Aluminium

Aluminium Maintenance & Care

Aluminium is the most popular metal for outdoor furniture. It is light weight, strong, durable, weather resistant, rust-free and requiring low maintenance. Finished with polyester powder coating to prevent oxidisation and increases protection against the elements and scratching, also keeping the furniture safe from rust and UV damage. Aluminium patio furniture does not rust like iron or steel when exposed to moist or salty outdoor air, nor does it dry out or crack like most wooden furniture when exposed to the sun, this is perfect for seaside and poolside uses all year around.

Yes, aluminium garden furniture is low maintenance, but it certainly isn't no maintenance. In a perfect world, it would be, but alas, all outdoor items require some degree of TLC.

Since there are a few important things to remember when cleaning, stain-removing, and storing aluminium pieces, we'll go over it here. Consider it your short yet in-depth checklist.   

Regular Cleaning

While you might be tempted to go all-out with abrasive and solvent-based cleaners, pressure washers, steel wool, or scoring pads on your aluminium outdoor tables, resist the temptation — it will only scratch the surface and damage the finish. 

Instead, choose gentle, home-mixed solutions and soft cloths for regular cleaning.

Follow these steps:

1. Take off the cushions and any throw pillows before cleaning as different material will require a specific process to clean. 
2. To ensure years of outside use, simply use a garden hose with spray setting to remove all large debris from the surface including the underside of the furniture and joints.
3. Mix one-gallon warm water with ¼ cup mild liquid soap
4. Clean the surface with a lint-free, clean, soft cloth or brush to remove any remaining sediment.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water
6. Let it air-dry
7. Replace the cushions or cover
8. Use mild dilution of white distilled vinegar occasionally to remove any calcium build-up.

Removing Stains

Even with your best intentions, stains can occur. When they do, regular cleaning might not cut it. Try this instead: 

1. Mix a solution of one-gallon warm water and ¼ mild dish soap. 
2. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the stained area. 
3. Rinse well with water. 
4. Dry with a soft towel. 

Cleaner

Golden Care® Outdoor Furniture Cleaner

Multi surface outdoor furniture cleaner and stain remover. Can be use stone, cement concrete look, leather look vinyl, pc metals cast aluminium, wicker texteline, polywood and resin.

Scratch Protecting 

Superficial scratches aren't an issue for aluminium furniture. The coating tends to camouflage them. But the deeper they are, the harder they are to conceal.

So, you should opt for prevention over repairs. Luckily scratch protection is easy. 

We recommend using tablecloths, coasters, and placemats to stop scratches from utensils, plates, and glasses, while always avoiding dragging hard, heavy objects across the surface. 

Sunlight and Storage 

As we said earlier, aluminium furniture is resistant to UV rays. But that doesn't mean it's happy to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

There's no need to put a cover over it every time you aren't using it. However, it's worth using a patio umbrella, outdoor shade, or awning to keep your latest addition safe from the glaring sun. 

Speaking of covers, they are a good idea if it won't be used for a while. Weather-resistant protectors provide safety from dirt, grime, and other outdoor unpleasantries. 

Such covers won't be enough if you're in an area with harsh winters or extended periods of less-than-sunny conditions. We recommend keeping your pieces indoors or in an outbuilding to shield it from inclement weather. Just ensure it's clean and dry before storing to prevent mould and mildew. 

Inspecting and Tightening

Last but certainly not least in the TLC department is inspecting and tightening — a crucial part of the aluminium garden furniture care procedure. 

Regularly check your pieces for loose bolts of screws. If you find any, tighten them. This simple (yet often overlooked) act is all it needs to maintain structural integrity for years to come.

Metal accessories can still grow rusty over time, so apply a rust preventative or inhibitor to them from time to time to reduce this likelihood.

FAQs

1.  What tool is needed to tighten the screws?

   
   
   
   

2. How frequently should the screws be checked?

   
   
   
   

3. What torque figure should be used?

   
   
   
   

4. Is thread locking liquid necessary?

   
   

Reference Source

• https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/how-to-protect-aluminum-outdoor-furniture
• https://www.remarkablefurniture.com.au/blogs/maintenance/maintaining-your-outdoor-furniture-for-longevity