Caring for your rope furniture.
Woven rope furniture is contemporary, comfortable and genuinely low-maintenance — a little routine care keeps the weave, the frame and the table top looking their best for years. Here's everything you need to know.
What your furniture is made of
Your set is built around a hand-woven all-weather rope — a tough, UV-stable, colourfast cord designed to live outdoors without rotting, stretching or fading quickly. It’s woven over a frame, and most sets are finished with a table in one of several surfaces.
Because rope furniture combines a few different materials, this guide covers each part in turn — the rope weave, the frame, the table top and the cushions:
The rope
Hand-woven all-weather cord over the frame. Tough and quick to clean, but the weave can trap grit and debris, so a regular brush-down does most of the work.
The frame
Usually rust-free, powder-coated aluminium — light and weatherproof. Some ranges use a natural timber frame, which needs a little extra care.
The table top
Tables come in several surfaces — tempered glass, ceramic, aluminium, sintered stone or terrazzo — each cleaned slightly differently.
Cleaning the rope weave
The rope is the easiest part to look after. A regular brush-down through the season, plus a proper clean once or twice a year, keeps it fresh — little and often beats an occasional deep scrub.
Brush out loose debris
Use a soft brush to clear dust, pollen, crumbs and leaf debris from the weave before it works in. A soft-bristled brush or a vacuum on a low setting lifts grit out of the grooves where a cloth can't reach.
Wash with warm soapy water
Sponge the rope gently with mild washing-up liquid and warm water, working along the line of the weave rather than scrubbing across it. Clean the whole panel, not just a mark, to keep the colour even.
Rinse and air-dry
Rinse off the soap with clean water from a low-pressure hose, then let it air-dry fully. Avoid soaking the weave repeatedly, and never use a pressure washer — it can fray or loosen the cord.
Aluminium & wooden frames
The frame under the rope is one of two materials, and the care differs:
Aluminium frame
Rust-free and powder-coated — very low maintenance. A wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then a dry-off, is all it needs. It won't rust, but drying around joints and feet prevents water spots.
Wooden frame
Natural timber (often acacia) has a softer, classic look but needs more attention. Keep it dry between uses, clean with warm soapy water only, and feed it with a clear hardwood or teak oil once or twice a season to restore colour and shed water. Expect it to silver gently over time — this is normal.
Caring for the different surfaces
Rope sets come with a variety of table tops, and each has its own simple routine. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth is the safe default for all of them — the table below covers the specifics.
| Top | How to care for it |
|---|---|
| Sintered stone & ceramic | Extremely tough — heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant. Wipe spills promptly with warm soapy water; for stubborn marks use a non-abrasive cleaner. No sealing needed. |
| Tempered glass | Wipe with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Dry off to avoid water spots. Strong and safe, but don't knock the edges or place very hot items directly on it. |
| Aluminium | Powder-coated and rust-free. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth; dry to prevent spotting. Avoid abrasive pads, which can dull the finish. |
| Terrazzo | Wipe with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and clean up spills like wine or oil before they sit. Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners, which can etch the surface. |
Whatever the surface, use felt pads or a mat under anything that might scratch, a trivet for very hot cookware, and skip wire wool, scouring pads and harsh chemicals across all of them.
Looking after the cushions
Everyday
Cushion covers are all-weather and shower-resistant, but they aren't designed to sit out through heavy rain. Brush off debris, spot-clean marks with warm soapy water, and treat spills promptly. Check the care label before doing more.
Storing
Always let cushions dry fully before stacking or storing — putting them away damp is the main cause of mildew and musty smells. Store them indoors or in a dry box when not in use, and bring them in over winter.
Keep it simple — and safe
Do
- Brush the weave down regularly
- Use mild soap and warm water throughout
- Dry frames, joints and glass after washing
- Oil a wooden frame once or twice a season
- Use a cover, and dry cushions before storing
Don’t
- Use a pressure washer on the rope or frame
- Scrub with wire wool or abrasive pads
- Use bleach, solvents or harsh chemicals
- Leave cushions out in heavy rain or stored damp
- Drag the furniture — lift it to move it
Season by season
The rope and aluminium frame are fully weatherproof and can stay outdoors all year. A breathable cover keeps the whole set cleaner and protects the table top through the wetter months — just make sure everything is clean and dry before covering. Cushions and any wooden-framed pieces last longest brought indoors over winter; if that isn’t practical, keep them covered and dry.
A few common questions
- Will the rope fade? The cord is UV-stable and colourfast, so any change over many years is gradual and even — not the rapid fading you'd see with cheaper materials. Keeping it clean helps it stay looking new.
- A strand of rope has come loose. Minor movement can happen as a new set settles. If a strand lifts, snags or frays, get in touch before it spreads — an early fix is an easy one. Don't pull or cut it.
- There's a green film or mildew on the weave. That's surface growth from damp and shade, not damage. Warm soapy water and a soft brush will lift it; rinse and dry fully.
- Can I leave it out all winter? The rope and aluminium frame, yes — covered. Bring cushions indoors, and if your frame is timber it's best brought in too, or kept well covered and dry.
- There are white marks on an aluminium frame or top. Usually hard-water spotting rather than damage. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth will lift most of it; dry well afterwards.
Your furniture is covered by a 3-year warranty. Looking after it as set out here helps keep it within the terms of that guarantee. Damage caused by misuse, pressure washing, harsh chemicals, or storing cushions while damp isn’t covered — so a little routine care protects your cover as well as your furniture.
Need a hand?
If something doesn’t look right, or you’re not sure how to tackle a mark or a repair, please contact your retailer before you reach for anything stronger. They’ll always rather help you get it right first time.