Harbour Lifestyle logo
Harbour Lifestyle logo

All articles

Care Guide: All Weather Fabric Garden FurnitureUpdated an hour ago

Caring for your all-weather fabric furniture

All-weather fabric furniture is engineered specifically for outdoor use. The fabric is solution-dyed — meaning the colour runs through the entire fibre rather than being applied to the surface — giving it excellent resistance to fading, rain, and humidity. With straightforward regular care it will stay looking great for many seasons.

Routine cleaning

Brush off any loose dirt, dust, or pollen from the fabric surface with a soft brush before cleaning. For routine cleaning, use warm water and a mild soap solution with a soft cloth or sponge, working the solution gently into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue — residue left in the fibres can attract further dirt and, over time, weaken the fabric. Allow the fabric to dry naturally and fully before folding, stacking, or covering.

We recommend spraying any cleaner directly onto a cloth rather than directly onto the fabric itself.

Important: Do not tumble dry all-weather fabric. 

Dealing with spills

Deal with spills as soon as they happen. Blot — do not rub — liquid spills with a clean, absorbent cloth to lift as much as possible before the liquid sets into the fibres. Once blotted, clean the area with a mild soap solution and rinse well. For oil-based spills such as sun cream or food grease, a small amount of washing-up liquid applied directly to the stain and left for a few minutes before rinsing can be effective. Always rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

For the best results, use our Golden Care fabric care range. The Fabric Cleaner removes dirt and restores the fresh appearance of the fabric. Always follow cleaning with the Fabric Protector — it creates an invisible, transparent barrier that makes the fabric water and dirt repellent, helps prevent stains, and contains a built-in mould and mildew inhibitor. We recommend cleaning and re-treating at least once a season.

Water repellency — re-proofing

All-weather fabrics come with a water-resistant treatment applied during manufacture. Over time and with regular use, this treatment will naturally diminish — you will notice this when water no longer beads off the surface and instead begins to soak into the fibres. This is entirely normal and does not mean the fabric is damaged.

When this happens, restore the water repellency by applying our Golden Care Fabric Protector to a clean, completely dry fabric. The protector is transparent and will not affect the colour or appearance of the fabric. Once applied, allow it to dry fully before the fabric is used or exposed to rain.

Please note: UV exposure will cause gradual fading of the fabric over time, even on solution-dyed fabrics. This is normal wear and is not covered under guarantee. Consistent use of furniture covers and the Fabric Protector will slow this process considerably.

Mould and mildew

All-weather fabrics are resistant to mould and mildew, particularly once treated with our Fabric Protector, but prolonged damp conditions — especially when fabric is stored while damp — can still allow mould to develop.

If mould or mildew appears: Clean the affected area with our Golden Care Fabric Cleaner, or use a solution of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar, applied with a soft brush. Work the solution into the fabric, leave for a few minutes, then rinse very thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry completely in the open air. Once dry, apply the Fabric Protector to restore the mould-inhibiting barrier. For persistent or deep-set mould, repeat the cleaning process before re-treating.

Important: Never fold or store fabric while damp. This is the most common cause of mould developing in all-weather fabrics. Always allow fabric to dry fully in the open air before folding, stacking, or placing in storage.

Furniture covers

Cover fabric furniture with breathable, air-vented furniture covers whenever it is not in regular use. Even all-weather fabric benefits from protection against prolonged UV exposure, bird droppings, pollen, and winter frost. Ensure furniture is clean and fully dry before covering.

Winter storage

At the end of the season, clean the furniture thoroughly using our Fabric Cleaner, allow to dry completely, and apply the Fabric Protector before storing. Store in a dry, well-ventilated location — a garage or shed is ideal. If storing outdoors, use quality breathable furniture covers and ensure covers are securely fastened. Remove all cushions and store them separately indoors.

What to avoid

Don't tumble dry — always air dry naturally
Don't pressure wash — this damages the weave and water-resistant treatment
Don't rub spills — blot to lift liquid without spreading it
Don't fold or store while damp — mould will develop
Don't leave water repellency untreated when water stops beading off the surface
Don't spray cleaners directly onto fabric — apply to a cloth first

Seasonal maintenance checklist

Work through this at the start of each season to keep your all-weather fabric in top condition.

  • Brush off any loose debris and clean with Fabric Cleaner or warm soapy water
  • Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully before any further treatment
  • Check whether water still beads off the surface — if not, re-apply Fabric Protector
  • Apply Fabric Protector to clean, dry fabric to restore water repellency and mould resistance
  • Inspect fabric for any staining, mould, or signs of UV fading
  • Check furniture covers for damage and replace if they no longer offer full protection
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No