How to Care for an Aluminum Chair

Aluminum chairs and furniture need some simple, basic care.

Aluminum chairs and furniture are appealing because special care is minimal both indoors and outdoors. Aluminum is weather resistant, lightweight and has good reflective qualities, which make it convenient and stylish. All aluminum furniture is covered with some type of finish that can be preserved with proper care. Whether your chair is indoors or outside, constructed with cast aluminum or hollow tube aluminum, a few general care tips should keep it in great shape for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Grease-cutting dish soap
• Water
• Bucket
• Cotton cloth
• Long-handled brush
• Steelwool pad with soap
• 100-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Car wax

Instructions

1. Clean your aluminum chair about once a month if it is outdoors; if you leave environmental dirt and oils on your chair too long they can damage the finish. Indoor chairs can be cleaned less often, but you should develop a regular cleaning schedule.

2. Remove cushions and clean them separately according to the type of material they are made of. If your aluminum chair has a back or seat that is constructed of some other type of material such as wicker or wood, clean these areas separately as well.

3. Wash aluminum chairs with a grease-cutting liquid dish soap. Mix 1 tbsp. of detergent in a gallon of warm water. For outdoor aluminum chairs, use a long-handled soft-bristled brush for scrubbing. Use a soft cotton cloth or sponge for indoor chairs. Rinse your aluminum chair with clean water to remove the detergent residue, and allow it to air dry.

4. Fix pits, scratches and tough stains with a steel wool pad with soap in it; go over the affected area lightly. Make sure you remove all the soap and steel wool bits with clean water when you are done. For deep scratches and nicks, use 100-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface a little; then smooth it with 220-grit paper. After smoothing use a wet cotton cloth to clean the area.

5. Polish aluminum chairs with a liquid wax. Polish with car wax once a year to seal and protect. There are also aluminum polishes made just for aluminum, to protect it and keep it looking shiny and new.

6. Cover your outdoor aluminum chair with a vinyl furniture cover in the winter, or store it indoors. Take an extra few minutes to dry aluminum furniture before covering or storing.

Tips & Warnings

• If your chair requires painting, contact the manufacturer so you can get an exact match for the color.

References

• Properties of Aluminum
• Reviving Outdoor Furniture

Resources

• Care for Cast Aluminum