How to Care for Aluminum Patio Furniture
Aluminum patio furniture is a popular choice with many homeowners. There is good reason for this, it looks good, it is easy to care for and lasts for a long time. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep patio furniture looking great for many years to come.
- Wash furniture any time it begins to look dirty. This should be done at least once or twice per year. Maybe once right before winter and again in the spring to get off any dirt and dust that has accumulated. Fill a bucket with water and a mild dish soap. Use a sponge to wipe down all of the furniture. Rinse the furniture well to remove the soap with your garden hose.
- Use the hose to rinse off your furniture any time you see dirt spots. Also rinse furniture off anytime insecticides are used near the furniture and after someone with tanning lotion has been sitting on the furniture. Suntan lotion can stain it if not cleaned off.
- Use a Mr. Clean eraser to remove scuff marks on the furniture. These erasers work very well on scuff marks, though you can use another mild abrasive if you have one.
- Use sandpaper on deep scuffs or marks to smooth them out. Once you have smoothed out the scuffs, you can use some paint to touch up the sanded areas.
- Apply vegetable cooking oil to the furniture before winter. The oil helps to give your furniture some protection from the long winter months in storage. Be sure to wash it off in spring.
- Store furniture right side up. Storing aluminum furniture upside down puts it at risk for moisture getting into the tubing. This moisture can then freeze and cause it to crack.