Product Care
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
During off-seasons or extreme weather, consider storing your furniture in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Prior to storing, clean the product thoroughly and let dry completely. Do not store it in humid or high moisture environments.
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, without knots, discolorations, or other unwanted variations. Teak weathers beautifully from its natural warm golden brown to a silvery-grey patina, in natural conditions including sunlight and ambient moisture.
Key properties:
- High natural oil levels improve resistance to moisture, decay, stains, and UV damage,
- Oils also contain a natural repellant for termites, woodborers and other pests
- Teak’s dense, tight grain gives it strength and stability, keeping it sturdy and functional even after extended exposure to the elements.
- Teak weathers gracefully while being resistant to degradation, warping and cracking.
Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Teak Furniture
Belle Vie offers teak in two sophisticated finishes: Natural Teak and Weathered Grey Teak. Our newest colourway, Chocolate Teak is coming soon. These finishes are designed to complement the natural aging process of teak, ensuring your furniture maintains its elegance over time, whether you prefer the golden hue of natural teak or the already-aged look of weathered grey. Natural Teak is carefully left unsealed to preserve its natural beauty and character.
General Care & Maintenance
- Avoid using oils or varnishes, as these can hinder the wood's ability to breathe, potentially leading to mold growth and uneven weathering.
- 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, always brushing in the same direction as the grain. Wipe away any remaining moisture and allow the teak to air-dry completely.
- Avoid using harsh tools, chemicals, or power washers, as these can damage and discolour the wood.
Focused Care
Natural Greying
Teak is known for its beautiful golden-honey colour, which naturally 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. The rate at which teak greys depend on its exposure to elements, particularly in humid or sunny environments.
Oil Migration
Teak's natural oils help protect and prolong its life. These oils may rise to the surface over time, a process known as oil surfacing. This is a normal characteristic and can cause the transfer of oils onto other surfaces. To prevent this, use protective floor pads and liners, and store cushions when not in use to avoid contact with the wood.
Mold and Mildew
In high humidity or damp environments, mold and mildew may develop on teak. If this occurs, first dry the furniture thoroughly by placing it in direct sunlight. Then, use a soft-bristled brush and water to gently clean the affected areas, always brushing in the direction of the grain. Ensure the teak dries completely afterward. Avoid using excessive force, abrasive tools, or harsh chemicals during cleaning.
Important Considerations
The level of care required for your teak furniture may vary depending on the environment. Regular monthly cleaning 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.
During off-seasons or extreme weather, consider storing your furniture in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Prior to storing, clean the product thoroughly and let dry completely. Do not store it in humid or high moisture environments.
Each piece of Belle Vie teak furniture is unique, with natural characteristics like small fissures or inlays that add to its charm. These are normal features and do not affect the functionality or durability of the furniture.
Outdoor Metal
Aluminium
Belle Vie metal furniture is made with Powder-Coated Aluminium
Belle Vie choose to use powder-coated Aluminum frames, as aluminum can be recycled endlessly at a lower impact than sourcing the original material. Recycling aluminum uses only 5% of the energy used to create the original product. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use.
Aluminum does not necessarily need to be coated as it naturally forms a protective surface film upon exposure to oxygen, called aluminum oxide, which is self-repairing and protects the surface of the aluminum. Belle Vie choose to powder-coat the Aluminum frames as it improves resistance to abrasion, corrosion, weathering, and other forms of wear and tear, enhancing durability. Powder-coating creates long-lasting colors with high UV resistance, while being more environmentally friendly than liquid paints.
Key properties:
- Strong, when mixed with small amounts of other metals (particularly magnesium), aluminum alloys are as strong as steel
- Aluminum is infinitely recyclable
- Powder-coating offers additional durability, protection against corrosion and abrasion and produces an even, UV resistant colour
- The powder-coating process is more environmentally friendly than liquid coatings, as it doesn’t use solvents containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Powder-Coated Aluminium Furniture
General Care
- Wipe away dust and debris with a soft, dry cloth.
- In the event of a spill, act swiftly by blotting it up with a clean microfiber cloth.
- For more thorough cleaning, use warm water mixed with a gentle, diluted detergent, then dry completely with a soft cloth to preserve the finish.
- Allow to air dry before returning the cushions into position.
- Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners on aluminium surfaces, as they can cause oxidation and discoloration.
- For those in coastal areas, we recommend weekly cleaning to remove salt deposits and maintain the metal’s finish.
Focused Care
Finish Protection
To protect the surface from heat, stains, and abrasions, always use coasters, placemats, or tablecloths. Be cautious with sharp objects like pens or keys, as they can scratch the finish, compromising the furniture’s weather resistance. If the finish is scratched or compromised, aluminium can rust.
To prevent water spots or corrosion, avoid letting water pool on the surface. When the furniture is not in use, tilt it to allow water to drain off and ensure it dries thoroughly.
Important Considerations
Typically, a monthly cleaning routine is recommended to keep your outdoor furniture in top condition. In coastal areas, where natural salt deposits can accelerate wear, more frequent maintenance may be necessary. During off-seasons or extreme weather, consider storing your furniture in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. To store, clean the product thoroughly and let it dry completely. Do not store it in humid or high moisture environments.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel Components in selected Belle Vie products (Sun Lounges)
For our Sun Lounges with adjustable backs, Belle Vie uses stainless steel adjustment components due to their superior strength and durability compared to hardwood or other materials. Stainless steel, unlike regular steel, contains at least 10% chromium, which forms a protective layer that guards against rust. This makes stainless steel more durable and longer lasting than regular steel.
Our sun lounges utilize 304 stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance. This grade of stainless steel is commonly used in various commercial and residential applications, including hardware like nuts, bolts, screws, and handles, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture that needs to withstand the elements.
