Clean Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is an ornamental metal that has been worked or molded. The word wrought literally means worked. Wrought iron has been used for many centuries and is popularly used today for such things as patio furniture, railings, shelving and ornamental décor like wine racks and candle holders. Due to its slightly coarse texture, wrought iron can sometimes catch and hold extra dust and dirt. Wrought iron cleaning can be done straightforwardly with just a few materials. Follow these steps to learn how to clean wrought iron.
Contents
[hide]Steps
- Fill a bucket or spray bottle with warm water. If you are cleaning large items such as wrought iron furniture, a bucket may work best. For smaller items, a spray bottle may be more useful.
- Add a mild soap such as dish washing liquid or household cleaner. If you are cleaning wrought iron that is kept indoors, vinegar may work best. Vinegar might be too mild for the excess dirt gathered by outdoor ornaments or furnishings.
- A good ratio for dish soap is 1 tbsp. (5 ml) of soap to 1 qt. (946 ml) of water. If using a household cleaner, use 1/4 cup (59 ml) to 1/2 gallon (1892 ml) of water. For vinegar, use 1/2 cup (118 ml) to 1/2 gallon (1892 ml) of water.
- Remove any items from the wrought iron such as cushions, pillows or knick-knacks.
- Soak a sponge or washcloth in the water if you are using a bucket. If you are using a spray bottle, spray the sponge or cloth with your cleaning solution until thoroughly dampened.
- Wipe the wrought iron in a circular motion, working in small sections at a time, removing all excess dirt or dust. Re-dampen the sponge or cloth as necessary.
- If there is rust on the wrought iron, try scrubbing it with a wire brush or coarse sandpaper.
- Empty the bucket or spray bottle when finished. Rinse and re-fill with clean water.
- Rinse the sponge or cloth thoroughly to remove all the cleaning solution.
- Wipe down the wrought iron again with the clean water, making sure to rinse the sponge or cloth frequently. If you are washing wrought iron outdoors, it may be easier to rinse with a water hose.
- Allow the iron to dry completely. Outdoor items may be left to dry in the sun. Indoor items should be wiped with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
Tips
- You can protect your wrought iron objects by applying a clear varnish to protect it from scratches or rust. Varnish can also keep painted iron surfaces from peeling.
- If your wrought iron items need touch up paint, you should do the touch ups after the wrought iron has been cleaned and dried.
Things You'll Need
- Bucket or spray bottle
- Warm water
- Mild soap or vinegar
- Sponge or cloth
- Clean, dry cloth
