A few questions and answers
SHIPPING
DO YOU SHIP TO ME?
We ship everywhere! Costs vary though depending on where you are and how many swings you are buying. For standard swings/swing+accessories;
New Zealand: Free
Australia: 20 NZD
USA: 50 NZD
Europe: 80 NZD
Middle East: 95 NZD
Rest of World: 50 NZD
For heavier parcels like multiple swings see shipping at checkout or contact us.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY SWING TO ARRIVE?
We try to ship same or next day but how long it takes depends on where in the world you are. Within New Zealand and Australia it should be within a week - COVID has made shipping a bit unpredictable so if you are ordering for a birthday plan further ahead than this! For USA and mainland Europe allow for 10 days. All parcels are tracked and we ship from New Zealand or The Netherlands.
HANGING YOUR SWINGS
WHERE CAN I HANG A SWING?
There are many choices for hanging your swing either indoors or outdoors. You will need to be sure that the point of hanging is strong enough for the weight to be used in the swing and there is enough space around the swing for it to operate safely. With the appropriate hardware your swing may be hung from timber, concrete or a tree. Popular choices are inside from the ceiling, verandas, pergolas, trees and existing swing frames. Having a swing in your living room is always great for family entertainment.
HOW CAN I HANG MY SWING FROM A TREE?
It is important to make sure that the branch you would like to hang the swing from is strong enough to take the weight of the person and the force of swinging. The branch needs to be horizontal to the ground so the swing will swing straight. Solvej Tree Hangers make it easy to hang your swing. Always check the hanging height to ground to make sure the ropes are long enough for the position. Contact us if you require help with this.
WHERE CAN I HANG MY SWING INSIDE?
Inside you will need to hang it from a strong structural point. This could be a beam, rafter or door frame.
The safest way is to use two stainless steel screw-eyes. We provide stainless screw-eyes suitable for wood with the Baby-Toddler Swings and stainless steel carbine clips. Other models of the swings come with stainless steel carbine clips.
If you are screwing into concrete you will need specialised screw-eyes suitable for concrete, found in hardwood stores.
For specific installation instructions see your swing instructions.
WHAT'S THE LOWEST I CAN HANG MY BABY TODDLER SWING FROM?
The Baby-Toddler swing can be hung from as low as 2.2 m/7'3". It can be hung from as high as 2.8m/9'2" when in baby-mode and 2.4m/7'10" when in toddler mode. If you purchase your swing direct from us we can custom-make shorter or longer top ropes to suit your needs. You would need to email us for a custom order. These measurements take into account swing standards that require the bottom of the swing to be be a minimum of 600mm (24 inches) from the ground for children under 3 years old.
TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR SWING TO SWING STRAIGHT
1. Always hang your swing from two points.
2. Make sure if you drew a line between the two points they are perpendicular to the ground.*
3. Have the two points slightly wider than the swing. With our standard length ropes we recommend 500mm apart. For longer ropes make it wider.
4. Keep the ropes the same length.*
* if you're hanging from a tree branch this isn't always possible. If the rope lengths are different or the hanging points aren't in line it will just mean your swing will swing in an arc instead of inline.
HELP! MY SWING SQUEAKS
There shouldn't be any sounds other the laughter when your swing is moving.
If there is a squeaking noise it is likely because your screw-eyes in sideways.
When you stand in front of the swing you should be able to see straight through the "eyes" of both screw-eyes. You can see in the photos below.
The other possible reason is your screw eyes or attachments are not both the same metal. The hardware that comes with your swing are stainless-steel. All rubbing attachments should be the same metal so one doesn't wear the other out.
It's always good to check your attachments regularly.
CLEANING
HOW CAN I CLEAN MY CANVAS SWING?
CANVAS
Our canvas is easy to clean. Spot wash by brushing with a solution of natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and air dry.
Especially in places with high pollen brush regularly to remove dust and other solid particles from canvas.
For stubborn stains or suntan lotion, use fabric spot remover according to the remover instructions.
Solution-dyed acrylic does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew stains, prepare a mild solution of 1 cup bleach and 2 capfuls of natural soap per gallon of water. Spray on entire area and allow the solution to soak in. If necessary, scrub vigorously with a sponge or clean rag. Sponge thoroughly with clean water and air dry.
For advice on specific stains go to www.sunbrella.com and under outdoor fabric search for cleaning instructions.
WOOD
Timber naturally goes grey if left outdoors. If you'd like to slow down the greying in the weather treat the wood with natural beeswax or oil often with any suitable non-toxic oil. Oil takes longer to be absorbed in and remember to pull back the fabric when doing so.
If you are not using your swing for long periods of time we recommend taking it inside to keep it looking great.
Our full swing instructions including maintenance and cleaning can be found here.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY LAMBSKIN LINER?
Minor soiling can be sponged off with a damp cloth.
Machine wash on wool /gentle cycle or hand wash in warm water. Use mild liquid detergent only, no bleach or enzymes at a Maximum temperature of 40C/104F. Spin on a gentle cycle to remove excess water.
Do not tumble dry. Do not iron
Stretch the rug to shape while drying. Dry away from sunlight and direct heat.
Regular brushing will help to maintain the soft fluffy appearance of the sheepskin.
HOW CAN I CLEAN MY WOOLLEN SWING, BIB OR BUNTING?
Brush off any loose dirt with a soft brush. Spot clean dirt and spills using a mild natural soap solution in luke warm water (no more than 38 0 C, 100 0 F). Rinse with a damp cloth after wards. Allow to air dry.This fabric should be cleaned regularly to remove excessive dirt. Remember that wool is for indoor use only.
OTHER
CAN I REALLY LEAVE MY SWING OUTSIDE?
We really do mean outdoor swing! You can leave your swing outside in all weather, all year round and our guarantee will still stand. Wood will naturally grey over time outdoors, if you'd like to keep it coloured oil the bars and beads occasionally. Maintenance & cleaning instructions are on your swing instructions and on your swing tag.
This applies to all the canvas or wooden swings we have. The woollen ones are for indoors only.
HOW BIG IS THE BABY-TODDLER SEAT?
The seat is 26cm x 26cm/10.5 x10.5 inches and the sides are 26cm/10.5 inches high. Front and back 28cm/11 inches high.
HOW DO I CONVERT FROM BABY TO TODDLER MODE?
You simply un-dome the leg divider, fold it underneath the swing and re-dome it through the strap of fabric there. Then lower you swing using the slides to where it's low enough that your toddler can climb in and out themselves. They do this by lifting the bar up, climbing in, then lowering the bar back down in front of them.
