Outdoor Metal Furniture - Cleaning and Maintenance

Outdoor metal furniture has been around for many years. Metal is popular for offering durable all-weather capabilities and unique designs from traditional to contemporary. Each metal has special properties that require slightly different care. Refer to this blog post on patio furniture care for details in the three respective categories: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Iron.

ALUMINUM FRAMES

Tip #1: General cleaning

• Wash furniture with a sponge or soft bristle brush and a solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with water and let dry.

Tip #2: Avoid abrasive cleaners

• Most aluminum metal frames have a special powder coated and baked on finish to withstand the outdoor elements. If abrasive cleaners are used it can take off that protective outer finish.

Tip #3: Use automotive wax, lemon oil, and Soft Scrub®

• Both Tropitone and Winston outdoor furniture companies recommend the use of high grade automotive paste wax to help restore the luster of a glossy finish. It’s not recommended, however, to use this on really textured finishes.
• Telescope Casuals recommends Soft Scrub® to remove scuff marks and scratches. Lemon oil is also an acceptable product to bring back the luster and shine.

STAINLESS STEEL FRAMES

Tip #1: General cleaning

• Wash furniture with soft, clean cloth and a solution of ¼ cup mild liquid soap and gallon of water. Rub with the grain of the metal. Rinse with water and let dry.

Tip #2: Try Scotch-Brite™ pad    

• Gloster manufacturer recommends using a Scotch-Brite™ pad to remove any rust spots. Lightly rub the surface in the direction of the brushed finish.

Tip #3: Don’t let deposits built up

• Best way to keep stainless steel looking bright is to routinely clean so rust spots or dirt won’t build-up. If deposits do build up and do not come off with general cleaning or a Scotch-Brite™ pad, Gloster recommends their Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polisher which restores the new look of stainless steel  and makes the surface repellent to both dirt and water.

IRON FRAMES

Tip #1: General cleaning

• Wash furniture with sponge or soft bristle brush and a solution of mild soap and water. Rinse with water and let dry.

Tip #2: Avoid abrasive cleaners

• Good quality iron metal frames have a special powder coated and baked on finish to withstand the outdoor elements and rust. If abrasive cleaners are used it can take off that protective finish.

Tip #3: Touch-up scratches and chips

• Good quality iron patio furniture has been prepared and finished to prevent and limit rust issues. However, it is still recommended to touch up any spots on the frame that have encountered a scratch or chip, or are showing any rust. This will protect and prolong your finish.
• Touch-up paint and pens in the matching finish color are typically available through your dealer.

Tip # 4: Never leave in standing water

• One of our manufacturers, O.W. Lee, uses glides on the foot of each piece to protect them from sitting in standing water. This helps prevent rust from forming.

METAL FURNITURE - STORAGE

• It is recommended to cover or store your furniture during winter months or long periods of non-use. Telescope Casuals recommends draining furniture of any water if it will be left outside during winter months to avoid ice damage in tubing.
• Covers are available in a variety of sizes including: table and chair sets, individual chairs, sofas, stools, fire pits, occasional tables and more.

**Refer to future blog posts to see more specific cleaning and care suggestions for: woven outdoor furniture.

**Refer to previous blog posts regarding patio furniture care:

• General Cleaning and Maintenance
• Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics: Cleaning and Maintenance
• Natural and Faux Stone: Cleaning and Maintenance
• Teak and Faux Wood: Cleaning and Maintenance