Care and Maintaining
Here is a quick reference to caring for specific materials. For more information on how to care for your furniture, please download our complete Care & Maintenance guide.
Synthetic And Combination Fibers
Synthetic and combination woven fiber furniture require minimal maintenance. Our fiber lineup includes JANUSfiber™ (made from high-density polyethylene) and Vertex Fiber (made from polyester and hemp). Both are colorfast, UV– and stain-resistant, and 100% recyclable. Ideal choices for humid, salty environments, and installations with fluctuating climate extremes. Although these durable materials will not mildew, accumulated contaminants on their surfaces can and foster mildew growth. Because of this, we recommend regular cleaning.
Premium Hardwoods
JANUS et Cie’s teak, castillo, mahogany and jatoba are plantation-harvested premium woods. Like all naturally grown woods, color and grain will vary on each piece of handcrafted furniture. Noted as strong, decay- and water-resistant species, these woods will not expand or contract excessively due to changes in moisture or temperature. When allowed to age naturally, a beautiful, desirable silvery-grey patina will evolve. Upon reading our maintenance and care instructions, you will find the steps very similar to skin care. For a lustrous, pure, and youthful appearance, your teak and premium wood products will benefit from preservation that will promote the true organic nature of the material. With abrasion and exfoliating techniques, the natural tanin and grains of your teak will be enhanced. - loose dirt can be removed with a vacuum. - Prepare a cleaning solution of: 2 ounces (1/4 cup) dishwashing liquid or Golden Care® Teak Cleaner per gallon 8 cups of lukewarm water (less than 100°F/38°C). - Use a sponge or soft cloth to clean. - Rinse thoroughly with clean water. - Allow to air dry.
Painted, Patinated or Weathered Finished Teak
Some may prefer the lustrous silvery gray patina our high quality teak attains when left in its natural state without preventative maintenance. To encourage the weathering process, wash the teak regularly, especially during its first few months outside. Sunny days are preferable for quicker drying. We suggest using a mild liquid detergent mixed with a teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of water. The bleach will quicken the weathering effect of the sun. Rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water, and after the soap/bleach wash and let it dry. When the teak begins to weather, the grain will begin to lift. You may want to lightly sand the fine “hairs” which will rise as the teak starts to weather. The silvery-gray patina will develop at a different pace depending on the environment. Winds, salt spray, and sun will weather teak more rapidly.
Mesh
JANUS et Cie’s mesh slings are practically maintenance free under most conditions. For general cleaning, however, use a soft cloth to wash with a non-abrasive soap-and-water solution, then dry with a soft towel. For stains, we recommend using a stain remover, such as All-For-1 Feron cleaner, Oxyclean® , or Simple Green® .
Powder Coated Aluminum
Powder coated aluminum is a process that creates a durable, protective finish on metal surfaces without using solvents. Polymer granules (polyester, polyester-epoxy, or fusion-bonded epoxy and acrylics) are mixed with pigments and other powder ingredients, then heated in an extruder. The extruded mixture is rolled flat, cooled and broken into small chips that are milled to a fine powder and sprayed onto the surface with an electrostatic gun. The gun imparts an electric charge on the powder, which is then sprayed to the frame, attracting the “paint” particles into every crevice. When the frame is heated, the powder melts and forms a hard, protective coating creating a continuous, seamless application. Like any fine-painted surface, such as an automobile, routine washing with mild soap (pH:neutral) and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, and clear rinsing will keep your painted furniture looking new. We recommend you provide extra protection with a regular application of a reputable automobile wax, which will actively repel the accumulation of moisture and water spots and minimize stains from mustard and red wine. First, rinse with a hose to remove salt accumulation, then apply wax per manufacturer's instructions. Never use abrasive or aggressive solvent products on aluminum.
General Care For Textiles
Acrylic fabrics will benefit from routine cleaning to keep dirt and food particles from collecting and becoming embedded in the fabric. This practice will help prevent the need for more frequent, deep-cleanings. We also suggest bringing your cushions indoors if inclement weather is forecasted. When cushions are being used on natural unseasoned teak and natural woods, it is recommended that they be removed after each use until the wood has become seasoned in its new environment. Otherwise, discoloration or staining may occur. We use the finest weather-resistant materials in our cushions. Even so, they are not impervious to weather extremes or lack of maintenance. Be sure to squeeze excess water out of the cushions if they become saturated. They should then be set on their side to air dry in a well-ventilated, clean and dry area. Standing the cushions on edge in direct sunlight will speed up the drying process. - ***Vacuum to remove loose dirt. - Prepare a cleaning solution of: - 2 ounces (1/4 cup) dishwashing liquid or Feron’s 1 For All Cleaner per gallon - 8 cups of lukewarm water (less than 100°F/38°C). - Use a sponge to clean. - Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric. - Rinse thoroughly with clean water. - Allow fabric to air dry.***
General Care For Cushions
It is never a good idea for cushions sit in water or be exposed to rain or water for any prolonged period. Wet cushions should be removed from furniture frames to prevent mildew growth and corrosion. Depending on the climate and frequency of care, the cushions you select for your furniture will add function and vitality to your environment. Detailed guidance can be found in our Care & Maintenance catalog, as well as specific information regarding the types of cushion fill.
General Considerations For Marine And Coastal Installations
Marine and coastal environments can be assaulted by salt spray and sand. These elements behave as sand blasters onto fine finishes. The sand and dirt can actually “ground” into the finish if not washed off before polishing. The exposure to wind and direct sun may vary greatly, and there is no single timeline for to how often your furniture should be cleaned and restored. Your particular installation will need to be evaluated from time to time in order to optimize performance and maintain the desired aesthetic. Outdoor furniture is best protected with fitted furniture covers, or by storing it indoors (seasonally) during harsh weather. We recommend that in areas with higher air pollution, humidity, salt, and/or high daily temperature variances, that the recommended maintenance routines be performed more frequently.
Furniture Covers
To prolong the life of your investment, our handsome and practical furniture covers are a great way to protect your JANUS et Cie pieces. Our covers are lightweight, and resistant to mildew and mold, harmful UV-rays, water, tears and abrasions. They are designed to fit loosely over the furniture, and have a drawstring to secure them in place. Furniture Covers are available for all of our collections in both fitted and non-fitted versions.