covers are also plentiful through Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other furniture retailers. Photograph via Amazon.Resist the urge to protect your treated metal furniture with a plastic tablecloth. It can trap water, humidity, and heat that can damage the finish.Considered the most durable material for outdoor furniture, metal can last a lifetime if you take care of it properly. Most metal outdoor furniture is finished with paint, varnish, or powder coating to prevent rust. And, while aluminum doesn’t rust–hence its recommended use in areas near salt water–it can oxidize (which causes pitting and dulls the finish)

Metal Furniture Basics :

Made of rust-resistant galvanized steel, both the Tolix Marais A Chair and Tolix Marais Two-Seater Dining Table were designed by French metalworker Xavier Pauchard and are still manufactured in Autun, France.

Soaps & Cleaners :

Metal furniture is best cleaned with a cloth or sponge using water and mild, non-detergent soap and wiped dry. Abrasive scrubbers or cleaners should not be used as they can scratch the finish, potentially exposing the metal to rust-inducing moisture. For ingrained dirt, use window cleaner or a non-abrasive multi-purpose cleaner.When cleaning keep an eye out for scratches or any signs of rust, especially at furniture joints. Apply touch-up paint to scratches to prevent rust. If rust or mold is present, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-proof touch-up paint (this may be available from the manufacturer). To remove oxidization from aluminum furniture, use a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water; avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause oxidation.

Rust vs. Patina :

Rust is slow to corrode, so many choose to embrace the patina of the rust rather than eradicate it as seen in the metal furniture on the patio of a project by London architecture firm Gundry & Ducker. See more of this House with Slate Shingle Siding. Photograph by Hufton & Crow for Gundry & Ducker.Fermob, the maker of classic French metal bistro furniture, recommends tilting tables (using wedges) and chairs (resting against the table and not placed upside down on them) when not in use to prevent water from pooling.

Always start with a light cleaning, sweeping surfaces as needed with a soft brush or cloth. Then assess if more care and cleaning is needed.When it comes to cleaning products, non-detergent liquid soap (think dish soap) is your friend. It will clean without harming your furniture or the environs. For tougher stains and mildew, use water and white vinegar.

Read the manual. Unless you inherit or purchase vintage pieces, outdoor furniture should come with instructions.Sunscreens and bird droppings should be cleaned off as soon as possible. They can be particularly damaging and lead to permanent staining and corrosion.

Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time (and during bouts of inclement weather). Even if it can stand up to the elements, this will extend its life and make cleaning easier after the outdoor season begins again. And, use breathable covers to avoid creating a mold incubator.If you live in an area with especially harsh winter weather, try storing your furniture indoors if possible.