Brits looking to get into their gardens this summer may need to give their outdoor furniture some TLC. Over the winter, metal furniture may have got a bit rusty, so the founder of Lazy Susan Furniture has shared his top tips for natural removal.
Michael Scott said that most metal furniture is prone to rusting if not protected from the elements. He encouraged people to regularly check each piece of furniture and look for areas where rust has formed, focusing on joints, seams, and places where the paint or coating has worn away, with common spots including: feet, table edges, backrests and the arms of chairs.
He said if you do find rust, then “no matter how small, tackle it immediately”. For a long-term solution, you can opt for high-grade cast aluminium furniture that is powder-coated, so it will not rust and has a durable, weatherproof finish. But to treat rust spots on existing garden furniture, Michael advises removing any cushions or accessories to prevent damage during the rust-removal process.
Make sure you have a safe, well-ventilated workspace. If you are working outside, put down plastic sheets to protect the floor or patio surface.
To remove rust from your garden furniture, use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub away any loose, flaky bits. Sandpaper can help smooth out any tougher spots, but be gentle to avoid damaging any surrounding non-rusted areas. Finally, smooth out the area with fine sandpaper.
If the rust is deep or stubborn, a natural way to remove it is to soak the area in a kitchen staple – white vinegar, which can be found for 35p at the supermarket. Let it sit for a while before scrubbing again.
Wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove any rust particles and cleaning residue, and then leave the surface to dry completely before applying a rust-inhibiting primer and paint designed for metal outdoor surfaces.
To prevent rust on outdoor furniture, wipe it down regularly, especially after rain. Ensure it dries completely before putting on waterproof and breathable covers or storing it.
If your furniture does not have protective feet that prevent the metal from making direct contact with the ground, then you need to elevate it slightly using rubber feet or risers.
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