cleaning with mild soap and water can be used when necessary, but never scrub aggressively or use abrasive tools, chemical cleaners, bleach, or pressure washers. Teak naturally changes over time, with fresh timber displaying a golden-brown hue that gradually greys as it weathers without affecting structural integrity, while natural oil migration may occur on surfaces, cushions, or internal compartments—this is normal and can be minimized with protectors or by storing cushions when not in use. Moist or humid environments may encourage mould or mildew growth; ensure teak is allowed to dry completely in sunlight before gently cleaning with a soft brush, and avoid protective covers that restrict airflow as trapped moisture can cause long-term damage. Environmental conditions influence maintenance: coastal or humid climates accelerate greying, wear, and salt deposits, so monthly cleaning is recommended, and off-season or extreme weather storage should be in a dry, cool location away from direct sunlight and humidity. Teak may develop minor fissures, checking, or inlays over time; these natural characteristics add to its charm and do not compromise structural integrity. Always consult your designer to ensure your furniture is suitable for your environment and maintenance expectations.
ALUMINIUM MAINTENANCE
Aluminium is light weight, strong, durable and requires low maintenance to keep it looking great. Aluminium outdoor furniture is finished with polyester powder coating to prevent oxidization (rust) and increases protecting against scratching. To ensure years of outdoor use, every few months simply hose the surface and underside of the furniture. If particularly dirty after hosing wash with soapy water to remove any remaining sediment and rinse with water.
ROPE MAINTENANCE
Rope is known for its tear-resistant, weatherproof and durability. Our rope is made with polyester core and multi-filament propylene cover. This makes it ideal of outdoors. To care for your rope, we recommend a deep clean once or twice annually. Any food or liquid that may stain they will need to be cleaned as soon as possible using 1 tbs. of powered detergent in 1 L of cold water. For general clean add 8 tbs. of powered detergent per 4L of warm water. Do not add bleach. Rinse thoroughly, air-dry and inspect.
RESIN WICKER MAINTENANCE
Resin is very dense, durable, water repellent, UV resistant and also eco-friendly. It is also strong, light weight and easy to clean. Sweep or vacuum surfaces as needed using a soft-bristle brush, and rinse with water. Keep furniture upright to allow accumulated water to drain, wipe with soft cloth.
POLYPROPYLENE MAINTENANCE
Wipe surfaces regularly with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent, and use a gentle disinfectant spray if sanitation is required. Remove dirt and grime carefully, allowing the solution to sit briefly for stubborn spots, and use a flexible-bristled brush for gentle scrubbing when needed. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or products containing bleach or acetone, as these can damage the surface. Regular dusting or wiping helps prevent buildup of dirt and debris, and furniture should be inspected periodically for signs of wear or damage, with worn components, such as feet, replaced as necessary. Outdoor furniture is typically weather-resistant and UV-stabilised to reduce fading, but when not in use, it should be stored in a dry, sheltered location. If left outdoors, protective waterproof covers are recommended during rainy or winter months, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight—especially for darker-coloured pieces—should be avoided to minimise fading.
OUTDOOR - CUSHION AND FABRIC MAINTENANCE
Our cushions and fabric are designed outdoor settings, however, for longevity of your fabric we recommend keeping cushions dry, regularly vacuum and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for long periods of time. As needed brush off any loose dirt with soft cloth. Always wipe spills and stains immediately with warm soapy water and soft moist cloth.
For heavily soiled or stained furniture, it is recommended to use professional cleaning services. Experts have the tools and knowledge to safely clean and restore your furniture without causing damage.
It is advisable to store outdoor furniture during the off-season or in extreme weather to prevent damage and deterioration. Before storing, clean it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Keep furniture in a dry, cool location away from direct sunlight, and avoid storing it in humid or damp environments.
CUSTOM MADE SOFAS AND LOUNGES:
Regular Care
Protect furniture from heating source such as radiators/ heating appliances - which can dry out timbers
Rotate reversible cushions regularly, wear and tear on cushions is often caused by non rotation of cushions, vacuum regularly, using low suction and soft brush accessory.
Do not remove covers; washing of covers will void fabric warranty and compromise manufacturer’s warranty.
Professional on site cleaning is strongly recommended.
Spot Cleaning: Treat spills and stains as soon as possible gently scrape away any soil - Do not wet filling – use a proprietary cleaning product in a small area to test for colour fastness and suitability of use on the fabric – Please contact Ostela for Fabric specific supplier for issued cleaning methods suggestions for fabrics supplied by them - Professional on site cleaning is strongly recommended for removal of stubborn stains
TIMBER INDOOR FURNITURE:
Dust regularly using a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth, then wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth following the direction of the wood grain. Spills should be wiped up immediately with a damp cloth.
Once a month, clean the surface with a soft cloth lightly dampened with a quality cleaner specifically formulated for wood furniture. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain to remove dirt and fingerprints, then dry thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth. Twice a year, apply a good-quality furniture polish using a soft cloth. Do not use aerosol-powered cleaners or polishes.
To reduce the risk of damage, take simple precautions: use coasters for glasses and mugs, and ensure any glass tops rest on felt pads. Do not place potted plants directly on veneer surfaces unless they are in watertight containers or drip trays. Use protective pads under equipment with rubber feet, and always lift objects rather than dragging them across the surface. Protective pads should also be used under rough-based items such as pottery. Denting can occur from excessive pen pressure, so desk pads or other protection are recommended where heavy paperwork is done.
Veneer surfaces should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can cause damage and uneven ageing. To help the surface age evenly, periodically move items so all areas receive similar light exposure. Extremely high or low humidity can also cause damage and should be avoided.