Acquiring furniture is a pricey affair. For this reason, you need to buy reliable pieces. If your furniture isn't durable, then the likelihood of you having to change it would increase. After all, the use of furniture has been part of our day to day lives.
That's why it's essential to choose furniture that can last for a long time. This is why most people turn to metal furniture. Not only are they very sturdy, but they are also easy to clean. However, cleaning it and maintaining are two different things despite one being the part of the other. So, how do you maintain metal furniture to stay in its best shape?
What is Metal Furniture?
As the name suggests, metal furniture is a type of furniture made up of metal parts. These parts can be made of different kinds of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and iron. Products made from the last two types of metal are extensively used, be it interior or outdoor furnishings.
The use of metal in furniture making began in the 1920s. The Bauhaus furniture designer and architect, Marcel Breuer, began using tubular steel in his design. The finished furniture Breuer designed became an important part of that period.
When World War II began, the production of the metal furniture had been put on an abrupt stop. This is to focus on the creation of items to support the war effort. However, after the war, they returned to creating furniture once more.
How to Take Care of Your Metal Furniture
So, you're planning to switch to metal furniture? That's great! Before you look for 'custom metal table design ideas' on google, take time to know how to maintain and take care of it first before getting yourself one. It's no secret that metal furniture is easy to clean. However, will you be able to commit?
Regular Maintenance
The first thing you can easily do to ensure the condition of your metal furniture is in tip-top shape is to have a scheduled and regular maintenance. It is recommended that you clean and check it during your scheduled cleaning day. Try having a bi-quarterly monthly routine.
Know the Type of Metal Your Furniture Has
Metal is very easy to clean because of its cool and smooth surface. Different types of metal require different methods of cleaning. But since some metal is softer than others, you should at least be aware of what kind of metal your furniture has and how to clean it.
Stainless steel can accumulate filth that can eat its protective layer and damage the metal. The simplest way you can clean stainless steel is with hot water and a soft cleaning cloth to wipe the water and grime off. Rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquids, baking soda, and glass cleaners can also be used to clean it if water can't clean the dirt away.
Avoid wiping the surface with steel wool. Not only would it leave visible scratches, but it can also compromise the chromium oxide layer that protects the stainless steel.
Aluminum can be cleaned using water and dishwashing liquid. Just wash it thoroughly, and you're good to go. If you don't have any dishwashing liquid available, you can use vinegar, lemon, or salt as an alternative. A clean, soft cloth and a coarse fabric can be used to wipe it dry.
Rust Prevention and Removal
The great thing about metal furniture is how durable it is and how it doesn't get destructive pests such as termites. However, if your furniture contains metals that aren't rust resistant, then this might be a problem for you. Metals such as steel or iron accumulate rust if their protective layers corrode. To prevent this, apply rust-resistant coating on your metal furniture regularly.
If it's already too late and rust has already accumulated, then there are still measures you can take. One method is using baking soda. Apply it to the metal and leave it for an hour before scrubbing it off. This is useful for a small accumulation of rust. Acidic ingredients such as citric acid, vinegar, and salt also work wonders.
Weatherproofing Metal Furniture
Being regularly exposed to moisture will damage your metal furniture. If it can't be helped, make sure that you continuously check furniture that gets in contact with water. Direct sunlight can also damage your furniture, so make sure that they are located where they get adequate shade.
Repainting the Furniture
Painting your metal furniture with a clear metal varnish would make it look shiny and new. It will hide wears and scratches that it got from constant use. However, if you want to give it a new look, using acrylic paint would be ideal since acrylic or oil-based paint works best with metal.
Takeaway
You should always get your money's worth whenever you're purchasing something as big as furniture. That is why you should buy ones that can easily be cleaned and maintained. Metal might appear as if it's a lot of work. However, with regular maintenance and proper care, your metal furniture will not see a day where it will look like scrap metal.
