How To Clean Wrought Iron Patio Furniture
Wrought iron is one of the most common materials of outdoor furniture because of its durable, heavy, and appealing design. Wrought iron patio furniture is commonly found in both residential and commercial outdoor patios. Because of this, it is frequently researched how to clean wrought iron patio furniture, which is likely the reason you are here.
There are different methods you can choose for cleaning your wrought iron patio furniture, and we will cover these different methods in the guide below.
Method #1: Cleaning And Waxing
Wrought iron patio furniture is durable and weather-resistant, making it ideal for prolonged periods outdoors. As the furniture spends the majority of its life in the elements, it should be cleaned at least two times each year to prevent further issues from developing.
In this method, we will discuss cleaning and waxing and why you would want to choose this method.
First, you will need to clean the wrought iron with liquid soap. Try to avoid using antibacterial soap, as antibacterial soap could contain bleach. Take a little soap and water on a cleaning cloth and gently clean the wrought iron furniture. Allow the iron to air dry completely before beginning the next step.
Once the wrought iron has dried, you will take an automotive spray wax and spray the wrought iron. The automotive wax will keep the wrought iron protected and looking like new. Waxing should only be done once or twice a year.
Method #2: Rust Removal
Wrought iron is typically weather-resistant when it has not been chipped, scratched, or cracked, but occasionally, wrought iron can suffer some mild damage that can lead to big problems like rust.
If your wrought iron patio furniture has been chipped, scratched, or cracked and you notice that rust has begun to form, you will want to make sure you clean this immediately. Rust that is untreated can weaken the wrought iron or make it appear aged and unsightly.
To remove rust that has formed on your wrought iron patio furniture, you will first need to clean the wrought iron furniture using liquid soap and water in the same method as above. Once the area has been cleaned, allow it to dry completely before removing the rust.
After the wrought iron has dried, take sandpaper (medium; between 80 and 120-grit) and sand out the rust and damage that has caused the rust. Finish the surface with a paint that matches the wrought iron so that the area is protected.
Method 3: Paint The Furniture
You may want an overall different look and feel of your wrought iron patio furniture, so now is the time to make the change. You will want to clean the furniture as we described in the first method. Once the area has been cleaned and has dried completely, you can paint the wrought iron with a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint.
Direct-to-metal paint is safe for wrought iron as it contains a rust-inhibiting ingredient. Do not use standard exterior paint as it will easily chip, leading you back to where you started.