Care + Maintenance Guide
Built for the Outdoors
Each piece in our collection is thoughtfully designed to stand the test of time — crafted from premium materials such as powder-coated aluminum, sustainably sourced teak, and high-performance upholstery. These materials are selected for their enduring strength, refined beauty, and ability to withstand a variety of climates. While our furniture is made to thrive outdoors, ongoing care helps preserve its finish and performance.
Exposure to sun, moisture, and natural elements can affect even the most resilient designs, so regular maintenance is key to ensuring longevity.
To keep your furniture looking and performing its best season after season, please follow the care and maintenance guidelines below.
TEAK
Each teak piece is unique, with one of the highlights of natural teak being its beauty and grain. Depending on climate and exposure to elements, teak weathers to a beautiful silver-grey finish over time. The wood will expand and contract with changes in climate. Shrinking of the wood can result in hairline cracks in the assembly joints or the grain itself. This does not affect the structural integrity of the frame’s construction. The natural oils in teak may rise to the surface if exposed to rain and humidity, appearing like water stains. Oil content can vary between pieces, so oil surfacing may recur multiple times before it naturally subsides over a period of several months.
EXPLORE COLLECTIONS
TEAK CARE
- Maintain the original quality of the teak by applying Harbour Teak Cleaner at the beginning and end of each season.
- To keep surfaces clean from dirt, mold, and mildew, periodically hose with water and Harbour Teak Cleaner, scrubbing in the direction of the grain.
- For stubborn areas, use a power washer approximately 30 inches away and do not exceed 1200 PSI. Rinse and allow to sun dry.
- Exposure to moisture over time can raise the wood grain.
- A light sanding with fine 120-grit sandpaper smooths the surface.
Recommendations
- Clean furniture periodically and always before storing.
- If placed in a saltwater environment, rinse weekly to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid allowing water to stand on furniture surfaces and cushions.
- Use coasters under glasses and cold drink cans to prevent condensation and water spots.
ALUMINUM
Our metal furniture is handcrafted from extruded and cast aluminum elements. The aluminum is baked with a durable polyester powder coat, and the frames are assembled with precision welds and strengthened stress points. Although mostly resistant to rust, powder coated aluminum will oxidize if the coating is scratched or damaged. High salt exposure in coastal locations, water with high PH balances and garden pesticides can all damage the finish if furniture is not regularly maintained. Darker finishes absorb UV rays more than lighter finishes, which can make furniture warm to the touch – and therefore may accelerate fading if left uncovered. Commitment to care and maintenance will correlate to the length of time your finish will last.
ALUMINUM CARE
- Furniture should be thoroughly cleaned regularly using a soft cloth and mild soap.
- In coastal locations, furniture should be washed with mild soap and rinsed frequently to remove salt deposits.
- A solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water can be used to help remove water spots. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Metal furniture can be waxed twice a year, or as needed, to protect the finish. Furniture should always be cleaned first.
- Harbour Aluminum Touch-Up Kits are available for minor surface scratches.
- Harbour also offers Multi-Surface Outdoor Cleaner, suitable for aluminum and other hard outdoor surfaces such as ceramic or laminate.
- Do not use harsh solvent-based, abrasive, or stainless steel cleaners.
Recommendations
- To prevent water spots, avoid allowing standing water on furniture surfaces.
- To prevent scratches and chips, do not drag furniture across the ground. Damaged finishes may oxidize.
- Use coasters under glasses and cold drink cans to prevent condensation and water spots.
- Use felt pads under objects that will remain on tabletops for extended periods, especially on natural stone or moisture-retaining materials.
- When possible, remove cushions before covering frames for more than a few days to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
- If cushions become wet, stand them on their sides with the zipper facing down and unzipped to allow water to fully drain.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine is a sedimentary limestone deposited by mineral springs with formations located all around the world and is characterized by organic pitting and beautiful and subtle patterns. In some instances, our Travertine pieces are sealed during the production process, adding an extra layer of protection from use and the elements. Even so, Travertine is an extremely porous material, and requires constant care to maintain its beauty over time.
TRAVERTINE CARE
- Clean stone tabletops consistently and on a regular basis.
- Brush off loose dirt and dust, then clean using warm water and mild soap with a soft, clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Dry the surface completely after cleaning with a clean cloth to help prevent water spots.
