How to Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
There is no question of the unique appeal that is exuded only by wrought iron patio furniture. The high malleability of this metal allows welders to create the most elaborate and pretty designs, making for very decorative pieces. In addition, its hefty weight makes it very suitable for outdoor environments as it can withstand strong winds. Because of these features, wrought iron is a very popular choice for many patios all over America.
The biggest problem that you will encounter is that iron tends to corrode if not properly maintained. Thus, if you want to keep these beautiful pieces in your backyard, you will have to learn how to clean wrought iron patio furniture and keep it protected from rust and corrosion.
How Often Should You Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture?
Because of the rough texture of wrought iron, it can collect dirt and dust faster than other kinds of furniture. A weekly dusting should help a lot in preventing dust buildup. You can also use a vacuum cleaner for more thorough removal of the collected grime.
In addition to the regular cleaning, you should also give your wrought iron patio furniture a deep clean at least two times a year. If you store it during the winter, give it a full cleaning before you keep it, then again when you take it out for the following spring or summer.
If you live in a place where you can keep your wrought iron furniture out all year, then you should clean it more often, preferably at least four times a year.
Steps on cleaning Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
There are four basic steps for cleaning any kind of wrought iron furniture, which are not that different from cleaning another kind of household surface.
- Begin by getting rid of the surface dust and dirt. You can use a duster, an old toothbrush, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by combining a gallon of warm water with some dish soap. Dip a rag or a sponge into the solution and use it to wipe over all the surfaces of the furniture. For the more intricate areas, you can again use an old toothbrush or scrub brush.
- Rinse the cleaning solution off completely by hosing the furniture down gently, taking care to check the nooks and crannies.
- After rinsing, wipe it dry with a dry rag or towel. This is very important because as you know, wrought iron is very vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Leave it out in a dry and windy place for thorough drying before using it again or taking it in for storage.
Cleaning Wrought Iron Patio Furniture before Repainting
No matter how well you clean and care for your wrought iron patio furniture, it will still succumb to rust because of constant exposure to outdoor elements. That is just one of the sacrifices to make when it comes to these kinds of furniture. The best thing to do in these cases is to give it a fresh coat of paint to prevent further damage and make it good as new.
You can’t just paint over the old surface though. You need to use a paint scraper to remove loose paint that has started to chip, and a drill with a wire brush to take off the paint from the crevices. Then, scrub off the exposed rust from the surface using a piece of sandpaper. Use soap and water to give it a thorough wash. After rinsing and letting it dry completely, it will be ready for repainting.