How to Clean Outdoor Metal Furniture

Outdoor metal furniture is a popular choice for patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces thanks to its durability, weather-resistance, and sleek modern aesthetic. However, like any outdoor furniture, metal furniture is exposed to the elements and will get dirty and develop rust and corrosion over time if not properly maintained. Cleaning your outdoor metal furniture regularly is key to keeping it looking its best so you can enjoy it for many years to come. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to clean outdoor metal furniture effectively and make it shine like new using common household ingredients and a little elbow grease.

Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor metal furniture requires periodic cleaning for several important reasons:

Remove Dirt, Grime, and Stains: Blowing winds, rain, pollen, bird droppings, and pollution will leave dirt, grime, sap, and other sticky residues on your metal furniture. Food and beverage spills can also stain and discolor the metal over time. Regular cleaning keeps it free of unsightly buildup.
Prevent Rust and Corrosion: Without cleaning, dirt and debris can accumulate in small cracks and crevices in the metal. Moisture gets trapped, causing rust and corrosion to develop. Once started, rust can quickly spread if not dealt with.
Extend Furniture Life: Allowing rust and corrosion to go unchecked will lead to degradation, peeling paint, pitting, and eventually damage to the structural integrity of metal furniture. Proper care and cleaning preserves its quality.
Improve Appearance: Cleaning away dirt, stains, rust, and oxidation restores metal furniture to a like-new shine and appearance. A freshly cleaned patio set provides an inviting outdoor living space.
Maintain Value: Well-maintained outdoor metal furniture retains its value over time. Letting it fall into disrepair decreases its life span as well as resale value. Routine cleaning is an easy way to protect your investment.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Outdoor Metal Furniture

Cleaning metal furniture does not require much in the way of specialized tools or expensive cleaners. Chances are you already have most of what you need:

Cleaning Solutions

Dish soap
All-purpose cleaner
Baking soda
White vinegar
Ammonia
Oxalic acid-based rust remover

Cleaning Tools and Materials

Soft cloths and rags
Scrub brushes and sponges
Old toothbrush
Microfiber towels
Painter’s tape
Tarp or drop cloth
Garden hose
Bucket
Eye protection, gloves, and face mask

Rust Removal Products

Naval jelly
Sandpaper and steel wool
Rust converter spray primer
High-gloss spray paint in original color

Optional Extras

Pressure washer
Dust mask
Kneeling pad

Follow these steps for cleaning outdoor metal furniture thoroughly from top to bottom. The method can be adapted for cleaning individual chairs, tables, benches, or an entire patio set.

Step 1: Remove Cushions and Decor Items

First remove all cushions, pillows, umbrella canopy, and any decor items. This allows you to access all surfaces and reduces the chance of getting the soft furnishings wet during cleaning.

Step 2: Rinse Away Loose Debris

Use a garden hose to spray down the entire surface and lightly rinse away pollen, dirt, bird droppings, and other loose debris. Aim the stream under chairs and tables as well to wash away buildup from those hard-to-reach spots.

Step 3: Create a Cleaning Solution

For everyday cleaning: Mix together 1⁄4 cup dish soap per gallon of warm water. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease, oils, and grime.

For heavier soil: Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply to stubborn stains before cleaning. Vinegar can also help dissolve more persistent gunk.

For rust removal: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts warm water. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves light rust buildup.

Step 4: Wash All Surfaces

Use a sponge or soft scrub brush dipped in your cleaning solution to wash every surface of the metal furniture. Get into crevices, joints, and engraved decorative details. Use an old toothbrush to scrub small or intricate areas.

Rinse frequently with clean water to prevent dirt and grime from re-depositing. Change the wash water as needed to keep it effective.

Step 5: Spot Treat Stubborn Stains and Rust

For stubborn stains or rust spots, apply a bit of baking soda or vinegar paste directly to the affected area. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. Vinegar will cause light bubbling on rust spots.

A damp microfiber cloth can also help buff out surface stains easily. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool at this stage to prevent scratching.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Once all surfaces are washed and spot treated, rinse everything thoroughly with clean water. Use a soft towel to dry metal furniture completely. Allow chairs and table tops to air dry fully before replacing cushions or decor.

