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