How to clean metal garden furniture

Published: September 27, 2022 Last updated: September 3, 2026

Author: The Lazy Susan Editorial Team

Garden furniture is available in a variety of different materials, each of which has its own unique maintenance needs. Using the wrong cleaning routine means you risk damaging your furniture, so it’s important to understand the care that each common garden furniture material needs.

At Lazy Susan, we’re experts in providing quality cast aluminium furniture, which we believe offers the best balance of durability, style, and easy maintenance to look great in any garden for years. Choosing the best furniture materials for your garden is a matter of personal preference, though, with each option having its pros and cons.

We’ve put together a handy guide to show you how to clean the most common metal garden furniture materials, as well as some handy tips and tricks on caring for cast aluminium if you decide to buy from Lazy Susan.

Cleaning your metal garden furniture

The most common metals used in garden furniture are aluminium, steel, and wrought iron. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean each material.

Aluminium garden furniture

One of aluminium outdoor furniture’s biggest advantages is its easy-cleaning and low-maintenance properties. Here’s our quick guide to protecting your aluminium furniture:

Use warm soapy water and a clean cloth to wipe down surfaces.
Apply additional water to stubborn stains, or use a touch of WD-40 or car bug cleaner before wiping.
Rinse with a hosepipe and leave to air dry.
Once dry, apply a layer of car wax with a microfibre cloth for added protection and shine.
Buff the car wax with a separate microfibre cloth.

Avoid using pressure washers when cleaning aluminium garden furniture, as their powerful jets can damage the finish of your product.

Steel garden furniture

Steel is another popular choice for metal garden furniture, but unlike aluminium, it’s prone to rust. It’s also available in a variety of styles, with each type needing its own unique cleaning routine, so make sure to check with your manufacturer or retailer for tailored advice in advance. Always test an inconspicuous area first, such as the underside of a seat.

Find an alkaline-based or non-chloride solution. Glass cleaner can also work if you need to wipe your surfaces down quickly. Otherwise, you can create a homemade solution using two parts warm water, one part white vinegar, and a few drops of washing up liquid, all mixed in a spray bottle.
Apply your chosen cleaning solution to your steel furniture and wipe down in the direction of the “grain”.
Sprinkle baking soda on tougher stains before spraying white vinegar on top. After fizzing for a few minutes, wipe with a sponge or cloth.
Wipe with a clean cloth to remove excess water when finished.
To leave your surfaces shining, apply a specialised stainless steel protective coating. Avoid car wax, as it’s too difficult to buff with the grain.

Wrought iron garden furniture

On first impression, wrought iron and aluminium furniture have a lot of similarities, but since iron is prone to rust, it needs special care to stay durable and avoid corrosion:

Use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of any dirt and grime on your wrought iron furniture.
Wipe your surfaces down with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth.
Rinse with a garden hose and leave to air dry in the sun.
If you notice peeling paint, remove the affected area with a paint scraper and hoover the debris. Use a wire scratch brush to remove any extra paint or debris in the area. This job can be messy, so wear eye protection and a face mask, as well as laying down protective measures in the surrounding area.
Smooth the affected area with a sanding pad, then wipe it down to remove residue and leave it to air dry.
Once dry, apply a rust-prevention primer to the area being repainted, followed by at least two coats of quality enamel spray paint in a matching shade.
When fully dry, apply a layer of car wax for added protection, and buff to leave your furniture shining.

Cleaning Metal Garden Furniture FAQs

Still looking for more advice on your outdoor furniture maintenance? Here are the answers to some common queries:

How do I clean algae off metal garden furniture?

If you have algae on your metal garden furniture, the easiest way to treat it is by adding a splash of white vinegar to your usual soap and water solution when cleaning. Apply the vinegar and soapy water mix to any green spots on your furniture with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge, then rinse thoroughly with a hose.

For most metal garden furniture, you’ll need to wipe the surface after cleaning to reduce the risk of rust, but since cast aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, you can leave your aluminium furniture to air dry.

How do I clean rust off metal garden furniture?

To get rid of rust, wash your furniture, then start scraping away any loose flakes with a wire brush. You can then dissolve the corroded areas using a commercial rust removal formula or white vinegar. Then, sand the surface until it is smooth, and seal with a primer before repainting.

Which garden furniture materials are easiest to clean?

Cast aluminium garden furniture is known for being low maintenance, while still providing long-lasting durability. While other metal furniture options are prone to rust and corrosion, aluminium’s natural properties make it weather-resistant and easy to keep in optimal condition. Plus, with a powder-coated finish, your furniture will be able to withstand scratches and scuffs.

Plastic furniture is also very simple to clean, but it is much less durable than other options. This means you may have to replace your furniture earlier than expected.

How do I clean outdoor furniture accessories?

Outdoor furniture accessories such as cushions and parasols need a little different care from metal furniture, as they are made from fabric and other materials that require specific cleaning. For advice on how to clean and care for them, see our dedicated guides:

Buy high-quality cast aluminium furniture with Lazy Susan

Ready to give your garden a makeover? Our cast aluminium outdoor furniture is easy to clean, long-lasting, and easy to style into any garden. With a huge collection of patio furniture on offer, from dining tables and chairs to sun loungers and coffee tables, we have everything you need to get the most out of your outdoor space.

Our furniture is available in a range of sizes, shapes, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home. No matter your style tastes, we have a design to suit you.