HAY Palissade care

HAY Palissade is designed for long-term outdoor use, but the right care still makes a visible difference. If you want your chair, bench, table or lounge piece to stay clean, comfortable and durable, a simple maintenance routine is usually enough. The exact approach depends mainly on the finish: powder coated steel needs gentle but regular cleaning, while hot galvanised steel is generally more low maintenance.

This HAY Palissade care guide helps you clean the collection correctly, prevent avoidable damage and store your furniture well during colder or wetter periods. You will also find practical advice for cushions, surface marks, seasonal care and everyday use on terraces, balconies and in gardens.

How to care for HAY Palissade in everyday outdoor use

Most HAY Palissade furniture does not need intensive upkeep, but it benefits from consistent basic care. Dirt, moisture, pollen, bird droppings and air pollution can build up over time and make surfaces look dull faster than necessary. Regular cleaning helps preserve both the finish and the overall appearance.

For normal maintenance, wipe the furniture with water and a soft cloth or sponge. If needed, use a mild neutral soap. Always rinse away soap residue and dry the surface afterward, especially in corners, joints and horizontal sections where water may remain longer.

It is also smart to remove stains quickly. Substances such as sunscreen, food grease, drinks, tree sap or bird droppings should not sit on the surface for long, especially in warm sun. The longer they remain, the greater the chance of visible marks.

• Clean lightly but regularly rather than aggressively once in a while
• Use soft materials only
• Rinse after using soap
• Keep surfaces free from standing moisture and heavy dirt build-up

Cleaning powder coated steel Palissade furniture

Many HAY Palissade models are made from powder coated steel. This finish is durable and well suited to outdoor furniture use, but it should still be treated with care to avoid scratches, dullness or premature wear.

To clean powder coated steel, use lukewarm water with a mild neutral detergent. Apply it with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Drying the surface with a soft towel helps prevent water marks and reduces the chance of residue staying behind.

Avoid abrasive pads, strong chemicals, bleach, solvents and acidic or alkaline cleaners. These can damage the coating or affect the colour and texture. Pressure washing is also best avoided unless the manufacturer specifically allows it, because excessive force can stress the finish and force dirt or water into sensitive areas.

If you notice a small scratch or chip, act early. When the coating is damaged, the exposed steel becomes more vulnerable to corrosion over time. Light surface damage should be cleaned carefully and assessed before it worsens. For visible coating damage, a suitable touch-up solution can help limit further deterioration, but colour match and application quality matter.

Cleaning hot galvanised steel Palissade furniture

Some HAY Palissade pieces are available in hot galvanised steel. This finish is often considered close to maintenance free because the galvanisation provides strong corrosion protection. Even so, occasional cleaning is still recommended.

You can usually clean hot galvanised steel with water and a soft cloth, or with a mild neutral cleaner when needed. Rinse well and avoid abrasive products. The goal is not intensive treatment, but removing dirt deposits that may build up through outdoor exposure.

It is normal for galvanised steel to show small visual variations. The surface may evolve over time through weather and use, which is part of the material character rather than a defect.

What to watch out for with HAY Palissade

Good HAY Palissade care is not only about cleaning. A large part of maintenance is preventing common forms of wear that happen during daily use. Outdoor furniture is exposed to movement, moisture, sunlight and temperature changes, so small habits can have a big effect on long-term condition.

Lift furniture instead of dragging it across stone, tile or concrete. Dragging can damage both the feet and the frame, and may also scratch the coating. If you use Palissade in hospitality, public or high-traffic settings, this matters even more because furniture is moved more often.

Remove bird droppings, plant residue, sunscreen and spilled drinks as soon as possible. These are among the most common causes of local staining. Also be careful with hot items, wet planters and objects that trap moisture against the surface for extended periods.

Weathering is normal outdoors. Sun, rain and air pollution can gradually affect how a finish looks. Slight colour change over time is not unusual, especially when one section is covered and another is exposed. That means partial covers or objects left in one place for months can create visual differences.

If your Palissade furniture includes screws or connecting elements, check them from time to time, especially after heavy use or seasonal repositioning. This is particularly relevant for tables or modular setups where repeated use may gradually loosen fixings.

