Introduction
Looking for tips on how to clean an aluminum patio table? If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals or abrasives, it’s easy.
Most of the time, simply cleaning an aluminum patio table with warm water and mild soap will do the trick.
But if your table has been used for years or is covered in grease, dirt, and grime, you may need to give it a little extra attention.
If your table has a finish on it, be sure to follow the cleaning instructions that came with it. If not, here are some general tips on how to clean an aluminum patio table:
Turn off electricity
Before you do anything, don’t forget to turn off the electricity on your table. You can try this by unplugging it or flipping a switch near the outlet if you have one.
Unplug the table. If there’s no switch near your outlet, remove the plug and pull it out of its socket (be careful not to let any prongs touch anything else!).
Make sure it’s safe to do so. Once you’ve done this and verified that all power has been cut, check for any wires that may still be connected, especially those near where water could spill or drip onto a surface below and disconnect them as well if they’re causing an issue with your cleaning process later on down the road.
If there is no switch near your outlet, remove the plug and pull it out of its socket (be careful not to let any of its prongs touch anything else!).
Make sure it’s safe to do so. Once you’ve done this and verified that all power has been cut, check for any wires that may still be connected, especially those near where water could spill or drip onto a surface below and disconnect them as well if they’re causing an issue with your cleaning process later on down the road.
Wipe the table with a soft cloth.
If there is some amount of dirt or dust on the table, use a clean cloth to wipe it off.
If there are stains on your patio table, you can use a damp cloth to scrub them away. For stubborn stains that don’t come off quickly, you may need to wet the stain and let it settle overnight before wiping it down with soap and water in the morning.
If all else fails and there are still some leftover marks on your patio table despite all of this work; you’ll want to try cleaning up some oil stains by dabbing a bit of cleaning fluid onto each color before wiping them away (make sure not to pour too much or else it will ruin your patio).
Apply small dish soap to a sponge or cloth and wipe the table.
If you’re using your patio table more than just for parties, it’s best to avoid any harsh chemicals like bleach when cleaning it.
A bar of mild dish soap will do just fine for this job and help prevent any damage to the surface of the patio table.
As with glass tables, you’ll want to avoid using abrasive cleaners on your patio table as they can scratch and dull its finish.
Rinse off soap residue with clean water.
Once your table is dry, it’s time to take care of that soap residue. Rinse off any remaining dirt with warm water and a soft cloth.
If you still have some grime, go to the table with a clean cloth soaked in white vinegar to help dissolve what remains.
Use another clean cloth to dry the table off and ensure no moisture marks are left behind. Your patio table should be sparkling.
Use a commercial glass cleaner or vinegar and water solution if you have glass tables. Abrasive cleaners like window cleaners can scratch and dull the surface of your table, so it’s essential to be careful when using them.
Dry the table surface with a clean, dry cloth.
Now that the table is dry, you can use a clean cloth to wipe away any remaining water from the surface. Paper towels are not recommended because they leave behind tiny bits of paper.
If you are using a damp cloth, don’t let it become too wet, and make sure that your hands aren’t wet either, as this will cause water marks on the metal surface.
Spray the polish onto a clean, dry cloth
Next, apply the polish to a clean and dry cloth. Rub it into the table using a circular motion for about 15 minutes.
Wipe off any excess polish with another dry cloth and allow the polish to sit for 24 hours before using it again.
Use a soft cloth to wipe the waxed area
As you’re buffing, it’s essential to remember that you shouldn’t use a paper towel or any cloth with abrasive particles on it.
You also don’t want to clean your patio furniture with a sponge; this can leave tiny scratches on the surface and make the table look worse than before (or at least not as shiny).
A clean microfiber cloth is best for rubbing out any wax residue or dust left behind after cleaning.
Keep your patio clean this season.
Wash your patio table regularly. A dirty patio table can be an eyesore, so keeping yours clean is essential. To do that, use a soft cloth to wipe it down after every use and wipe up any spills immediately.
If you have a set, clean it together. When cleaning your patio furniture sets, always do them all at once. Don’t just select one piece at a time; leave the rest until later in case they get dirty while you’re working on something else.
If you don’t have a tablecloth or cover for your table and chairs, use a damp cloth instead of water to avoid staining the wood or metal surfaces of these items!
Conclusion
With some essential cleaning tools and supplies, you can keep your patio table looking new and shiny for years to come.
Cleaning aluminum is a little different than cleaning other types of furniture, but with the suitable materials and techniques, you’ll be able to do it in no time.