Step 7: Touch Up Paint if Needed

Inspect furniture closely for any paint chips or damaged coatings that got revealed after cleaning. Use a small artist’s brush to touch up paint as needed to prevent exposed metal from future rusting.

Paint can be matched at hardware stores to original colors. Allow paint to dry fully before putting furniture back into use.

How to Remove Rust from Outdoor Metal Furniture

For outdoor metal furniture showing more significant rusting, additional steps will be needed to remove oxidation and restore the surfaces.

Step 1: Lightly Sand Rusted Areas

Use fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to gently scuff and sand rusted regions. This helps remove loose surface flakes so rust treatments can penetrate and work better.

Be careful not to grind down to bare metal, which can spread the rust. Wipe away all sanding residue.

Step 2: Apply Rust Removal Solution

Naval jelly, white vinegar, or commercial rust removers containing oxalic or phosphoric acid will help dissolve and lift rust. Liberally apply the solution to problem areas and let it soak 15-20 minutes.

Reapply if needed for thicker rust buildup. Avoid getting solution on healthy paint.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

Use a stiff nylon brush or scouring sponge to scrub treated areas and lift away rust residue loosened by the remover solution.

Thoroughly rinse cleaned areas with water when finished and allow to dry fully. Inspect to ensure all rust was removed.

Step 4: Spot Prime Bare Metal

For areas where rusting has removed paint and exposed bare metal, spot prime with a Rust Converter spray. This chemically converts rust into an inert protective coating to prevent continued spread.

Step 5: Repaint Treated Areas

Use a gloss enamel spray paint in the original color to repaint any sanded or treated areas. Apply thin even coats allowing each to dry between applications for a durable finish.

This seals and protects the metal while restoring your furniture’s unified look. Buff with wax to restore luster after the paint has fully cured.

Tips for Cleaning Specific Types of Outdoor Metal Furniture

Not all metal patio furniture is created equal. Certain types have specific care needs:

Wrought Iron

Wash decorative wrought iron regularly using mild dish soap and water. Pay special attention to ornate scrollwork and joints where dirt collects.
Rinse well and dry thoroughly after cleaning. White vinegar removes stubborn rust spots.
Apply paste wax or silicone spray seasonally to protect the intricate metalwork from moisture and prevent rust.

Cast Aluminum

Clean cast aluminum furniture as needed with warm water and a mild detergent solution.
Avoid abrasive scouring powders which can scratch the surface. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
WD-40 helps remove small spots of rust on aluminum. Lighter fluid also works for stubborn grease marks.

Steel

Use warm water, mild dish soap, and nylon scrub brushes when cleaning steel outdoor furniture.
Dry immediately and buff with lemon oil or car wax to protect from moisture and prevent rust.
Touch up scrapes or exposed metal with touch-up paint to keep rust at bay.

Wicker with Steel Frame

Vacuum or dust wicker gently before washing to remove loose dirt. Clean wicker with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water.
Use a wire brush to remove flaky rust on the steel frame underneath. Sand remaining rust spots before priming and painting.
Allow all metal parts to dry fully before storing patio cushions or covering furniture.

How Often to Clean Outdoor Metal Furniture

The frequency for cleaning outdoor metal furniture depends on several factors:

Environment: Furniture in coastal areas or subjected to acidic rain will need more frequent cleaning to counteract corrosion. Industrial pollution also increases metal furniture’s cleaning needs.
Usage and Traffic: Metal furniture around swimming pools or heavily used outdoor kitchens will need more cleaning to counteract exposure to chemicals and food spills.
Weathering: Furniture left out year-round in the elements will require seasonal deep cleaning, particularly in climates with cold, snowy winters.
Type of Metal: Less corrosion-prone metals like aluminum and stainless steel may only need cleaning a couple times per year. Iron and steel need more diligent care.

For most homeowners, a basic schedule such as the following is recommended:

Daily: Do a quick wipe down after use to remove pollen, bird droppings, and other surface debris before it builds up.
Monthly: Give furniture a thorough soap and water wash monthly during the outdoor furniture season to prevent heavy soiling.
Seasonally: Clean metal furniture at the start and end of the season when moving pieces into storage or back outside.
As Needed: Clean immediately after major soiling events, such as big storms or bird invasions, before stains have a chance to set.

Storing Metal Patio Furniture Over Winter

To keep your metal furniture looking its best for years, properly storing it over winter is key, especially in colder climates where snow, salt, and ice take a toll.