Care Tips for Furniture with Stainless Steel components
General Care
- Clean with a microfibre cloth using pH-neutral soap and warm water once or twice a year, depending on the environment.
- Avoid using bleach or any cleaners containing chlorides on stainless steel, as these can damage the surface.
Focused Care
Finish Protection
In areas with higher humidity, marine exposure, or pollution, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Look for signs of oxidation or dust buildup and clean promptly to prevent any damage. A clean dry microfibre cloth can effectively remove cloudiness and restore the metal's shine without the need for harsh chemicals. Stainless steel cleaner can be used to ad a layer of additional protection to the components.
Belle Vie woven collections feature polyethylene (PE) rope wicker
Polyethylene wicker is a synthetic solution-dyed resin that mimics the look and flexibility of natural wickers while offering superior durability and resistance to the elements. PE wicker is low maintenance, resistant to cracking and UV fading and maintains its shape and strength even when wet. It is abrasion resistant while also being lightweight, soft and flexible, making it easy to work with.
It handles extreme weather conditions well and maintains its appearance over time. In handling harsh temperatures, PE wicker can withstand freezing temperatures without degrading and is resistant to temperatures up to 70°C max. PE is impermeable to water making it quick-drying and resistant to stains and rot. These properties make it perfect for woven detailing on outdoor furniture.
Key properties:
- Fade resistant for 3000 UV hours
- Mimics appearance of wicker
- Easy to maintain
- Abrasion, UV, rot and water resistant
- Retains shape and strength when wet
- Excellent performance in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions
Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Rope Wicker
General Care
- Periodically wash rope with a soft sponge or brush and mild detergent mixed with warm water. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- As a general practice, spot clean any spills promptly and store your Belle Vie furniture under protective covers when not in use for extended periods of time, or during extreme weather.
Belle Vie cushion inserts are designed with the outdoors in mind
Belle Vie seat cushions are comprised of medium density quick dry foam. Quick dry foam is ideal for outdoor and marine applications and will withstand rigorous use, wet or dry. Comprised of reticulated (extremely open cell) foam that drains liquid quickly, allowing the cushions to dry fast even after being saturated, while providing durability and comfort. Manufactured with a built-in fungicidal additive that inhibits mould and mildew, to prevent stains and damp odors.
Back cushions and optional accent cushions are filled with polyester fiberfill, which is made up of small, synthetic, curled polyester fibers that are man-made. This cushion filling is one of the best outdoor pillow stuffing selections because it is soft, durable, and easy to maintain. Polyester can be machine washed and dried and reshaped for comfort.
Key Properties – Quick Dry Foam:
- Durable in wet and dry conditions
- Water-resistant, liquid drains quickly
- Resistant to mold and mildew, stains and damp
Key Properties – Polyester Fiberfill:
- Lightweight and quick drying
- Resistant to mildew and mold
- Machine washable
- Soft and comfortable
- Hypoallergenic, great for people with allergies
Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Cushion Inserts
General Care
Polyester filled cushion inserts can be machine washed on gentle or hand washed in warm water with mild detergent. To hand wash, submerge the insert and knead it gently to remove dirt. Repeat this with clean water, knead until all detergent is gone.
Squeeze out excess water, lay flat in the sun to dry. Avoid tumble drying to prevent lumps.
You can choose to sprinkle baking soda if needed to remove odors, then brush or vacuum it off.
Focused Care
Protection
- Properly store your cushions when not in use to protect them from the elements.
- Use breathable outdoor furniture covers when not in use or during extreme weather conditions to shield your fabrics from dirt, moisture, and sunlight.
Belle Vie cushion covers are made with 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic, a technical outdoor fabric by Sunproof
Sunproof Nova are high-performance outdoor fabrics, perfect for withstanding the Australian climate. Acrylic is a lightweight, soft, and warm fabric that is easy to care for and resistant to creasing. It is highly resistant to sunlight and UV degradation and is also resistant to moths and chemicals.
The fabric is woven from 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic, which is crafted with UV-resistant pigments of colour that are infused directly into synthetic material before it is spun into thread, rather than just using dye to colour the surface. This infuses the colour into the material, making it resistant to friction and fading, while also avoiding dye bath processes that require more water and energy and generate wastewater pollutants.
Key Properties:
- 5-year warranty
- 2000 hours resistance to UV rays and fading
- 4000 hours weatherability against deterioration caused by sunlight wind, rain, dew and humidity
- Rub Rate of 100,000+ (Wyzenbeek method)
- Water repellent and extremely stain resistant
- Safe, sustainable and 100% recyclable
- Free of harmful substances to humans and environment, certified as Class 1 OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
Caring for Belle Vie Outdoor Fabrics
General Care
Cushion covers can be washed by hand or by machine.
- Machine wash with mild detergent on gentle cycle in luke-warm water (up to 40°C, 100°F)
- Hand wash in use mild soapy water using a soft brush, or a cloth to remove surface dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly with water to prevent residue buildup.
- Belle Vie recommend air-drying your outdoor fabrics after cleaning; to avoid any common machine drying concerns, such as damage to the material or shrinkage.
Focused Care
Deep Cleaning
- For stubborn stains or mold, mix a solution of water, mild soap, and bleach as needed. Use a sponge or soft brush to gently clean the affected area, and rinse well with water.
Ironing
- If desired, covers can be ironed on a low setting (110 ° C/230 ° F).
Protection
- Properly store your cushions when not in use to protect them from the elements.
- Use breathable outdoor furniture covers when not in use or during extreme weather conditions to shield your fabrics from dirt, moisture, and sunlight.
Sunproof provide the following care instructions, available here