FURNITURE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
TEAK
Teak (Tectona grandis) is a deciduous hardwood that is renowned for its elegance and durability, as well as long life under severe climactic conditions; it is almost impervious to sun, rain, snow, and frost. It is an extremely dense wood and rich in natural oils, causing teak furniture to be naturally water and insect repellent. One of the most unique things about this wood is that it will naturally weather to a beautiful silvery patina with exposure to the elements. This is a very desirable finish to some; however, it can be returned to its original honey blonde color with sanding. Teak furniture will last a lifetime if a simple maintenance schedule is followed.
NATURAL TEAK
This finish is standard, and is the natural state of the teak wood once sanded. It will not require any special maintenance other than cleaning, which we recommend doing twice per year to remove any dirt or buildup. It can be cleaned with a solution of mild detergent and water, using a non-abrasive brush to scrub the surface. Rinse well and dry in the sun. This finish will eventually weather to the silvery patina, but can be restored by sanding with fine grain sandpaper (320 grit). Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe dust from the wood with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
TEAK OIL STAINS
New teak will undergo a weathering process where the natural oils surface on the furniture. This is natural and cannot be prevented, but often causes staining on cushions. Stains can be removed by cleaning with a mild detergent and warm water.
WEATHERED TEAK FINISHES
This finish is available for those who wish to enjoy the silvery grey patina of weathered teak right away, without waiting for time and the elements to do their work. Maintenance is the same as for the Natural Teak finish.
OILED TEAK FINISHES
This finish will look significantly darker than the natural teak finish. However, it will naturally weather if the oil or stain is not reapplied. Depending on exposure to sun and rain, maintaining this finish may require reapplication as often as every 6 months.
POWDER COATED FINISHES
Powder-Coating metal components provides a strong, weather resistant covering that will protect metal from the elements. This finish should be cleaned with water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Do not drag the furniture; this can scratch off the coating and cause the metal beneath the finish to be exposed, which will allow it to rust or discolor over time. If chips or scratches occur, contact your Link showroom for instructions on how to repair. Damage due to misuse (chips or scratches) is not covered under warranty.
POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL
Polished Stainless Steel can be buffed clean with a dry, soft cotton cloth. For more intensive cleaning and maintenance we recommend using a stainless steel cleaner such as Flitz or Simichrome, as applicable. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use, and avoid getting cleaner on any teak wood, as it might cause discoloration.
GLASS
The surface of the glass can be cleaned regularly with a soft cotton cloth and glass cleaner. Frequent handling and cleaning of the underneath surface of back painted glass is not recommended as this may causes scratches, discoloration and damage to the finish. Damage due to misuse (chips or scratches) is not covered under warranty
MARBLE
Marble is a natural material, markings and color will vary from piece to piece. Marble is considered a porous stone that is sensitive to liquids penetrating and etching the surface. Many common foods, drinks and acidic liquids may stain or dull the surface if left untreated. LINK recommends using mats or pads under objects that may scratch or damage the surface. All stone is delivered pre sealed as a barrier between dirt and moisture but it is not stain resistant or impenetrable. Most airborne dust and dirt can easily be removed from stone table tops with plain water. You should occasionally rinse off your table top to prevent debris from settling in and leaving stains or discolorations. After rinsing, you can also use a mild detergent mixed with water and scrub the table top with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film or cause streaks. Rinse the surface thoroughly after each cleaning and dry with a soft cloth to prevent moisture penetration. Spills should always be cleaned up as quickly as possible, as over time they may begin to penetrate the sealant. Marble is porous, and moisture should always be removed as fast a possible. In freezing conditions, penetrated moisture could possibly crack the stone. LINK recommends stone to be used in a dry stable climates and or to be covered with outdoor furniture covers when not in use. For optimum protection, tops should be resealed every 6 to 12 months after it has been thoroughly cleaned of dirt and debris. LINK recommends that stained or soiled stone be professionally cleaned by a stone cleaner or a refinisher from time to time.
CAST CONCRETE
Link’s Cast Concrete furniture is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). GFRC furniture is made by hand with a unique artisanal process that emphasizes the value of quality and craftsmanship. Each piece is made from a engineered concrete mix that is applied by hand to molds. Markings and color may vary from piece to piece, as each item is made by hand. Link takes every effort to perfect each order before shipping but variance is a natural characteristic to be expected with cast concrete. GFRC is considered a porous material and can be easily stained if spills are left untreated. Link’s cast concrete furniture ships with a protective sealer that helps prevent stains from penetrating deep into the porous surface, but it is not stain resistant or impenetrable. It is important to clean up spills as quickly as possible or spills will become stubborn stains leaving traces. For regular cleaning, use a soft cloth dampened with plain water to remove dust and dirt. A mild soap solution may be used if necessary, but too much soap may leave a film or cause streaks. Rinse the surface thoroughly with plain water after each cleaning, and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasives, harsh solvents or industrial cleans, as they will damage the surface, sealer and finish.
