How Do You Clean Metal Outdoor Furniture?

Wanna enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor furnishings? You should start with maintaining the cleanliness of your metal patio furniture. It's definitely a small input with large return! Aluminum and cast aluminum have been among the sturdiest materials commonly employed in outdoor furniture.

Mondawe Outdoor 5-piece Aluminum Alloy Sofa Set

Tools and Materials for Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

• Bucket of warm water
• Mild dish soap or specialized metal cleaner
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Brush with soft bristles
• Hose or clean water source
• Clean, dry cloth
• Protective coating for metal furniture (optional)

STEP 1-Prepare the Necessary Materials

You will need a bucket of warm water, mild dish soap or a metal cleaner, a soft sponge or cloth, a brush with soft bristles, and a hose or clean water source. Remember, ensure that the water used is clean and free from any harsh chemicals or contaminants that could potentially harm the metal finish.

STEP 2-Remove Covers 

If your metal outdoor furniture has cushions or fabric covers, it is important to remove them before cleaning. This will allow you to clean them separately and ensure a thorough cleaning process.

Carefully detach the cushions or fabric covers from the furniture and set them aside for later cleaning. If they are attached with zippers or fasteners, gently unzip or unfasten them to separate them from the furniture. By removing the cushions or fabric covers, you can clean both the metal frame and the fabric components effectively and prevent any damage that may occur during the cleaning process.

STEP 3-Rinse With Water

This will help to remove any loose dirt, debris, or dust that may have accumulated on the surface of the furniture. Begin by spraying the furniture with water, paying particular attention to areas that appear especially dirty or stained.

Use a gentle pressure when rinsing the furniture to avoid damaging the metal finish or any delicate components. After rinsing the furniture, inspect it carefully to see if there are any remaining areas that require more targeted cleaning. By starting with a thorough rinse, you can prepare the furniture for deeper cleaning and ensure that the cleaning solution is able to penetrate and clean effectively.

STEP 4-Add Specialized Metal Cleaner

For regular cleaning, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Dip the sponge or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the metal surfaces, paying attention to any stained or dirty areas. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that may damage the metal finish. 

STEP 5-Brushing the Surface With a Brush

For stubborn stains or built-up grime, use a brush with soft bristles to scrub the affected areas. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the metal.

STEP 6: Rinse off Soap Residue With Clean Water

After completing the cleaning process, ensure that you rinse off any soap residue from the furniture using clean water. This is important because leftover soap residue can accumulate on the metal surface and attract dirt and other contaminants, which can ultimately damage the finish of the furniture.

To rinse off the soap residue, use a hose or clean water source and spray the entire surface of the furniture until all the soap has been removed. Be sure to pay attention to areas that may be harder to reach, such as corners and crevices, to ensure a thorough rinse. Once the soap residue has been completely removed, you can proceed to drying the furniture.

STEP 7: Let Dry

To prevent rust formation on your metal furniture after cleaning, it is important to make sure that it is thoroughly dried. You can do this by wiping the furniture down with a clean, dry cloth or by leaving it to air dry in sunlight. 

By taking the time to properly dry your metal furniture after cleaning, you can help to ensure that it remains in good condition and continues to look great for years to come.

STEP 8: Apply Some Protective Coating

If you want to further enhance the durability and weather resistance of your metal furniture, you can consider applying a protective coating that is specifically designed for this purpose. Look for a coating product that is suitable for use on metal surfaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Before applying the protective coating, ensure that the furniture is clean and dry. Apply the coating evenly using a brush, roller, or sprayer, following the recommended application method provided by the manufacturer. Pay attention to any specific drying times or additional steps that may be mentioned in the instructions.

STEP 9: Clean and Dry Cushions or Fabric Covers

For removable cushion covers, check if they are machine washable or if they require hand washing. If they can be machine washed, use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric. Once washed, allow the covers to air dry or use a dryer on a low heat setting if recommended.

If the cushions have non-removable fabric covers, you may need to spot clean them using a gentle fabric cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge, being careful not to rub or scrub vigorously. Allow the fabric to air dry completely.

Once the cushions or fabric covers are clean and dry, you can place them back onto the furniture. Ensure that they fit properly and align with the seating areas. This will give your furniture a fresh and tidy appearance, ensuring comfort and cleanliness for future use.

More to Know

Mondawe 5 Pieces Black Steel Outdoor Patio Conversation Deep Seating Set 

Fancy picking up some insider tips to outshine the crowd in the outdoor furniture cleaning game? You can do the following to gain better result.

1. Vinegar and Water Solution: Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution can effectively clean various outdoor furniture materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. Simply spray the solution onto the furniture, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it clean with a cloth or sponge.

2. Baking Soda Paste: For stubborn stains or grime on surfaces like concrete or stone, make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area, scrub gently with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda's mild abrasive properties can help remove tough stains without damaging the surface.

3. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Polish: For wooden outdoor furniture, combine lemon juice and olive oil in equal parts to create a natural polish. Apply the mixture to a soft cloth and gently buff the wood to restore its shine and remove dirt or water marks. This method works well for both treated and untreated wooden furniture.

4. Salt and Lemon Scrub: To remove rust from metal furniture, make a scrub using salt and lemon juice. Sprinkle salt over the rusted areas, squeeze lemon juice onto the salt, and let it sit for a few hours. Scrub the rusted spots with a brush or sponge, and rinse thoroughly. The citric acid in lemon juice combined with the abrasiveness of salt can help lift rust effectively.

5. Fabric Softener Spray: To keep outdoor cushions and fabric furniture smelling fresh, dilute fabric softener with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the fabric, allowing it to air dry. This will not only leave a pleasant scent but also help repel insects.

Remember to always test any cleaning solution or method on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire piece of furniture.