There is not a better addition to a garden than a beautiful set of metal garden furniture from where you can enjoy sunny weather and admire the flowers. However, after a few seasons, metal furniture just does not look so good anymore. If you don’t take care of it, it starts to show signs of deterioration quickly. You can reverse the process of aging, but you can do some things to slow it down and prevent any significant damage.

Before you try to apply any of our tips, take a look at care instructions provided by the manufacturer so that you avoid using products that are not suitable. If you do not have the manual, pick some not so visible spot and perform a small test to see how the surface will react. It is better to do so to avoid making even more damage. Now let’s see how you can take care of your garden furniture.

How to Take Care of Metal Garden Furniture

Metals used for outdoor furniture are usually iron, aluminum, and steel. Although out of these three, aluminum is the only metal that is not prone to rust, it can oxidize and damage the surface. In order to prevent this, the majority of manufacturers add a final layer of clear varnish, lacquer, paint, or powder coating to protect the furniture and increase its durability. Powder coating can be found in all shades, including metallics, but for more information about custom powder coating visit www.shieldcoart.com.

Wrought iron is probably everyone’s favorite choice for outdoor furniture, and although they usually come with protective layers, they are still highly prone to rust. They do not require such high maintenance, but you still need to take care of them. The problems start if you tend to drag the furniture around because then it starts to chip from the feet, so pay attention to lift the furniture when moving it.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the key to the longevity of your outdoor metal furniture, and by that, we mean regular cleaning. Generally speaking, the vast majority of outdoor furniture sets can be cleaned with a mixture of warm water and mild washing liquid. Use a sponge to clean every detail thoroughly and remove all the specks of dirt, then rinse it with cold water and use a dry cloth to wipe it.

If you notice any spots of rust, use sandpaper to remove them gently and add a bit of paint to cover them up. It is better to do that as soon as you notice because rust tends to spread quickly. Another thing you can do is to apply paste wax. Due to its water-resistant properties, it will protect your chair and tables from rust. Just make sure you clean and dry everything before applying the paste and leave everything to dry well before putting down the cushions.

Garden Furniture Covers

Your outdoor seating area will probably be exposed to bad weather even during the summer when that sudden summer storm hits, and you do not have the time to move everything into the garage. Furniture covers are a good investment, not just for those situations. In case you do not have a shed or a garage, you can cover your furniture during the winter months. If you have a garage, you can use the covers to protect your furniture from dust.

Keeping the Cushions Clean

If you do not want to replace your outdoor cushions every season, they also need to get a bit of TLC. Do not forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you wash them; they are not all suitable for machine washing, it depends on the stuffing. If there is a removable cover, then you are all good; just remove it, wash it, and it’s all done. Foam inserts should not be washed because that increases the risk of growing mold and mildew.

Prevention is the Best Care

Outdoor furniture sets can be expensive, especially if they are made from wrought iron, that is why you need to take care of them while they are still in good condition and react promptly as soon as you notice rust spots. Postponing cleaning will only make things worse and ruin your furniture because rust can eat through metal, and then your chair or table will be completely useless. Do not wait for the dirt and rust to become too obvious; it will be harder to clean, just give it a bit of TLC every now and then.