• Do not leave dirt, sap or bird droppings on the surface
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• Do not drag pieces over rough flooring
• Do not leave standing water trapped under covers or accessories
• Do not place very hot or wet objects directly on the furniture without protection

Can you leave HAY Palissade outside all year round?

In many cases, yes. HAY Palissade is made for outdoor use and is intended to withstand changing weather conditions. That said, year-round outdoor use is not the same as no care at all. Long periods of rain, frost, pollution, coastal air or falling leaves can increase the need for cleaning and seasonal attention.

If you leave Palissade outside all year, choose a location with good drainage and airflow. Furniture that stays damp for too long will get dirty faster and may show more surface residue. During winter or periods of non-use, many owners prefer to place the furniture in a dry, ventilated space if possible. This helps reduce unnecessary exposure and keeps spring cleaning easier.

If indoor storage is not possible, use a breathable protective cover rather than wrapping the furniture too tightly. Ventilation matters because trapped condensation can cause more problems than open-air exposure.

Storage tips for winter and long periods of non-use

Proper storage supports the lifespan of your HAY Palissade furniture, especially in colder seasons. The best option is a dry, clean and well-ventilated location such as a garage, covered outdoor area or storage room. Avoid damp spaces where moisture lingers.

Before storage, clean the furniture and let it dry fully. Do not stack or place pieces in a way that creates pressure points, scratches or trapped moisture. If you use covers, choose ones that protect from dirt while still allowing airflow.

For cushions, storage is even more important. Even when fabrics are water repellent or UV resistant, storing them dry and indoors when not in use helps preserve shape, colour and comfort for longer.

How to care for HAY Palissade cushions

Some Palissade seating options can be paired with cushions, including quilted Palissade cushion versions. These are typically designed for outdoor use, but they still last longer when handled carefully.

Brush off loose dirt regularly and clean spots early before they set. If the fabric is water repellent, that helps against light moisture, but it does not mean you should leave cushions wet for extended periods. Let them dry fully after rain and store them indoors during long wet or cold spells.

To keep cushions looking fresh:

• Shake or brush away dust and debris often
• Clean stains as soon as possible with a mild fabric-safe cleaner
• Allow cushions to dry completely before storage
• Store indoors when not in use for longer periods
• Avoid leaving them in pooled water or constant damp shade

Quick care checklist for HAY Palissade

• Wipe down regularly with water and a soft cloth
• Use mild neutral soap only when needed
• Rinse and dry after cleaning
• Remove bird droppings, sunscreen and spills quickly
• Use gentle care for powder coated steel
• Clean hot galvanised steel occasionally to remove deposits
• Lift furniture instead of dragging it
• Store dry and ventilated during winter if possible
• Keep cushions clean, dry and preferably stored indoors when unused

Frequently asked questions about HAY Palissade care

How do you clean HAY Palissade?

Clean HAY Palissade with water and a soft cloth or sponge. If extra cleaning power is needed, use a mild neutral soap. Rinse well and dry the furniture afterward. Avoid abrasive products and aggressive chemical cleaners.

How often should you clean HAY Palissade outdoor furniture?

For most outdoor settings, a light clean every few weeks is enough, with faster spot cleaning when spills or dirt occur. In coastal, urban or heavily exposed environments, more frequent cleaning is recommended.

Does HAY Palissade need oiling?

No. HAY Palissade is a steel outdoor furniture collection, so it does not require oiling like some wooden garden furniture does. The right care depends on the steel finish, such as powder coated or hot galvanised steel.

Is HAY Palissade stackable?

Some Palissade seating models are stackable, but this depends on the specific product. Always check the product details for your exact chair or stool before stacking, and do so carefully to avoid surface damage.

Can HAY Palissade stay outside in winter?

Yes, Palissade is made for outdoor use, but winter care still helps. If possible, store it in a dry, ventilated place during long periods of non-use. If it remains outdoors, keep it clean and use a breathable cover if needed.

What should you avoid when maintaining powder coated steel?

Avoid scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, bleach, solvents and harsh acidic or alkaline products. These can damage the coating and reduce the protective quality of the finish.

Is hot galvanised steel really maintenance free?

It is often described as maintenance free because it has excellent corrosion resistance, but occasional cleaning is still wise. Removing dirt and deposits helps keep the furniture in better visual condition over time. You can also explore more general maintenance tips for long-term upkeep.