Material Care Guide

Caring for Your Sissonne Outdoor Furniture

Every piece in the Sissonne Outdoor range has been crafted from premium materials selected to stand the test of time. With a little care and regular maintenance, your furniture will continue to look beautiful season after season. Below you will find care instructions for each material used across our collection.

A-Grade Teak

Teak is one of the world's most prized outdoor timbers, and for good reason. Its naturally high oil content makes it highly resistant to rain, humidity, rot, and insects. It is genuinely designed to live outdoors year-round.

When you receive your teak: We recommend applying Nanoman Timber Sealer to all teak products as soon as they arrive. This helps avoid staining in the early days and gives the timber the best possible start.

Natural weathering: If left untreated, teak will gradually transition from its original golden-brown tone to a beautiful soft, silver-grey patina over 9 to 12 months. This is completely natural and does not affect the quality or durability of your furniture. We recommend allowing your teak to weather naturally.

Teak protectant: If you prefer to preserve the warm, golden colour of your teak rather than allow it to weather to a silver-grey patina, we recommend applying a dedicated teak protectant. We love Nanoman Timber Sealer. Applied once or twice a year, it helps maintain the timber's original tone and enhances its natural resistance to the elements.

Fine cracks: Small cracks may occasionally appear in the end grain of legs or arms. These are a normal response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, may open or close with the seasons, and have no impact on the strength or serviceability of your furniture.

Natural oils: Occasionally, natural oils within the teak may rise to the surface, appearing slightly darker or oily to the touch, particularly when the furniture is new or exposed to direct sunlight. This is normal and will settle as the timber weathers and stabilises.

Colour variations: New teak may occasionally display dark or orange wild stripes. These result from the kilning process and typically even out within a few days of sun exposure.

Covering your furniture: If using a cover, always allow for air circulation. Place spacers (10 to 15 cm high) on the sides of the table before covering to prevent condensation, swelling, or mould growth. Never seal teak in an airtight cover.

Winter storage: If storing over winter, keep in a dry, ventilated space such as a shed or garage. Do not move teak directly from the garden into a heated indoor room, as sharp temperature changes can cause the wood to split.

Avoid: Power washers, teak oil, and strong detergents.

All-Weather Fabric

Our cushions are upholstered in premium outdoor-grade fabrics including acrylic, olefin, and polyester blends, engineered to withstand UV exposure, moisture, and extreme temperatures while maintaining a luxurious feel.

Routine cleaning: Use a soft sponge with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Remove bird droppings immediately as they can cause lasting stains.

Laundry care: Hand wash only in water not exceeding 30 degrees. Do not bleach or treat with chlorine. Do not iron. Do not tumble dry. Do not wring dry. Drip dry in shade.

Avoid: Bleach, chlorine-based products, tumble dryers, and storing cushions while damp.

Marine-Grade Rope

Our rope is made from thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) fibres, developed to meet all requirements for outdoor use. It is UV resistant, colourfast, moisture resistant, and contains no PVC.

Protection: We recommend applying a fabric and upholstery protector spray we love Nanoman Fabric waterproofing spray to give optimal stain resistance.

Spot cleaning: Apply a mist of soapy water solution with a spray bottle, then work gently into the rope with a soft cloth using light pressure and short strokes. Do not scrub aggressively or use a hard brush. Rinse thoroughly and blot excess moisture with a soft cloth. Allow to air dry.

For oil or greasy stains: Apply acetone first, then a mild washing powder, and rinse with clean water.

For non-greasy stains: Wet the area with warm water and mild washing powder, gently work out with a damp microfibre cloth, then rinse to remove any residue.

Avoid: High-pressure hoses, hard brushes, chlorine-based bleach cleaners, and leaving stains untreated for long periods.

Reticulated Quick Dry Foam

Our cushion foam is a premium reticulated open-cell foam specifically designed for outdoor use. Its open structure allows water and air to pass through quickly, enabling cushions to dry fast even after heavy rain, while protecting against mould growth.

Routine cleaning: A light hose down is usually sufficient. Stand cushions on their side to allow water to drain and air to circulate freely.

Deeper cleaning: Apply a mild soapy solution, work in gently, then hose off and allow to fully air dry.

Mould prevention: Store cushions upright or in a well-ventilated space during extended periods of non-use. Never store flat while damp.

ECOLENE Synthetic Wicker (Resin)

Our synthetic wicker is handwoven from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and has been developed to meet the highest standards for outdoor furniture. Pigments are fully blended into the resin for long-lasting, uniform colour. It is resistant to UV exposure, temperature variation, mould, mildew, salt, and chlorine, and contains no PVC.

Routine cleaning: Every few months, wipe down with a soft damp cloth and lukewarm water to remove dust and debris.

Deeper cleaning: Use a soft nylon brush or low-pressure air hose to clear between the weave. A non-foaming mild detergent can be used for a more thorough clean. Rinse well afterwards.

Avoid: Abrasive cleaners, high-pressure water, and harsh chemical solvents, all of which can damage the fibres.

Fibreglass

Our fibreglass pieces are handcrafted composites made from fibre mats combined with resin and shaped in 3D moulds by skilled craftsmen. The result is a lightweight yet exceptionally strong material that is fully weather resistant, colourfast, and moisture proof.

Routine cleaning: Use a soft sponge with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. Remove bird droppings immediately as they can cause lasting stains.

Avoid: Abrasive pads, steel wool, and harsh chemical solvents.

Cement

Our cement surfaces are sealed to help resist everyday liquids such as coffee, tea, and wine. The sealant provides protection but is not impervious, so spills should be wiped up promptly to prevent staining.

Protection: We recommend applying a stone sealant once or twice a year we love Nanoman Stone Sealant to give optimal stain resistance.

Everyday maintenance: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Always use coasters under hot and cold items to avoid heat marks.

Deeper cleaning: Use a damp sponge with mild, natural soap. Rinse well.

Surface care: Take care not to knock or drag sharp or rough objects across the surface to avoid scratching or chipping. When moving microcement furniture, always lift rather than slide.

Natural characteristics: Over time, outdoor exposure may cause slight colour fading, surface mottling, or small non-structural hairline cracks. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not affect the strength or durability of the piece. Surface temperature may vary when exposed to direct sunlight.

Avoid: Window cleaners, bleach, harsh chemicals, and acidic or abrasive products including vinegar and citrus juices, all of which can erode the sealant and dull the finish.

General Tips

During extended periods of non-use or severe weather, store cushions in a dry, ventilated space.
Furniture covers are recommended during winter or heavy rain. Always ensure covers allow airflow to prevent condensation.
Remove cushions after rain and allow both the cushions and the furniture frame to dry completely before replacing.
Most stains and dirt are easiest to remove when treated promptly. Regular light cleaning will always outperform infrequent deep cleaning.
If you have any questions about caring for a specific piece, contact our team and we will be happy to help.