The DIY Vinegar Solution That Gets Rusty Outdoor Furniture Shining Again

Warmer temperatures mean spending more time outside and using your metal patio furniture again. The amount of rust that has accumulated on your trusty table and chairs, however, can make the entire space feel neglected and uninviting. Enter white vinegar, your favorite, all-natural, budget-friendly cleaning companion. With a little energy and just a handful of household ingredients, you can get that rusty outdoor furniture clean and shining like new.

To get started, wipe down your patio furniture with a microfiber cloth, which will remove surface-level grime and pollen dust. Next, gather your supplies: white vinegar, salt, a spray bottle, and a metal brush or steel wool. Fill the spray bottle with vinegar and add a shake or two of salt to the bottle (this will increase the vinegar's acidity, which will improve its effectiveness). Now, spray the rusty furniture with the vinegar solution and leave it on for up to 15 minutes — don't skip the soaking time or the manual labor portion of this task will be significantly harder. Grab your scrubbing tool of choice and scour the surface until you are satisfied with the rust removal. Depending on how badly the rust has taken over, you may need to scrub harder or even rinse and repeat the vinegar application before scrubbing again if the rust has really built up. Rinse the furniture and pat it dry with an absorbent towel before calling it a day.

Rust is an ugly chemical process that occurs when iron or steel reacts with moisture and air, resulting in corrosion. If left unchecked, the corrosion can (and will) weaken the metal to a point where it loses its structural integrity — it can even cause holes in the furniture. A quality metal patio set can cost upwards of $300, so staying on top of the rust issue is a wise choice. Remember to cover or dry your metal furniture during the rainy season to prevent water from interacting with the metal for too long. You can also paint your outdoor furniture to provide a physical barrier between the furniture and its environment, thereby slowing the growth of rust.

While the vinegar hack is a great way to get results without resorting to harsh chemicals, bear in mind that vinegar and salt can be detrimental to plant and soil health. Since salt and vinegar are a few of the ingredients in DIY weed killer, it is advisable to spray your furniture over pavement rather than dousing your rusty furniture on your lawn. If you feel that you need a little more power to beat out the rust, try your hand at this rust-removal method that employs borax.