Metal office furniture have always been popular for their durability. They can easily be dried when wet unlike wood furniture, and they do not break as easily as plastic furniture. However, regardless of its advantages, not all companies are a fan of metal office furniture. This is due to metal materials having a higher risk of developing rust over time compared to other kinds of office furniture.
Whether it is for home or for office, it is necessary to know how to care for metal furniture before you renovate or remodel your office and hire a fit out contractor in the Philippines. Considering the different properties each kind of metal furniture has, here are some tips on how to properly care for your metal furniture that you should keep in mind.
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Since most metal furniture are coated by a protective finish to withstand outdoor elements, it is generally enough to wash them with just a soapy sponge or soft bristle brush, rinse with clean water, and then wipe them dry. That said, it is important to remember is not to use abrasive cleaners to wash or wipe metal furniture to avoid scraping off its protective finish.
However, metal furniture made from cast iron material may easily rust. If they rust, you may use sandpaper or rust remover to remove rust spots, and then seal the surface with either paint, rust protector, or sealant. Moreover, if they are used outdoors, it is advisable to cover them with plastic to protect them from rain.
Do not let deposits build up
Stainless steel might be the easiest metal to care for. All you need to do is wipe its surface with a damp cloth with mild soap solution. There is also no need to be careful with abrasive cleaners. However, you must not let rust spots or dirt build up in your stainless steel furniture. If deposits do build up, it must be cleaned by a scour pad or any cleaner with similar surface in the direction of the brushed finished.
Wash with lemon juice
Although they do not rust, aluminum may discolor or develop a rough surface because of oxidation. The acidity of the lemon juice can help prevent discoloration of the aluminum metal furniture and even keep its shine. Afterwards, you may polish the aluminum metal furniture with lemon oil to maintain its luster.
This is also applicable to furniture made with copper material. To remove grime or bring back the shine of a dull copper furniture, rub a mixture of salt and vinegar to its surface, rinse it with water, and then wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth.
Do not leave furniture standing in water
Last but definitely not the least, do not leave your metal furniture standing in water. Rust or iron oxide is formed when iron, which is a metal, and oxygen react to each other in the presence of water or moisture in the air. This is why it is important to always immediately wipe the metal furniture dry after it is wet by water.
To ensure this, you must also check if your home or office is free of any water leak. It would also be best for furniture like office steel filing cabinet and office steel locker to be put on an elevated platform to avoid any contact with water that may spill on the floor.
The key to maintaining the condition of your metal furniture is to regularly clean it. You should also always check the condition of the metal furniture’s protective finish and treat any damage before it gets worse.