OUTDOOR PORCELAIN
Link’s Outdoor Porcelain table tops are engineered to be resistant to fading, scratching, and staining. To clean, wash and rinse with soap and water with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove dirt from the surface, then dry with a separate, clean cloth. It's important to clean spills immediately. Using waxes, sealers, or other treatments is unnecessary and may even harm the table top's appearance. Some commercially available treatments contain wax or polish additives that can leave an oily film on the surface after several applications, affecting cleanliness and appearance. Avoid using abrasives or scouring pads, as they can damage the surface. If you have difficulty removing a blemish on engineered stone, please contact Link Outdoor Customer Service for assistance.
WOVEN CORD
Link's Outdoor Woven Cord is made of weather-resistant high-density polyethylene fiber. It will not fade or crack even under extreme conditions. There's no need for special cleaning solutions; clean regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly.
FABRIC CARE AND MAINTENANCE
FABRIC CLEANING
Link Outdoor fabrics should be cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt or particles on the fabric; although solution-dyed acrylic does not promote mildew growth, mildew may grow on foreign substances on the surface of the fabric. Most stains can be cleaned with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. Apply with a spray bottle and sponge briskly, then rinse thoroughly to remove soap and let air dry. Diluted chlorine bleach may also be used in stain removal—we recommend a solution of one part bleach to two parts water. Rinse thoroughly.
VELVET
Link Outdoor Luxury Performance Velvets are 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With these simple tips along with proper care and maintenance the fabrics will hold their beauty for years to come.
To prevent damage to the pile, velvet fabric should never be stored vertically, as the weight of the fabric may sag and press on the lower end of the bolt, potentially causing it to wrinkle. Bolts should always be stored horizontally and suspended whenever possible. We take every measure possible to protect velvet, some wrinkling may occur in transit and is not considered a defect. In the case of wrinkled velvet, steam can be applied to the back of the fabric. The steam head should be held 1”-2” away from the fabric. Heat should not be applied directly to the face.
As with all shipments it is the receiver’s responsibility to inspect the fabric and ensure proper storage. No claims will be accepted 30 days after shipping.
Regularly remove any loose dirt from the surface of the fabric using a brush or vacuum, following the direction of the pile. Spills should be wiped up immediately, blotting liquid from the fabric surface and using a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining stain. Rinse with clean water and let fabric air dry. As a final step, velvet can be combed with a soft bristle brush in the direction of the pile.
Please contact your Link Representative prior to dry-cleaning velvet to ensure all proper steps are taken.
OUTDOOR CUSHIONS
Our cushions are constructed with soft density EZ-Dri poly foam with a Dacron® wrap, and are appropriate for use outdoors. They are designed for water to flow through the cushion for quick drying, and will not mildew; however, mildew can grow on dirt and organic residue that may be on the fabric if not cleaned regularly. When cleaning, we recommend leaving the Furniture covers on the cushions; repeated removal of the covers may eventually cause damage to seams. To clean premium outdoor fabrics, a mild cleaner can be used (but please follow manufacturer guidelines). Sponge with cleaner and rinse with warm water.
TRIM CARE AND MAINTENANCE
TRIM CLEANING
Link Outdoor trims should be cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt or particles on the fabric; although solution-dyed acrylic does not promote mildew growth, mildew may grow on foreign substances on the surface. Most stains can be cleaned with a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. Apply with a spray bottle and sponge briskly, then rinse thoroughly to remove soap and let air dry. Diluted chlorine bleach may also be used in stain removal—we recommend a solution of one part bleach to two parts water. Rinse thoroughly.
RUGS CARE AND MAINTENANCE
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
All Link Luxury Performance Rugs are woven from 100% Sunbrella® Solution Dyed Acrylic yarns.
Rugs should be cleaned and swept or vacuumed weekly to avoid accumulation of dirt or particles within the pile. Although solution dyed acrylic does not promote mildew growth, mildew may grow on foreign substances on the surface of the fibers. Rugs should not be left outdoors, especially during wet weather conditions as this can promote mildew growth.
Bag-less vacuums are not recommended as they can cause damage to the binding of the rug. If your vacuum has a beater bar, it should be set to the highest raised setting or turned off to avoid any damage to the pile.
