Aluminum
garden furniture is quickly becoming a favorite among people with
outdoor living spaces. To be even more specific, aluminum garden furniture
has become a favorite of those who want durable, stylish, light, rustproof,
and low maintenance patio furniture. Of course, although very low
maintenance, completing some maintenance on your aluminum garden furniture
will help ensure it has a long and beautiful life.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your
aluminum garden furniture – different manufacturer’s may
have slightly different instructions as to how to care for the aluminum
garden furniture. The care tips can depend partially upon whether
your aluminum garden furniture is made of extruded, wrought, or cast
aluminum. Here are some basic tips, gathered from a variety of different
manufacturers, including Woodard, Summer Classics, and Homecrest:
• Hose – for basic cleaning, just hose down your furniture
relatively frequently.
• Mild soap – use a simple solution of warm water and
mild (biodegradable) soap to periodically wash your aluminum garden
furniture. It is especially important to clean the frame as quickly
as possible if it is exposed to chemicals like those found in insect
repellents and suntan lotions. Some finishes on aluminum garden furniture
could be discolored by such chemicals.
• Scuff marks – you can remove scuff marks by using a
light abrasive. For deeper scuffs, use a fine-grained sandpaper or
wire brush.
• Touch-up paint – rub the spot with a fine steel wool.
This will improve paint adhesion. Then wipe the spot clean, shake
the touch-up paint can, apply thin coats, making sure you leave time
to dry between coats. Be sure to follow the directions on your paint
can.
• Oil – both aluminum garden furniture and metal tools
can better stand a long winter if you first apply oil (motor oil works,
but cooking oil is more environmentally friendly). Make sure that
when spring rolls around you remember to wipe the oil off!
• More oil – periodically apply baby oil or mineral oil
to aluminum garden furniture with a textured finish.
• Wax – keep your non-textured aluminum garden furniture
glossed by applying a fine automotive wax. Apply it once or twice
a year. Do not use wax on textured surfaces!
• Tubing – do not store your aluminum garden furniture
upside down because moisture could accumulate in the tubing, and this
moisture could freeze during the winter months, thereby causing damage
to your aluminum garden furniture.
Know that by taking just a small amount of time and following the
above tips (and/or the manufacturer’s instructions ), your aluminum
garden furniture can maintain its beauty and last for many years to
come.