Step 1: Inspect and Repair

Follow the deep cleaning steps to wash, restore, and touch up your outdoor metal furniture at the end of season. Address any new rust spots, chipped paint, or other issues that could expand over winter.

Step 2: Lubricate Moving Parts

Use silicone spray or lubricating oil to coat hinges, bolts, movable joints, and other mechanisms so they don’t seize up in storage. Buff off any drips or residue.

Step 3: Apply Protective Coating

Wax, automotive paste wax, or silicone sprays add a protective film over metal furniture to repel moisture while in winter storage. Avoid paint sealants which could yellow.

Step 4: Cover Fully

Use furniture covers, tarpaulins, or water-resistant storage bags specially sized to your tables and chair sets. Make sure to tie down covers securely.

Step 5: Store Properly

Keep metal furniture stored in a dry, covered area like a shed, garage, or basement where it is protected fully from the elements. Avoid damp storage.

With proper annual cleaning and winter storage, your investment in long-lasting outdoor metal furniture will provide comfort and enjoyment for many years of changing seasons. Maintaining the finish helps it better withstand what nature dishes out. By removing grime before it has a chance to build up, you’ll keep metal furniture looking showroom fresh so it imparts elegance and style to your outdoor living space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Outdoor Metal Furniture

What is the easiest way to clean outdoor metal furniture?

For routine cleaning, the quickest method is washing down metal surfaces with a soft cloth, mild dish soap, and water. Rinse thoroughly, then wipe excess moisture with a microfiber towel to dry.

What should you not use to clean outdoor metal furniture?

Avoid abrasive cleaners, stiff brushes, and scouring pads that could scratch metal finishes. Also don’t use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals which can damage protective coatings.

What natural ingredients work to clean outdoor metal furniture?

Baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice are all effective at breaking down dirt, grease, and mild rust. For tougher rust stains, oxalic acid products or naval jelly work well.

How do you get rust off outdoor metal furniture?

To remove stubborn rust, gently sand affected areas before applying a rust-removal solution such as naval jelly, white vinegar, or oxalic acid. Let soak 15-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Finish by spot priming and repainting clean metal.

How do you clean aluminum patio furniture naturally?

For aluminum, make a paste from baking soda, salt, and water. Apply and let sit before rubbing clean with a soft cloth. For resistant stains on aluminum, rub with lemon oil or WD-40 using a soft lint-free rag.

What is the best way to polish metal patio furniture?

After thorough cleaning, polish metal furniture by buffing dry with a microfiber cloth. For added shine and protection, apply a thin coat of car wax, paste wax, or silicone spray and buff to a glossy finish.

How do you prep metal patio furniture for winter storage?

Before storing, clean furniture thoroughly and make all needed repairs. Lubricate joints, coat with protective wax, and cover pieces completely with weather-resistant covers, tarpaulins, or storage bags. Store in a dry protected space.

How often should you clean metal patio furniture?

Light cleaning after each use removes surface debris before it builds up. Monthly cleanings are recommended during the furniture season. An annual deep clean at beginning and end of season will keep metal furniture in top shape.

Conclusion

Outdoor metal furniture graces many a patio, porch, and deck thanks to its durability, style, and weather-resistance. However, like any outdoor furnishings, periodic cleaning is required in order to keep metal furniture looking its best. This prevents the unsightly buildup of dirt, stains, and rust over time from use and exposure to the elements.

By using common gentle cleaning solutions and a little scrubbing elbow grease, you can safely remove grime, restore shine, and maintain the finish on your metal furniture. Establishing a regular cleaning routine suitable for your climate and furniture finish will help preserve quality and appearance for many years so you can continue enjoying your outdoor living space.

With proper care, your investment in outdoor metal seating, tables, and decor can provide lasting performance and good looks despite the weathering effect of seasons, storms, and sunshine. Keep this guide handy for cleaning tips specific to wrought iron, aluminum, steel, and other metal furniture types. By promptly addressing any nicks, scratches, or rust spots, you can avoid costly restorations down the road.

So inspect patio furniture before storing it over winter and give your metal pieces the needed TLC at the start and end of each season. A little time spent cleaning outdoor metal furniture will allow you to relax and entertain outdoors for years of changing seasons.