Here's How To Repair Your Faded Aluminum Patio Furniture

Suppose you have aluminum patio furniture at home. In that case, you know that constant exposure to the elements can make it look a bit dingy and faded over time, despite its position as one of the best outdoor furniture materials available. This change in appearance isn't quite as severe as a plastic patio set that tends to crack or remain sun bleached even after a little TLC, but it can still significantly impact the look of your outdoor space. Luckily, a simple, two-step process can help you restore your favorite patio pieces to their fresh-off-the-shelf sheen and depth of color.

Aluminum patio furniture is designed to be sturdy and rust-resistant. So when you're dealing with a bit of dinginess, most of the time, that's only dirt and grime buildup. To tackle this, all you need to do is give your furniture a thorough clean and shine, similar to a car. After that, your patio set will lose that annoying dirty cast and be ready for another season of lounging in the sun.

The first step in this restoration process is deep cleaning your outdoor furniture. For many, this is all that their furniture needs to look better after spending a few months in the elements. Dust, pollen, and dirt can build up to create a stuck-on film on the metal, especially if it has a bit of texture, but a bit of scrubbing or spraying can quickly tackle this issue.

To do this, all you need is some soapy water and a sponge or rag. Try not to pick anything too abrasive, like steel wool or a super-spiny scrub brush, to avoid chipping away any paint or protective coating on the surface of the metal. Work in sections, scrubbing away the dirt. Once you're done, you can spray away any residue with a hose or go back in with clean water to finish off the process. Leave it to dry, and if it's still looking a bit lackluster, you can move on to the next step.

Some aluminum pieces, especially ones with a glossy surface, can benefit from a bit of wax to increase the shine and further protect them from the elements. In this situation, reaching for car wax is usually your best bet. Despite seeming like a bit of a weird choice at first glance, this handy formula actually has quite a few uses, from shining up your stovetop to preventing rust on tools. It's easy to find and use, is fairly inexpensive, and is designed to protect metal. Choose a product that's high quality, then apply and buff away with a soft sponge or microfiber towel. Some companies even offer a convenient spray-on formula that can help you get the job done more quickly, like Turtle Wax's Wax & Dry Spray.

After you're done, you should notice that your furniture looks more clean, vibrant, and shiny. This extra layer of protection helps to slow the process of your furniture collecting dirt, but it's still a good idea to clean regularly to keep everything in good shape. Once a season, apply another fresh coat of wax, and you should be good to go for years to come.