How Do You Clean Metal Patio Furniture?
Cleaning your metal patio furniture is a relatively easy chore that can make a world of difference for your patio furniture. Most metal patio furniture, specifically aluminum and cast aluminum, are two of the most durable patio furniture materials available. Cast iron requires a little more attention but is still relatively easy to clean. With proper care and maintenance, metal patio furniture will last you decades.
Aluminum and cast aluminum patio furniture is the perfect choice for various climates. Cast aluminum never rusts, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow. Sitting in water for extended periods of time can cause calcium buildup, but those can be easily fixed!
While also resistant to UV rays, the one downside of cast aluminum is that it’s relatively light. If you’re prone to high winds in your area, it may be worth considering options to help weigh your furniture down. If you want to learn more about aluminum patio furniture, see our aluminum furniture buying guide for tips from Patio Productions experts.
On the other hand, wrought iron patio furniture is more prone to rusting, but its heavy build and elegant design makes it an excellent choice for a traditionally styled patio. Check out some more buying tips from our wrought iron patio furniture buyers guide!
Aluminum Patio Furniture
When it comes to cleaning aluminum patio furniture, you’re in luck, it’s super easy! Follow a few simple steps and you’ll be on your way to having your outdoor furniture looking as good as new in no time.
1. Wipe Down
Give your aluminum/cast aluminum furniture a quick wipe-down with a soft, damp rag. This will help remove the excess dirt and grime that is just barely there.
2. Soap and Water
Next, mix dish soap and water into a bucket. You can go light on the dish soap as most of the gunk should come off easily. A sponge or rag will do just fine.
3. Dry
Now you dry with a soft rag!
It is as easy as that; there’s little to no maintenance when cleaning your aluminum furniture. The only thing to keep in mind is to not use anything super abrasive, such as a wire brush. You don’t want to scratch up your finish.
Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
The process for cleaning wrought iron patio furniture is very similar. You’ll want to wipe off any excess gunk, mix together soap and water, and then scrub with a soft sponge or rag - making sure not to scratch the wrought iron.
Wrought iron tends to flake and chip, so after cleaning, you might consider looking into some touch-up painting. Here’s a great guide on painting wrought iron furniture that has some helpful information about the process.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cleaning Metal Patio Furniture
With basic care it can last decades. Aluminum and cast aluminum are among the most durable outdoor materials. Wrought iron is sturdy too but needs a bit more attention for rust. Simple, regular cleaning keeps any metal set looking fresh for years.
Wipe, wash with mild soap, then dry. Give surfaces a quick wipe to remove loose grime. Wash with dish soap and water using a sponge or soft rag. Rinse if needed and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive tools that could scratch the finish.
Cast aluminum never rusts. You do not need to worry about rust with cast aluminum. If furniture sits in water for long periods, you may see calcium buildup. Regular drying and routine cleaning help prevent residue and keep the finish bright.
Soap and water, then consider touch up paint. Clean like aluminum using mild soap and a soft sponge. Wrought iron can chip or flake. After cleaning, inspect for worn spots and consider touch up painting to protect against rust and keep it looking sharp.
Skip harsh abrasives and wire brushes. Avoid anything that can scratch or gouge coatings, such as wire brushes or aggressive pads. Stick to soft cloths, sponges, and gentle detergents to preserve paint and powder coated finishes.
Consider ways to add stability. Aluminum is relatively light. In windy zones, plan for strategies to weigh pieces down or shield them from gusts. Smart placement and added ballast help keep your setup secure between uses.
Clean gently and dry promptly. Do a light wipe down regularly. Wash with mild soap when grime builds up, then dry. Spot fix chips on wrought iron and keep aluminum free of standing water. These simple habits preserve appearance season after season.
Overall, metal patio furniture is a great choice for your outdoor space because of the low maintenance involved with taking care of it. You should have no problem keeping it clean; it will last you for years!
