How to Maintain a Metal Patio Table

Patio furniture comes in many types of metal, including wrought iron and aluminum. Manufacturers generally make metal patio tables rustproof, but if you have an older table or a manufacturer who did not make it rustproof, you will have to add steps to your maintenance to prevent rust formation. Even if you have a rustproof table, regular cleaning will keep it in good shape for several years. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Check the table for rust spots, if you do not have a rust-free table, or even if you are unsure what kind of table you have. Remove any rust spots by scrubbing them off with a wire brush.

2

Wet the table down with a garden hose. Fill a bucket with water and enough liquid dish soap to create suds.

3

Dip a nylon scrub brush in the soapy water and scrub the table from the table top to the bottom of the legs. Rinse the table with the garden hose. Wipe it dry with a towel.

4

Apply a thin layer of paste wax to the metal parts of the table with a cloth. If you have a glass table top, you do not need to put the wax on that. This is not necessary for rustproof tables.

5

Cover the table with a plastic tarp whenever it rains, and during the winter when you will not be using the table. Weigh down the edges of the tarp with rocks or brick.