Foolproof Tips to Care for Cast Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

In today’s economy, many people are selecting to spruce up their home and garden, rather than taking vacations. With more beautiful items in their home, they figure, they can enjoy a stay-cation, or at least enjoy their weekend time at home more. One great purchase towards this goal is a cast aluminum patio furniture set. However, it isn’t enough to simply buy a furniture set – you need to know how to care for it as well, so that it may provide you with years of excellent use.

What Is Cast Aluminum?

Cast aluminum outdoor furniture is produced with a lengthy process. First, the craftsmen carve the design from wood. The wooden model that is produced is then used to make metal molds. The model is then pressed into casting sand to make an impression and this impression is filled with molten aluminum. Once cooled, the sand is removed and a detailed cast remains. The pieces are then assembled into place and welded together. The process is then finished with a powder-coat paint to ensure longevity and durability.

Benefits of Cast Aluminum Furniture

Aluminum furniture is a great choice for outdoor use. It has many benefits over iron, steel and wood. It does not rust and will last for thirty or more years. Cast aluminum patio furniture withstands all weather conditions and is virtually maintenance free.

Caring for Cast Aluminum Garden Furniture

Typically, the only maintenance that your cast aluminum patio furniture will require is an occasional washing with soapy water. While cast aluminum furniture doesn’t rust, and doesn’t need to be treated for rusting, it does get affected by pollution and water and can become discolored and rough as a result. If you notice slight discoloring in the furniture, wash the furniture with soap and water. Add a gentle household acid to the mix, such as lime or lemon juice, cream of tartar or vinegar. Do not add ammonia, TSP or Soda. Use this mix to clean the furniture at the end of the summer season each year as well.

If you see that an area of the cast aluminum garden furniture is pitted or rough, use steel wool filled with soap to polish and smooth the area. Should your furniture appear extremely dirty, purchase a commercial cleaner to clean the entire surface of the furniture. Check with the manufacturer for suggestions about the best cleaners to use on your particular type of furniture. One suggestion to keep your furniture from corroding and pitting is to use a coat of auto wax or silicon spray. Should you notice a scratch on the furniture, repair it quickly by sanding the area lightly and then applying a matching paint. Be careful about cleaning if you’ve purchased colored anodize aluminum, as this type of aluminum outdoor furniture should only be cleaned with a mild detergent and water.

With these care tips for cast aluminum outdoor furniture, you should be able to enjoy your selection for decades of excellent use. Sit back and relax in your lovely garden or on your patio, knowing that you’ve made a great purchase, and that you’ve learned to protect and care for that purchase to increase its life expectancy!