Dry spills and stains should be vacuumed first to remove all particles caught between fibers in the pile. Most stains can be cleaned with a mild soap and warm water solution. Apply with a spray bottle and sponge briskly, then rinse to remove soap and air dry. Diluted chlorine bleach may also be used in stain removal-we recommend a solution of one part bleach to two parts water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Professional cleaning is recommended if spills cannot be cleaned with household products.
Solution Dyed Acrylic is a short fiber spun into a long staple length for handmade rug production. It is not uncommon for the rug to “shed” any loose fibers after installation and for the first few months of use. This is not a fault and will occur as the pile blooms and the rug settles into the space from weaving, finishing and rolled transit. Regular vacuuming is recommended to allow the fibers to release and the pile to open.
The appearance of a pile rug is similar to that of a silk velvet, therefore there will be significant directionality within the rug’s color and sheen.
Be sure to take this into account when placing rugs in a room or vacuuming. The yarns used in Link rugs are the same as those in the fabric collection, however the density of the pile when viewed from above can appear 10-20% more saturated than when woven into fabric form. Likewise, the pile height creates the optical sensation of color saturation, therefore the higher the pile, the darker the color will appear.
CRUSHING, CREASING & WRINKLING
Keep rug flat to avoid wrinkling or creasing. Use a rug pad to keep rug secure in place on wooden or stone floors. Crushing from furniture or footprints can be removed by vacuuming or manipulating the pile by hand or placing a thin, wet cotton cloth on the surface of the fibers and using an iron to remove the indention.
LIGHTING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
To maintain the finish quality of your LINK lighting, please follow the cleaning procedures provided below. The instructions for the care and maintenance are provided to you as a service. No warranty is implied since results may vary. LINK Lighting should be cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt and dust. Wipe surface with a dry soft cotton cloth. For stubborn fingerprints rub surface with a lightly dampened soft cotton cloth, and wipe immediately with a dry soft cotton cloth. Excessive heat, humidity and extreme temperatures can be damaging to teak and create cracks, alter the color of leathers and harm the internal electrical components. Do not place the product in direct sunlight, near radiators or air conditioning vents, humidifiers, fireplaces, etc.
METAL FINISH
LINK Lighting Metal Finishes are durable and requires very little maintenance. It is recommended only to wipe surface with a dry soft cotton cloth but in case more severe cleaning is necessary, a soft cotton cloth wrung in lukewarm water can be carefully applied. Gently rub in the direction of the patina and always dry immediately after cleaning with a soft cotton cloth. Never use abrasive cleaning agents or aggressive cleaning detergents with alcohols or solvents on metal surfaces as this may permanently scratch or damage the surface and finish.
GLASS
All glass in the LINK lighting collection is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, which ensures that each item is unique and has its own character. Examples of characteristics of handcrafted glass are minor air bubbles and variations in form and thickness. Since the process is performed by hand, slight deviations in color may occur from item to item.
Daily cleaning of glass is best done using a soft cotton cloth. If more severe cleaning is necessary, it is recommended to use a soft cotton cloth in combination with a standard glass cleaning detergent and dry off with a soft cotton cloth afterwards. Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents on glass as this could damage the surface. Apply glass cleaner to a soft cotton cloth rather than directly on to the fixture to avoid overspray that may damage other finishes. Glass and crystal can be cleaned by wiping with a damp soft cotton cloth or glass cleaner with no additives.
LEATHER
Leather is a soft, porous material that is sometimes uncoated and can easily absorb liquids and oily substances. As a natural material, leather requires maintenance and care. If you care for the leather in the right way, it will become even more beautiful over time. Like most natural materials, it does need some care and looking after to ensure its long-lasting appeal year after year, generation after generation.
Avoid saturating the leather with lotion or water for periods of time. Protect and maintain leathers by keeping them away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and sharp objects. Leather is a natural, "living" material that breathes and move as they wear. Do not use any cleaning agents on leather; they will ruin the finish, causing it to become sticky and possibly crack. Most stains can be removed with wiping the leather with lukewarm water and an extra soft cotton cloth and always dry immediately after cleaning with an extra soft cotton cloth.
TEAK
Teak is a vigorous hardwood that is renowned for its elegance and durability. Teak is a natural, "living" material that can have color changing deviations in Natural, Oiled or Weathered finishes depending on exposure to sun, heat, and moisture. Maintain teak finishes by not placing the product in direct sunlight, near heaters and air conditioning units to prevent over-drying or exposure to excessive moisture. Avoid extreme humidity changes, as extremely dry air which can cause wood to crack but usually does not indicate structural damage.
Clean teak by using a dry or slightly damp soft cotton cloth. Do not use commercial, heavy-duty polishes or waxes, as they can yellow light finishes. We recommend that stained or soiled teak be professionally cleaned.