Belle Vie Product Care - Materials and Finishes

Belle Vie have carefully considered materials used in our products, for their durability in the Australian climate, sustainability across the global supply chain and suitability to craft the design details into life.

Important Considerations for all Product Types

Outdoor furniture products require different levels of care, depending on the environment in which it is used. Generally, monthly cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor furniture is recommended to maintain its appearance and durability. In coastal or seaside areas, where salt and humidity can accelerate wear, more frequent maintenance may be necessary.

Consider storing your outdoor furniture during the off-season or extreme weather to avoid preventable damage and deterioration. Belle Vie recommends using breathable protective covers for all furniture when not in use. To store, clean the product thoroughly and let it dry completely. Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Do not store in humid or high moisture environments.

If you encounter heavy stains with your furniture or fabrics, it's best to seek professional cleaning services. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to best clean and restore the furniture without causing further damage.

Important Considerations

Each piece of Belle Vie teak furniture is unique, with natural characteristics like small fissures (checking) or inlays that add to its charm. These are normal features and do not affect the functionality or durability of the furniture.

Outdoor Timber

Belle Vie timber furniture is made with Grade-A, FSC Certified Teak

Teak (tectona grandis) is one of the most durable hardwoods, able to withstand heavy rain, intense sun and temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for outdoor furniture in the Australian climate.

Belle Vie source Grade-A, FSC certified timber, to ensure the materials are from traceable and sustainable sources, that follow ethical practices across the supply chain, from harvesting the materials to producing the finished products.

Grade-A is the premium, centre cut of the teak timber, that features tight and even grain, with a warm and consistent colour of golden wheat and honey tones. Teak weathers beautifully from its natural warm golden brown to a silvery-grey patina.

Key properties:

  • High natural oil levels improve resistance to moisture, decay, stains, and UV damage
  • Oils also contain a for termites, woodborers and other pests
  • Teak’s dense, tight grain gives it strength and stability
  • Teak weathers gracefully while being resistant to degradation, warping and cracking

Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Teak Furniture

Belle Vie offers teak in 3 sophisticated finishes: Natural Teak, Weathered Grey Teak and Chocolate Teak. These finishes are designed to complement the natural aging process of teak. Natural Teak is carefully left unsealed to preserve its natural beauty and character.

General Care & Maintenance

  • Apply clear teak oil every 6 months during the first year, then once annually to help preserve the colour and protect the wood. Before full application, always test the oil on the underside or on a hidden area to ensure it dries clear and does not stain.
  • Using coasters, placemats, and tablecloths to protect surfaces from heat, stains, and abrasions.

General Cleaning

  • Gently brush away dust and debris with a soft-bristled brush, always following the direction of the wood grain.
  • If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a soft cloth.
  • For deeper cleaning, you can use water and a soft-bristled brush. Wipe away any remaining moisture and allow the teak to air-dry completely.
  • Avoid using harsh tools, chemicals, or power washers.

Focused Care

Natural Greying

Teak transforms into a silver-grey patina over time. This change is part of the wood's aging process and does not compromise its structural integrity.

Oil Migration

Teak's natural oils help protect and prolong its life. These oils may rise to the surface over time (oil surfacing). To prevent transfer, use protective floor pads and liners, and store cushions when not in use.

Outdoor Metal

Aluminium

Belle Vie metal furniture is made with Powder-Coated Aluminium

Aluminium can be recycled endlessly at a lower impact than sourcing the original material. Recycling uses only 5% of the energy used for the original product. Approximately 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use.

We powder-coat the frames to improve resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and weathering. Powder-coating creates long-lasting colours with high UV resistance while being environmentally friendly.

Key properties:

  • Strong aluminium alloys are as strong as steel
  • Infinitely recyclable
  • Powder-coating offers additional durability and UV resistant colour
  • The powder-coating process is more environmentally friendly than liquid coatings (no VOCs)

Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Powder-Coated Aluminium Furniture

General Care

  • Wipe away dust and debris with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Act swiftly on spills by blotting with a clean microfiber cloth.
  • For thorough cleaning, use warm water mixed with a gentle, diluted detergent.
  • Allow to air dry before returning cushions.
  • Avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
  • For coastal areas, weekly cleaning (hosing down) is recommended to remove salt deposits.

Finish Protection

Use coasters and placemats. Be cautious with sharp objects like pens or keys. Avoid letting water pool on the surface to prevent spots or corrosion.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Components in selected Belle Vie products

Our sun lounges utilise 304 stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance. Stainless steel contains at least 10% chromium, forming a protective layer against rust.

General Care

  • Clean with a microfibre cloth using pH-neutral soap and warm water once or twice a year.
  • Avoid bleach or cleaners containing chlorides.

Focused Care

In high humidity or marine areas, clean more frequently. A dry microfibre cloth effectively removes cloudiness. Stainless steel cleaner can add extra protection.

Rope Wicker

Belle Vie woven collections feature polyethylene (PE) rope wicker

Polyethylene wicker is a synthetic solution-dyed resin that mimics natural wicker with superior durability. It is low maintenance, UV resistant, and maintains shape even when wet. It withstands temperatures from freezing up to 70°C.

Key properties:

  • Fade resistant for 3000 UV hours
  • Mimics appearance of wicker
  • Abrasion, UV, rot and water resistant
  • Retains shape and strength when wet

General Care

  • Wash with a soft sponge/brush and mild detergent.
  • Spot clean spills promptly and use protective covers when not in use.

Cushion Inserts

Belle Vie cushion inserts are designed with the outdoors in mind

Seat cushions use reticulated (open cell) quick dry foam that drains liquid quickly. It includes a built-in fungicidal additive. Back cushions use polyester fiberfill, which is soft, durable, and machine washable.

Key Properties – Quick Dry Foam:

  • Durable in wet/dry conditions
  • Liquid drains quickly
  • Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains

Key Properties – Polyester Fiberfill:

  • Lightweight and quick drying
  • Machine washable and hypoallergenic

Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Cushion Inserts

Polyester inserts can be machine washed on gentle or hand washed. Submerge and knead gently, then squeeze out excess water and lay flat in the sun to dry. Avoid tumble drying.

Protection

  • Store cushions when not in use.
  • Use breathable covers to shield from dirt and sunlight.

Outdoor Fabrics

Belle Vie cushion covers are made with 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic

Sunproof Nova fabrics use pigments infused directly into the synthetic material before spinning. This makes the fabric highly resistant to sunlight, UV degradation, and fading.

Key Properties:

  • 5-year warranty
  • 2000 hours resistance to UV rays
  • 4000 hours weatherability against sun, wind, and rain
  • Rub Rate of 100,000+ (Wyzenbeek)
  • Certified OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Fabrics

General Care

  • Machine wash (up to 40°C) on gentle cycle.
  • Hand wash with mild soapy water and soft brush.
  • Air-dry only to avoid shrinkage. When the covers are about 3/4 dry, place them back on the cushions to make re‑fitting easier

Focused Care

Deep Cleaning: Use a solution of water, soap, and bleach for stubborn stains. Iron on low (110°C) if needed.