How to Properly Clean Aluminum Wicker Patio Furniture

The simple process of cleaning aluminum wicker patio furniture can make your home shine. Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth and is used to make a wide range of household items like tables, pots and pans. If you own any piece of aluminum, be it furniture or something else, you need to have an idea an of  how to properly clean it so you can enjoy and use your aluminum pieces for a longer period of time. Below are some great aluminum furniture pieces.

• Manhattan Outdoor Coffee Table by Nuevo Living. The table features a woven synthetic polyurethane rattan finish that provides the perfect balance for earthy sophistication, water resistance and durability. It has a  glass table top, a double-welded powder-coated aluminum frame and powder-coated finish.

• Paragon Chaise Lounge by Meadow Décor. Featuring a fully welded cast aluminum construction, this chaise lounge come with wheels for transporting ease. Its revolutionary design and dependable quality ensures a 15-year warranty on its frames and 3 years on its powder coating. It is available in a Black or Mocha Stone finish.

• Weave Design Cast Aluminum Bakers Rack with Doors in Antique Fern Finish by Alfresco Home. This bakers rack is made from rust-proof polished cast aluminum along with a durable powder coat finish that features Antique Fern Pantina highlights with exquisite pattern and detailing. It has a 5-year warranty on its frames and 2 years on its finish.

Composition of Aluminum

Aluminum is a very light and soft metal that is able to resist corrosion. To make it stronger, it is usually anodized or mixed with other materials like copper or magnesium. Anodizing is a chemical process where the top layer of the metal is treated to make it thicker, which also makes it stronger. Even though it is naturally anti-corrosive, aluminum responds to oxygen exposure by developing a coating on its surface. Cleaning aluminum will remove this coasting and restore the metal’s shine.

How to Clean Aluminum

The first step in cleaning aluminum is to rid the item of any dust and debris by wiping or washing it down. A fine grade steel wool or pad can be used to scrub away food or other dirt stuck to the object’s surface. Next, determine if the aluminum is unfinished. An aluminum object covered in paint, lacquer or another coating should be cleaned according to the requirements of the coating instead of the material.

Thoroughly clean the item using an acid-based solution. Acids remove the oxidized coating that naturally develops on aluminum surfaces. You can use acids like hydrofluoric acid or bleach but they have many side effects and do not do a better job than the ones in your home. The natural acids found in apples, lemons and tomatoes can be just as effective as harsh chemicals minus the toxicity.

How to Protect Aluminum

Because aluminum naturally reacts with oxygen exposure, consider giving your aluminum furniture a protective coating to impede the development of an oxide coating. To do so, apply a thin coating of lemon or olive oil to the item’s surface with a soft rag. The oil will act as a barrier.