Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs >> Category: Use and Care

How do I care for my wrought iron furniture?

How do I care for my cushions and umbrellas?

Where do I purchase replacement cushions?

Who do I contact to receive additional instruction sheets on how to assemble my wrought iron furniture?

How do I care for my wrought iron furniture?

The frames should be washed with an automotive type soap and thoroughly rinsed. It is recommended that at least twice a year, you wax your frames with an automotive type wash/wax, or more specifically, where both the wash and wax are contained within the same bottle. Please follow the directions on the back of the bottle provided by the manufacturer. The frames should be rinsed again thoroughly to remove any residue. It is strongly recommended that before waxing the frames, the frames should be inspected for chips in the finish, which may occur under normal usage. Any chips or scratches can be easily repaired by following the instructions on the back of a can of touch-up paint. Simple maintenance will insure a lifetime of problem-free usage.

How do I care for my cushions and umbrellas?

CUSHIONS: Most fabrics may be cleaned with warm soapy water. All fabrics must be cleaned with Ivory Liquid or Joy (two caps per gallon of water). All woven, non-printed fabrics, can be cleaned with a mild solution of onehalf cup of Bleach and one cup of laundry detergent per gallon of water. You cannot use bleach on any printed fabric. It is imperative that the fabrics be rinsed thoroughly after use of bleach. Hose frequently to avoid dirt buildup. Allow to air dry. You should clip, not pull, any loose threads from the cushion.

UMBRELLAS: Occasional waxing of middle and top pole of umbrella (with car wax) will prolong the life of the umbrella pole, and will make it easier to crank. Allow umbrellas to air dry before closing. Do not leave umbrella open at any time you are not physically enjoying the benefits of the umbrella.

How do I care for my table tops?

TILE TOPS: Clean tile with mild soap and rinse well with water.

COPPER TOPS: To properly maintain your copper table top please use the following steps:
Clean the top regularly with a soft cloth and water. Do not use anything abrasive.
If you need to remove water stains or natural oxidation you can use a soft cloth and car wax or Tarn-X Tarnish remover. Apply the wax or tarnish remover and rub it in a circular motion until the stain has disappeared. Remove the remaining wax by buffing the surface with a clean soft cloth.
Because we are dealing with a copper surface table top, it is possible that after several weeks outdoors, the top may turn a darker tone. If this should occur, the color can easily be brightened with Tarn-X tarnish remover, the more you use the tarnish remover, the brighter the top will get.
Do not use electric or automatic polishing equipment to perform this maintenance. Remember that your top has been manufactured with layers of copper bonded onto a composite base and you must use care to insure that you do not damage the copper surface.

SLATE TOPS: Because one property of slate is the low water absorption, it is naturally resistant to stains and will not fade or discolor when exposed to sunlight. Keeping slate looking beautiful is easy!
Since this top is sealed, it requires only regular wiping with water or occassionally with mild soapy water. Do not use vinegar, cleaners that contain acid, abrasive cleaners, or furniture polish. If a stain does occur, it can be easily removed with fine (0) steel wool or fine (120/240 grit) sand paper. The affected surface then needs to be treated with a stone sealer for further protection.
Additionally, a reapplication yearly of a stone sealer is suggested. Stone sealer is available in any hardware or building supply store. For best long-term maintenance, store the top in a dry location during the off season and do not rest it on its side.

MARBLE TOPS: Marble is a beautiful, yet functional material that Mother Nature provides to us and can be used outside. No two pieces of marble are exactly alike. Each piece has its own unique character, featuring varying differences in the veining of marble. The veining in marble can sometimes appear to be slight cracks deep within the marble. These veins can and will allow dirt or bacteria to build up which will cause the surface to appear that it is cracking or discolored. This is not a defect of the marble top; therefore warranty claims will not be approved.
With proper care and maintenance, these tops will hold up under normal use in residential applications. These tops require proper care in maintaining a beautiful and long-lasting appearance. A regular maintenance schedule will prolong the natural beauty and appearance of the marble. There are a variety of products available to CLEAN, protect, and seal marble, through your local marble or stone retailer. For products that can be purchased on line, we recommend Stone Care International (www.stonecare.com). Their phone number is 1-800-839-1654. For the best long term maintenance, when not in use please store in a dry location.

We recommend the following for routine care:
Blot up spills immediately.
Clean with a damp cloth and gentle soap regularly.
Keep covered when outdoors and not in use.
Avoid leaving heavy objects on the surface for a prolonged period of time.
Do not use vinegar, cleaners that contain acid, abrasive cleaners or furniture polish.
Clean thoroughly with a stone cleaner and reapply a stone sealer every 6 months.

Where do I purchase replacement cushions?

Meadowcraft manufactures a variety of cushions to fit wrought iron, resin and teak furniture. See your Meadowcraft dealer for cushion styles and pricing. Dealers in your area are listed on this site.

Who do I contact to receive additional instruction sheets on how to assemble my wrought iron furniture?

While most of our furniture, such as chairs and chaises, are ready for use right out of the box, there are some products which do require minimal assembly. Your furniture should come with an instruction sheet with information concerning the assembly of your particular product. If, for some reason, you do not receive the proper instruction sheet, please contact our customer service line at 205-715-4322.

INSTRUCTION SHEETS

How do I order replacement parts?

Order replacement parts here.