Are you wondering how to clean cast aluminum patio furniture and keep it looking as good as new? You just hit the jackpot! We’re doing a deep dive into all of your options, including how to clean powder-coated aluminum patio furniture. your outdoor furniture is here to last!
Cast aluminum is a phenomenal rust-resistant material and provides a strong and reliable option for outdoor furniture. All it needs is regular maintenance and care to restore its shine and luster.
While it is built to withstand outdoor elements, oxidation, dirt, and dust can deteriorate its look over time. Years of exposure to sun and rain can cause discoloration and fading, leaving your furniture looking dull. But with a few simple steps, your furniture will look as good as new!
We will walk you through the step-by-step tutorial on how to clean cast aluminum patio furniture and some additional maintenance tips and tricks to keep your furniture looking perfect.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
To begin with, you will need to gather the following supplies:
- Patio furniture cleaners
- Water
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- Garden hose or bucket
- Wax or aluminum polish
- Baking soda (Optional)
- Protective gloves
Step 1: Strip Off the Furniture
Remove all cushions and covers because you will wash them separately in a washing machine. If your furniture has removable legs or any other hardware or decorative pieces such as armrest cloths, wooden planks, or glass tops, take them off too. Cleaning the furniture when it is broken down into parts is easier.
Step 2: Remove Loose Debris
Removing any loose dirt, debris, or leaves from the furniture. Use a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently brush away the surface dirt. Pay attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
White vinegar is a highly regarded mild cleanser with proven effectiveness in various ways. You can get it without spending too much money because it is available in your home.
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a bucket or spray bottle to prepare the cleaning solution. If you’d like, you can add some oils or fruit peels to the solution for a pleasant smell.
Alternatively, a mild-dish soap and water mixture will suffice as a cleaning solution. Mix it well to create a soapy solution. Use warm water if you don’t want the solution to dry too quickly.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Furniture
Dip the soft-bristle brush or a sponge into the cleaning solution and gently scrub down the furniture piece by piece. Use a gentle touch so you don’t scratch the finish of the furniture. Focus on areas with stains or discoloration, and avoid using abrasive brushes or scouring pads as they can scratch the surface.
For intricate details or hard-to-reach areas, spray the cleaning solution directly and use a soft toothbrush or a Q-tip to clean the area.
If there are tough stains or stubborn dirt, mix equal parts of water and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and wiping off with a damp sponge.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’re done cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe down the furniture and rinse off the cleaning solution. Be sure to remove any residue from the surfaces.
For outdoor furniture, use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse off the cleaning solution. Go over all surfaces until no soapy residue is left behind.
Step 6: Pat Dry and Let Air Dry
After rinsing, use a microfiber cloth or a soft towel to dry the furniture. Wipe it gently, making sure to remove all excess moisture. This step is important to prevent water spots or stains from forming.
Let the furniture air dry for a few hours before putting it back to use. Many furniture pieces may need waxing or polishing after cleaning to restore their original shine.
Step 7: Polish and Assemble All Parts
Once the furniture is dry, polish and assemble all parts. For a natural shine, use aluminum polish or lemon oil. Apply it evenly on the surface using a clean cloth and gently buff until you get the desired result. And finally, reassemble all parts of the furniture, like legs, drawers, covers, cushions, armrests, etc, before you enjoy your newly cleaned furniture!
Additional Maintenance Tips
Avoid alkaline-based cleaners
It’s crucial to avoid alkaline-based cleaners when dealing with aluminum, as they can accelerate its oxidation. Specifically, stay clear of products containing chemicals like ammonia and any degreasing cleaners that include Trisodium Phosphate. Ammonia, in particular, is commonly found in:
- Glass cleaners
- Tile and grout cleaners
- Multi-purpose cleaners
- Stainless steel cleaners
- Bathroom cleaners
Invest in furniture covers.
Furniture covers are a great way to protect outdoor furniture from the elements. Invest in a quality cover that fits snugly over the piece and it will help keep its original condition for much longer. Covers can also be used indoors, shielding furniture from dust and pet fur when not in use.
Regular cleaning checks
Consistency is better than a one-time big cleaning job. Routine cleaning checks can help keep your furniture looking fresh and new for longer. If you want to go the extra mile, cleaning once at least every two weeks is enough. This includes vacuuming cushions, wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth, and checking for any signs of wear or damage. Doing this will help you spot problems early on and take appropriate measures.
Applying protective coatings
Finally, having your aluminum furniture serviced by professionals at least once a year is good. Professional servicing may even include refinishing or polishing with protective coatings that restore the original shine of your furniture. In addition, protective coatings can create an extra layer of protection against outdoor elements. These coatings can also help preserve the color of your furniture, making sure that it looks brand new for longer.
It’s important to note that protective coatings should not be applied until all dirt and debris have been removed from the surface.
Keep Your Furniture Looking Its Best
We hope this guide on cleaning aluminum patio furniture has been helpful. Armed with these tips, you can enhance the longevity of your outdoor pieces, keeping them looking fresh and inviting. Make it a habit to clean your outdoor furniture at least once every two weeks, and you won’t have to worry about the elements taking a toll on your set.
