Back for more tips on furniture care? This week we’re covering the metal variety, and just like with wood furniture, care depends on the specific material. Read on to learn how to maintain chrome, aluminum, bronze, wrought-iron, and stainless-steel furniture.
Chrome
Don’t even think about getting close to your chrome bar seat with a toxic cleaner. It’ll spot, and scratch and look even worse than when you started. Instead, use a commercial product designed to clean chrome—like Blue-Job or Mothers Chrome Polish if the job calls for it. But if you’re just in the mood to give it a nice shine, clean it with a little soap and water, and dry it with a soft cloth immediately to prevent water damage.
Aluminum
Aluminum furniture is often found outside, and that’s because it’s a durable and long-lasting material. Drag your hose over and give it a good spray once a year to knock off any grime that’s accumulated. If dirt and dust still remain, you may need to use mild dish soap as well. To prevent damage from the elements, keep your aluminum furniture in the garage during winter months. If that’s not possible, purchase a cover like one of these from The Cover Store. It’s also a good idea to cover aluminum furniture in oil when the temperatures drop. Motor oil works fine, but cooking oil is better for the environment.
Bronze
Although it’s unlikely you have an entire piece of furniture made from bronze, there may be accents of it on your favorite coffee or dining room table. Keep it dust-free by gently rubbing it with a lint-free cloth, and apply a wax yearly to protect the patina. Certain waxes should only be used on certain patinas because it can lighten dark patinas and darken light patinas. Try Clear Trewax Brand Paste Wax for indoor furniture and Sculpt Nouveau for outdoor furniture. Avoid polishing to keep the wax in place, and understand that green spotting and streaking will occur. It’s a natural occurrence with anything bronze, so embrace it!
Wrought Iron
When it comes to wrought-iron furniture, your biggest opponent is rust. Keep an eye out for any bubbling in the paint, as that’s a sure sign of corrosion. Rub the area lightly with a steel pad and kerosene, being careful to avoid damaging the paint when possible. If needed, apply a coat of enamel paint. When that’s dry, cover it with liquid wax or furniture spray designed specifically for wrought iron to prevent rust in the future.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is highly durable, so you can use just about any cleaner, though there are cleaners made specifically for stainless steel. My favorite? Method Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Duo. And if you notice any scratches, give your piece of furniture a good rub with a Scotch-Brite Scouring Pad.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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