Houe

Houe produces indoor and outdoor furniture that are made to last. With the right amount of care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your designer furniture. Please note that Houe’s product warranty is only valid when the proper care and maintenance have been adhered to as per the instruction guide.

You may find the care & maintenance instructions for the following materials/surfaces below:

1. Bamboo

2. Metal

3. Wood

4. Textile

5. Leather

6. Granite

7. Linoleum

8. Laminate

Care Information for Bamboo Surfaces 

Bamboo is a natural material that needs extra care to preserve its rich and beautiful surface. Though naturally hard, bamboo can also become porous left to dry out. Bamboo will eventually fade with sunlight and weathers, but with proper maintenance, oil and cleaning, your bamboo furniture can last you for many years.

General Care & Maintenance

• Avoid covering your bamboo furniture to allow breathing and to prevent moulding and fungi growth.
• Oil your bamboo furniture with the appropriate oil for outdoor furniture. Oil with moderation. You may oil the furniture as soon as you start using them, and for 3-4 times a year.

Removing fungi & repair of damaged surfaces

• Wet the bamboo surface, and scrub with a stiff brush to remove grime and fungi. You may add a small amount of soap, if necessary. Let the surface dry completely.
• Use a power sander to sand the bamboo. Begin with a medium-coarse sandpaper and sand till the desired removal is achieved, followed by a fine sandpaper to finish the surface. Ensure sanding is done evenly on the entire surface and in the direction of the grain.
• Seal the surface with oil. Follow the instruction label on your oil-treatment product, and with the amount necessary.
• Let the oil dry completely before using the furniture again.

General Care & Maintenance for Steel and Aluminium Surfaces

Steels and aluminiums used for Houe’s products have been protected with a hard surface of decorative powder-coat that ensures durability and good resistance to corrosion.

• Clean your furniture regularly with a cloth and lukewarm water. For extra cleaning, an auto shampoo can be used, by following the instruction label on the product.
• Should the metal surface gets scratched/damaged, the metal will begin to rust. A repair lacquer can be used, after removing loose paint and rust. Shake well before use, and apply thin even layers. A second layer can be done 24 hours later, if necessary.
• Place your furniture in a dry area to protect it from the elements. Avoid placing your furniture in places with high humidity or chlorine-proneness.
• Avoid covering your furniture to allow breathability and prevent accumulation of condensation.
• Avoid using harsh detergents or solvents.

Wood is a natural material and any grain differences, or notches should be considered as characteristics of the tree, and not a defect.

General Care & Maintenance for Oil-treated Wood

• Clean your wood furniture regularly with a cloth and lukewarm water.
• Let the wood furniture dry completely.
• If the surface is scratched, use a sanding paper with a grit of 220 and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Remove any dust with a dry cloth.
• Use a neutral oil for indoor use. Always carefully read the instructions on the product. Distribute the oil in an even, thin layer with a cloth and rub in the direction of the wood grain.
• Remove any excess with a dry cloth after 2-3 minutes.

General Care & Maintenance for Thermo Ash

Thermo Ash is a wood thermally treated at a high temperature, using steam to prevent splitting and cracking. Over time, Thermo Ash develops an evenly grey patina under the effects of wind and weather.

General Care & Maintenance

• To regain the warm brown colour of the Thermo Ash, sand the surface and use an oil-treatment suitable for wooden outdoor furniture.
• You may perform the oil-treatment 3-4 times a year.

Do refer to the right fabric care instructions instructions for your fabrics and upholstery of your Houe Furniture.

General Care & Maintenance for Gabriel Polyester Fabric

General Care & Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning – Vacuum with a soft mouthpiece, at least once a week.
• Spot Removal – Spots can be removed with lukewarm water, or pH-neutral dishwashing detergent. Avoid soaking and rubbing too roughly. Always use a clean white cottoncloth and small amounts of detergents at a time.
• Absorb any spills immediately and as much as possible with a plain white kitchen paper towel or cloth.
• Once dry, remove as much as possible with a vacuum. Rub gently with a clean white cloth.
• Press a dry tea towel or a plain kitchen roll against the affected area each time the cleaning solutions are added to avoid absorption into your fabrics.
• Use pure water without soap for final washing.
• For stain removal, please refer here.

General Care & Maintenance for Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric

General Care & Maintenance

• Brush off any dirt immediately.
• Wipe up any spills and clean immediately. Do so by blotting with a clean dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.

Thorough Cleaning

• Spill Removal – Blot with a clean dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge. Spray a mild cleaning solution mixed with water. Rinse fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Let it air dry completely.
• Hand Washing – Soak Fabric in a solution of ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to lightly rub the stain. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and let it air dry completely.
• Machine Washing – Some casings are removable for machine washing. Please refer to the furniture cleaning labels or consult the manufacturer before proceeding. To wash, close up all zippers and wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. For severe mouldings and mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Let it air dry completely.
• Mould/Mildew Removal – Mix 1 cup of bleach and ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of water to create a solution. Spray the solution on the entire surface and allow it to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes. Clean the entire surface with a sponge, clean towel or a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and leave it to air dry completely.

Buffalo (Aniline) & Camo (Semi-Aniline) Leather are used in Houe’s products, and are natural materials that comes with natural markings that reflects the animal’s life events. Differences are common and should be expected as every animal is different. Patinas will develop differently that enriches the appearance of your furniture.

General Care & Maintenance for Buffalo Leather

• Avoid placing your leather furniture in direct sunlight or heat source.
• With spills, dab off immediately with a dry cloth.
• For dust removal, use a vacuum with a soft brush mouthpiece. Cloth dipped with a mild soap solution may also be used to remove dirt and grime.
• Avoid using any harsh detergents or solvents.

General Care & Maintenance for Camo Leather

• Avoid placing your leather furniture in direct sunlight or heat source.
• With spills, dab off immediately with a dry cloth.
• For dust removal, use a vacuum with a soft brush mouthpiece. Cloth dipped with a mild soap solution may also be used to remove dirt and grime.
• You may use a leather protection cream to enhance protection against staining and scratching. This however may alter the colour of the leather. Always carefully read and follow the instructions on the product label, and test on the most invisible part of your furniture first.
• Avoid using any harsh detergents or solvents.

Granite is a natural stone that will have its unique characteristics. You can expect a different appearance as every physical trait is unique to the stone slab.

General Care & Maintenance for Granite Surfaces

• Avoid placing granite in a place where it will be exposed during winter time. Low temperatures will increase the risk of cracks and damages.
• Since granite will fade in the sunlight over time, use a suitable oil-treatment to refresh the colour.
• Avoid using any harsh detergents or solvents.

Linoleum is made of linseed oil, wood dust, minerals and plant fibres which results in a nice smooth texture.

General Care & Maintenance for Linoleum Surfaces

• Clean regularly with a cloth and lukewarm water.
• Stain should be removed immediately with a mild solution of water and soap.
• For scratch removal or freshening, you may use a soap specifically made for Linoleum. This provides an extra protection and restores Linoleum’s rich and deep colour.
• Avoid using any harsh detergents or solvents.

Soap-Treatment

• Wash the surface with a cloth and lukewarm water.
• Pour a decent amount of linoleum soap. Using a cotton cloth, spread the linoleum soap evenly onto the surface and rub in circular motions.
• Remove any excess soap using a dry cotton cloth and rubbing gently in circular motions.

General Care & Maintenance for Laminate Surfaces

Laminate is a plastic material that requires little to no maintenance, other than the easy cleaning with a wet cloth.

Regular Cleaning

Wipe the surface with a wet cloth. You may add a little dish soap to the water. Avoid using any harsh detergents or solvents.