Cleaning and treating
“Wood furniture needs treatment with oil and water-proofing at least yearly for maintenance. For pieces made of synthetic materials, cleaning with a cloth dipped in water generally does the job.”
Removing stains
“Stains and spills can threaten to ruin your beautiful outdoor furniture. The good news is that there are a few ways to get rid of them. One good option is to use a mild detergent and water, with a dry cloth, and gently scrub the discolouration away.”
Removing mould from rattan furniture
“For cleaning rattan in general, you’ll need a soft brush. As for the mildew that normally occurs in this style of furniture, use a mix of water with white vinegar, and allow it to sit on the mildew for a while, then use a clean damp cloth to remove the excess vinegar. This will kill off the mildew and prevent any build-up.”
Caring for outdoor accessories
“Many people worry about the cushions or pillows that come with their outdoor furniture. The good news is that proper outdoor cushions are designed not to hold water, making them less likely to develop mould. And outdoor cushion covers are designed to be water resistant, making them less susceptible to stains.”
Now that you have a better idea of the simple maintenance needed to keep your outdoor furniture looking the best, you can get to the fun part: deciding on the pieces and materials you want to buy for your home! For ideas, head down to the Konopi store in the Shaw Centre (open 11am to 8pm daily) or look at the range online at konopi.com.sg. #03-30 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road 6410 9678 | info@konopi.com.sg konopi.com.sg
What’s the name of your street?
Jalan Rumia.
If it’s in another language, what does it mean?
Great question! “Jalan” means road and “Rumia” is a type of tree that apparently produces a sweet to sour fruit that has a faint smell of turpentine.
What’s a common myth or misconception about your neighbourhood?
That it is filled with expats. There are many, but our neighbours on both sides are Singaporean so there is a nice mix.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home?
“Jalan RU-M-I-A not Rumbia” (otherwise, you may end up on the other side of town…).
Closest MRT station?
Holland Village (yellow Circle Line).
How long have you lived here?
We’ve lived in Chip Bee Gardens for three years out of the nearly seven years we’ve been in Singapore. Prior to this, we lived in Bugis in a remodelled shophouse, but it was quite noisy. Thankfully, I convinced Jerome to move to Holland Village before COVID and we love it! It’s so nice having an upstairs. Feels like home.
Before Singapore, we lived in China for six years, and while it was a fun adventure, my lungs needed a break. I wrapped up a terrible job in relocation (not my calling!) and I was willing to go almost anywhere in the world. Luckily, Jerome and his business partner were able to move their biotech company, Hummingbird Bioscience, to Singapore.