- Apply Harbour’s Golden Care Stone Protector twice a year to enhance water repellency, help prevent stains, and slow the weathering process.
Recommendations
- Use coasters to help prevent stains, scratches, and etch marks.
- Wipe up all spills immediately to reduce the risk of staining or etching.
- Avoid abrasive or acid-based cleaning products.
- Clean furniture periodically and always before storing.
- If furniture is placed in a saltwater environment, rinse weekly to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid allowing water to stand on the surface of the furniture.
COMPOSITE CONCREATE
Composite Concrete is a blend of sand, cement and fiberglass. This material is durable and significantly lighter in weight than stone or concrete. Composite Concrete is perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings across various environments. Each piece undergoes a handcrafted finishing process resulting in distinctive character.
Composite Concrete CARE
- Gently clean surfaces using mild dish soap without bleach and warm water, applied with a soft brush.
- For localized marks, use a dampened soft cloth or gentle brush for targeted cleaning.
- To maintain the finish, treat the surface with carnauba wax on a quarterly basis.
- Waxing technique: apply wax with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth using circular motions over small areas, then immediately buff with a dry cloth before moving to adjacent areas with slight overlap.
- Refresh the sealant every two to five months as needed to ensure continued protection.
- Never use strong chemicals, abrasives, or products containing bleach or ammonia.
Recommendations
- Promptly wipe away standing moisture to help preserve the surface finish.
- Always use coasters and placemats to protect against heat marks and surface damage. During wet weather, remove decorative objects to prevent water pooling.
- Quickly blot spills, particularly acidic substances such as wine or juice, to help prevent staining.
- For regular cleaning, mild products are recommended.
- Always lift furniture fully when repositioning rather than dragging it across surfaces.
- In cold climates, use risers to elevate pieces above standing water that may freeze.
- In regions with extended freezing periods, cover furniture or store pieces indoors during winter.
BATYLINE
Batyline is the industry standard for outdoor sling furniture. It was developed by French industrial group Serge Ferrari, the global leader in durable materials for over 30 years. Batyline is a woven polyester fiber protected by PVC coating. The fibers are then bundled together in order to obtain an exceptionally solid substance that is permanent, resistant to stretching and immune to cracking. Batyline does not deform or create pockets. The most important feature is its pliancy and optimal seating comfort. Batyline textiles offer excellent resistance to mold and mildew and benefit from surface treatment against UV degradation. This surface treatment also offers exceptional resistance to dirt. All Batyline textiles are certified Oeko-Tex.
BATYLINE CARE
- For spot cleaning, brush off dirt or debris using a soft bristle brush or rinse with a hose.
- For deeper cleaning, mix warm water with mild soap and clean using a soft bristle brush.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry using a soft cloth.
Recommendations
- Clean furniture periodically and always before storing.
- If furniture is placed in a saltwater environment, rinse weekly to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid allowing water to stand on furniture surfaces and cushions.
OUTDOOR FABRICS
Our fabrics are solution dyed fibers designed to resist stains, mildew, and fading for easy care in all weather conditions. While the fabrics themselves are mildew resistant, mold can develop when dirt and moisture accumulate, so remove wet cushions promptly and clean them regularly. All cushion upholstery and cores meet CA TB117-2013 standards and now are all PFAS-free. Cushion inserts feature a poly-foam core with a protective poly casing. The foam core uses reticulated foam which improves the drainage and drying time compared to a standard foam.
FABRIC CARE
To prevent embedded dirt stains, frequently dust and remove dirt using a soft-bristle brush.
- Machine wash at 30°C and air dry. Do not iron or place in a dryer.
- Bleach cleaning: Use a 1:10 diluted solution of 5% household bleach and water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all bleach and dry the fabric completely before sunlight exposure to avoid discoloration. Alternatively, use a mild cleaner with warm water or Harbour Fabric Cleaner and a soft-bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly.
- If cushion covers become soaked, remove them completely from the insert. Stand the insert on its end to allow water to drain. Reapply covers only once both the insert and cover are fully dry.
- Mold and mildew: Soak in a 1:20 bleach-to-water solution, wash with diluted dishwashing liquid, and rinse thoroughly. Power wash at a maximum of 1200 PSI, holding the nozzle approximately 30 inches away. Tip cushions on their sides with the zipper facing down and unzipped to allow full drainage.
