Steel furniture provides your home with a unique, contemporary look, and it can also be remarkably long-lasting. However, even though this metal offers impressive resistance to normal wear and tear, it'll need to be cleaned periodically to look its best. Here are some essential tips for working with this material.

How to Keep Your Steel Furniture Clean

1. Manage Normal Dirt & Grime

For everyday dirt and dust, wiping down your item with a rag soaked in hot water will often be enough. If your steel furniture has built-on grime, which is more likely to occur in high-use areas, such as the kitchen, add some dish detergent. These solutions are designed to cut through grease and oil, so a good scrubbing should do the trick.

2. Keep Items Dry

After your routine washing, be sure to dry your furniture thoroughly. When water is allowed to remain on steel for an extended period, rust will likely form. To prevent this, wipe down your piece with a dry towel after you've finished washing.

3. Eliminate Rust

If a thin layer of rust appears on your furniture, remove it as quickly as possible to keep it from spreading and penetrating deeper into the metal. Rather than using expensive commercial cleaners—many of which contain volatile organic compounds—use lemon juice, baking soda, or vinegar for a natural solution. Apply your chosen cleaning material to the rusted area for a few hours, using a rag to wrap it in place. Then scrub, rinse, and dry to remove the rust.

If your steel furniture is dirty or rusted beyond repair, contact Magna Steel Sales in Beacon Falls, CT, for new materials. Serving residents throughout Westport and the surrounding area since 1984, their full service custom fabrication team offers a wide variety of products that can help transform your home inside and out. To learn more about their options, visit them online or call (203) 888-0300.