Exo Warehouse Product Care
  1. The purpose of this information is only as a guide to maintenance and is not intended to be conclusive, nor is it intended to bind EXO Warehouse. Products usually come with maintenance information and this should be considered the primary authority for the particular product’s care.
  2. Teak/Kwila (Merbau) Hardwood
    1. General Maintenance
      1. Tables and chairs should be kept oiled with a teak/hardwood oil such as Feast Watson Teak oil or Feast Watson Hardwood Oil if the customer desires to keep the rich yellow (Teak) or brown (Kwila) colouring.
      2. The best way to apply the oil is to use a clean, white rag instead of a paint brush or some other applicator. It is found that the rag will provide an even spread over the wood for the best results.
      3. The frequency of oiling depends greatly on the environment. If the product is kept under cover, oiling may be once a year. If it is out in full weather, it could be as much as once every two months. The best way to reduce oiling is to purchase a protective cover for when the product is not being used. For information on the most suitable cover, click ‘Ask Sales’.
      4. It is fine to leave teak and kwila not oiled if the aged, grey appearance is desired of the furniture. However, the oil is instrumental in protecting the wood from stains so the decision to oil or not should be based on the application of the product as much as any other factor.
    2. Dried/Scratched Teak
      1. If a teak product has become too dry and oil is not restoring colour by itself, teak and kwila can be lightly sanded with a 120 wet-n-dry sand paper. Once done, the product can be oiled again, which should bring it to an appearance close to that when it was purchased.
      2. For deeper scratched on the surface, use a 60 wet-n-dry sand paper before the less coarse 120.
    3. Loose Furniture
      1. If the product is beginning to feel loose or wobbly, it will likely need only the screws tightened. Most products are constructed with an Allen or Hex key screw that are easy to find and will only usually require a half turn before they are firm again.
  3. Nyotah Hardwood
    1. General Maintenance
      1. Nyotah should be treated in the same way as Teak and Kwila, except that it should be kept oiled rather than be left to age.
  4. Aluminium Furniture
    1. General Maintenance
      1. By its nature, Aluminium does not rust, therefore the metal itself is suitable for use where it may be subject to moisture. However, most aluminum products are powder-coated, which may react if subject to high levels of salt for extended periods, e.g. near the ocean.
      2. To combat problems arising in such an environment, it is recommended that the products be covered with a protective cover when not in use. For information on the most suitable cover, click ‘Ask Sales’.
      3. For cleaning aluminium products, there is no problem using a garden hose and squirting the product. This will not damage the frame or powder-coat and is quick and easy to do.
      4. Cushions
        • The cushions that come with aluminium chairs should be taken inside when not in use to be given the longest life. The cushions are generally water resistant so there is no problem squirting them with the garden hose. The reason for the protection is that the sun will make the colour fade if left outside for long periods when it is not necessary.
      5. Slings
        • Slings are the pieces of fabric that are stretched across certain chairs, providing the back and base.
        • To give slings the longest life, they should be kept under cover or covered with a protective cover when not in use. For information on the most suitable cover, click ‘Ask Sales’.
        • Slings, like the aluminium frames they are supported by, can be cleaned with the garden hose. They are resistant to rot and mould as they are made of textilene, a synthetic outdoor fabric.
        • For tough stains or marks on the sling, a product known as ‘Sugar Soap’ can be used. This is found in supermarkets. Some hardwares sometimes sell a textilene cleaner, which will provide a similar outcome.
      6. Resin Wicker
        • Wicker that is supported by an aluminium frame is always made of resin. This means it is not natural and is, therefore, better for outdoor use.
        • Resin Wicker should be kept under cover and out of direct sunlight and, where possible, be covered with a protective cover when not in use. For information on the most suitable cover, click ‘Ask Sales’. The sun poses the greatest threat to Resin Wicker as prolonged exposure can potentially make it brittle.
        • For cleaning resins wicker, there is no problem with using the garden hose as this will not cause it to become brittle.
  5. Umbrellas
    1. General Maintenance
      1. Umbrellas are meant as protection from the sun only and are not built to be resistant to high winds. For this reason, umbrellas should always be closed and, if possible or practical, be put away when not in use.
      2. Generally, if properly maintained, the first part of any umbrella to show deterioration is the canopy. This is an additional reason why the umbrella should be closed and put away when not in use.
  6. Stone Furniture
    1. General Maintenance
      1. Stone includes travertine, marble, granite and glass-resin composite (GRC), all of which are generally only found on tables.
      2. This range of products may come sealed or not sealed depending on the supplier. In any case, it is recommended that customers apply their own tile and grout sealer for added assurance that the table is protected.
      3. The purpose of sealing stone products is to prevent stains being absorbed by the table. This is no guarantee that it will not occur, it is merely a preventative measure.
      4. All stains and spills should be dealt with immediately after they occur to reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.
      5. Stone products have a high resistance to weather, however, to prolong their life, they should be covered with a protective cover when not in use. For information on the most suitable cover, click ‘Ask Sales’.