- For teak oil surfacing, gently clean cushions using Harbour Fabric Cleaner with either a soft-bristle brush or a power washer at 1200 PSI.
- To minimize oil transfer on dining chair cushions, flip cushions upright when not in use until oil surfacing subsides.
- Set-in stains or persistent mildew may require professional cleaning.
Recommendations
- Clean furniture regularly and always before storage. In saltwater environments, rinse weekly to remove salt and avoid allowing water to stand on surfaces or cushions.
- For recommended care products, visit the Harbour website to view our range of Sunbrella cleaners suitable for all outdoor fabrics.
ROPE
Our outdoor rope, made from olefin and/or polyester, is a durable, quick-dry synthetic fiber known for its exceptional strength, colorfastness, and resistance to stains, mildew, and sun exposure. Crafted from this highly weather-resistant material — which dries faster and resists mold more effectively than polyester — each piece in our collection is hand-wrapped and woven with care. Used across many of our designs, Olefin rope becomes an aesthetic tool as much as a functional one, creating refined lines, subtle shadows, and dimensional texture that enhance the elegant form of every piece.
ROPE CARE
For spot cleaning, gently brush off any dirt or debris using a soft bristle brush or rinse with a hose.
- For deeper cleaning, mix warm water with mild soap and clean using a soft bristle brush.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and dry using a soft cloth.
Recommendations
- Clean furniture periodically and always before storing.
- If furniture is placed in a saltwater environment, rinse weekly to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid allowing water to stand on furniture surfaces and cushions.
LAMINAM
Laminam is a man-made ceramic slab manufactured in Italy. It is a nonporous surface that is resistant to mold, mildew and fungi. Laminam is sealed with a 2-step sealant process: anti-fleck sealant and stain repellent, making it strong and highly resistant to scratching and abrasion.
Laminam care
For regular cleaning:
- Use hot water and a neutral detergent if required, applied with a soft cloth or soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth.
- To prevent matte stains, do not use products containing wax.
- Stains not promptly removed may leave visible traces on the surface depending on the tolerance of the specific finish.
Recommendations
- Clean furniture periodically and always before storing.
- If furniture is placed in a saltwater environment, rinse weekly to remove salt buildup.
- Avoid allowing water to stand on furniture surfaces.
- Use coasters under glasses and cold drink cans to prevent condensation and water spots.
- Harbour’s Golden Care Multi Surface Cleaner is a convenient ready-to-use solution for regular cleaning.
RUGS
Our performance rugs are crafted from 100% Olefin, a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional resistance to fading, mildew, and staining. These medium-weight, tightly woven flat weaves are thoughtfully selected to complement the tonality of our core metal and teak collections, offering both durability and refined texture. A versatile essential, these rugs bring a chic, elevated layer to indoor and outdoor spaces alike.
RUGS CARE
- Clean spills immediately by blotting with mild soap and water.
- Small rugs (2 × 3) can be machine washed.
- All rug sizes may be rinsed with water and laid flat to dry. Dry outdoors when possible and protect flooring while the rug is wet.
- Professional cleaning is recommended if spills cannot be removed with household cleaning products.
Recommendations
- Sweep rugs weekly using a broom or carpet sweeper.
- If using a vacuum, ensure the beater bar is turned off.
- An underlay is recommended to help extend the life of the rug.
- Keep rugs away from chlorine and saltwater.
WEATHER COVERS
Harbour custom-fit covers offer high resistance to water, UV rays, mold and mildew. Easy to put on, take off and store, they’re made from marine-grade material fabric for maximum protection. They also feature double-stitched seams with fully finished tailoring.
WEATHER COVERS CARE
For spot cleaning:
- Brush off any dirt or debris using a soft bristle brush or rinse with a hose.
- Mix warm water with mild soap and clean using a soft bristle brush.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers.
For deeper cleaning:
Recommendations
- Outdoor furniture should not be covered and left unattended. Regular maintenance, including routine cleaning, is recommended to preserve both the furniture and the effectiveness of weather covers.
- Debris left on surfaces can promote the growth of bacteria and mold. We recommend removing weather covers regularly and airing out pieces, especially in humid or damp conditions.
- Harbour’s Sunbrella Fabric Cleaners are a convenient ready-to-use solution for regular cleaning.
