Outdoor furniture, especially pieces like a Swivel Rocker, are designed for relaxation and enjoyment in your outdoor spaces. To ensure your swivel rocker remains a comfortable and inviting piece for years to come, simple care and maintenance are key. Just like any outdoor investment, a little effort in upkeep goes a long way. This guide provides easy-to-follow instructions for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your swivel rocker, focusing on common materials found in quality outdoor furniture.
Caring for Ipe Wood Swivel Rockers
Ipe wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, including swivel rockers, due to its durability and natural beauty. To protect your new or newly cleaned ipe swivel rocker and ensure its rich color lasts, consider applying a wood shield product.
Protecting New and Newly Cleaned Ipe Swivel Rockers:
To give your ipe swivel rocker an extra layer of defense against the elements right from the start, apply a product like Wood Shield in a well-ventilated area. Treat all clean ipe wood surfaces of your swivel rocker. This will help protect against water and food stains, allowing you to relax and enjoy your swivel rocker without worry.
As Needed Cleaning for Ipe Swivel Rockers:
Even with protection, your ipe swivel rocker may need cleaning from time to time. For general cleaning, simply wash the ipe wood surfaces with a soft towel and mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue. Allow the wood to air dry completely before using your swivel rocker again.
Restoring the Chocolate-Brown Finish of Your Ipe Swivel Rocker:
Over time, if your ipe wood swivel rocker is exposed to the elements, it will naturally develop a silver-gray patina. While this is a beautiful look, you may prefer to restore the original deep chocolate-brown finish. Here’s how:
- Cleaning: Prepare the ipe wood for a UV-protective oil finish by using Wood Cleaner. This will remove surface dirt and prepare the wood. Rinse the swivel rocker thoroughly with water after cleaning.
- Brightening: To optimize the wood for oil absorption, use a Wood Brightener after cleaning. This step helps re-establish the pH balance of the ipe wood. Again, rinse thoroughly with water and allow the swivel rocker to dry completely.
- Oiling: Apply Penofin® Verde Oil Finish as directed on the product can. Let the oil penetrate the wood for about 30 minutes.
- Drying: After 30 minutes, remove any excess oil that hasn’t been absorbed. Rub the ipe surfaces of your swivel rocker with smooth rags until the wood is dry to the touch. IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Dispose of oil-soaked rags in a metal bucket filled with water to prevent spontaneous combustion.
- Final Protection: Once the oil finish is completely dry, apply Wood Shield to the ipe timber of your swivel rocker. This final step provides additional protection against water and food stains, helping maintain the restored finish.
By following these steps, you can keep your ipe wood swivel rocker looking its best, whether you prefer the natural silver patina or the rich chocolate-brown tone.
Sunbrella® Fabric Care for Swivel Rocker Cushions
Many swivel rockers feature comfortable cushions made with Sunbrella® fabric, known for its outdoor durability and stain resistance. Protecting and cleaning these cushions is essential for maintaining the overall look and comfort of your swivel rocker.
Protecting New and Newly Cleaned Sunbrella® Fabric Cushions:
To enhance the protective qualities of Sunbrella® fabric on your swivel rocker cushions, use a Fabric Protector. In a ventilated area, spray Fabric Protector onto all dry and clean Sunbrella® fabric surfaces until they are soaked. Allow the fabric to dry completely before using your swivel rocker. Reapply this protector annually or after each deep cleaning.
As Needed Cleaning for Sunbrella® Fabric Cushions:
For routine cleaning of your Sunbrella® swivel rocker cushions:
- Moisten the fabric surfaces with a sponge or wet towel.
- Lightly mist Fabric Cleaner over the entire surface of the fabric cushion.
- Gently use a sponge or clean towel to work on any stains or soiled areas.
- Thoroughly rinse the fabric to ensure all soapy residue is removed.
- Allow the fabric cushions to air dry completely before using your swivel rocker.
Alternatively, you can mix a cleaning solution of ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of warm water in a spray bottle and use this in place of the Fabric Cleaner, following the same steps for cleaning and rinsing.
With proper care, your Sunbrella® fabric swivel rocker cushions will remain vibrant and inviting for years of outdoor enjoyment.
Teak Wood Swivel Rocker Maintenance
Teak wood is another excellent choice for outdoor swivel rockers, prized for its natural weather resistance and elegant appearance. Like ipe, teak requires minimal maintenance to retain its beauty.
Protecting New and Newly Cleaned Teak Swivel Rockers:
To provide extra protection against water and food stains for your new teak swivel rocker, apply Wood Shield to all clean teak surfaces in a ventilated area. This initial protection will help maintain the wood’s appearance.
As Needed Cleaning for Teak Swivel Rockers:
Teak wood is known for weathering beautifully to a silver-gray tone naturally. For a classic look, allow your teak swivel rocker to age gracefully. Cleaning is typically only needed once or twice a year.
- Use a plastic bristle brush and mild dish soap to wash the teak wood surfaces.
- Rinse the swivel rocker thoroughly with water.
- Allow the wood to dry completely.
Important Teak Care Notes:
- Avoid Power Washers: Never use a power washer to clean teak furniture, including swivel rockers, as it can damage the wood surface.
- No Paint or Varnish: Teak wood is naturally oily, making painting or varnishing ineffective. These finishes will likely peel over time.
- Scratch and Stain Removal: Light surface scratches or stains can often be removed by lightly sanding the area. The teak will then naturally age back to a silver tone over time, blending the sanded area.
By following these simple cleaning guidelines, your teak swivel rocker will offer years of comfortable and stylish outdoor seating.
Woven Viro® Fiber Swivel Rocker Care
Woven Viro® fiber is a popular material for outdoor furniture, including swivel rockers, due to its weather resistance and stylish appearance. Maintaining Viro® fiber swivel rockers is very straightforward.
Easy As-Needed Cleaning for Viro® Fiber Swivel Rockers:
- Dust Removal: Begin by removing any loose dust or debris from the Viro® fiber surfaces of your swivel rocker using a bristle brush.
- Gentle Cleaning: Clean the fiber gently with warm water and a non-foaming soap or mild detergent.
Important Cleaning Restrictions:
Avoid using alcohol-based, oil-based, or other harsh cleaners on Viro® fiber, as these can damage the material.
Regular gentle cleaning is all that is needed to keep your woven Viro® fiber swivel rocker looking its best and ready for relaxation.
By following these material-specific care tips, you can ensure your swivel rocker remains a beautiful, comfortable, and long-lasting addition to your outdoor living space. Proper maintenance not only preserves the appearance of your furniture but also protects your investment for years of enjoyment.
