Caring for your metal bar stools

Cleaning

In most cases, cleaning metal bar stools with simple soap and warm water will do the trick, but it’s important to dry metal surfaces so they don’t rust. You’ll also want to wash them as soon as you can, as older dirt, food, and dust will be more difficult to clean. If you’re blocked with a stain that you really don’t want to get out, go ahead and use a mild dishwashing detergent, but make sure you don’t leave any residue on the metal once you’re done. Clean and dry the surface when you’re done, and if you want to go the extra mile, use filtered water to even out the pH level.

Placement

Probably the biggest draw to metal bar stools is the fact that they can withstand just about anything, including sun, rain, and small children, but there are a few placement tips you might want to keep in mind. If you only use your stools outdoors, you may want to consider purchasing covers to protect them from direct sun and rain when not in use. You also don’t want to keep your metal furniture directly over a heating vent, as constant and drastic changes in temperature can weaken the metal, especially if you have skinny wrought-iron-style barstools.

Polish

Your metal stool doesn’t really need polishing, but it may benefit from waxing from time to time. The wax acts as a barrier between the elements and the metal itself. Wax doesn’t make metal slippery, but it can make it a bit harder to grip, especially for older people and children. This is particularly useful if you plan to use your furniture both outdoors and indoors. You can also repaint your metal furniture every few years to hide the dings and scratches that inevitably happen over time. Paint serves a similar purpose to wax in protecting metal from daily wear and tear.

Several

With all the proper care listed above, you should be able to avoid rust for now, but it’s almost inevitable that it will happen eventually. Use a stiff-bristled wire brush to scrape away any rust stains, then reapply paint, wax, or both. If you’re in the process of salvaging a neglected metal stool, you can use sandpaper to help remove large rust spots from each piece. Just remember to retire and each item should have a new decades-long shelf life. Metal bar stools can add beauty and versatility to any decor, and with proper care, you won’t have to replace your items for years.