Time to Clean Your Cast Iron Table Legs
March 20th marks the beginning of spring this year! To help you get ready for spring cleaning, we would like to share how to clean your cast iron legs.
Step 1: Fill two buckets or spray bottles with warm water.
You'll need to both wash and rinse your cast iron table legs. One of your buckets or spray bottles should be for rinsing, so fill this with only water. Regular tap water at a lukewarm temperature works fine.
For a table or bench that is inside, we recommend using a spray bottle.
If you are cleaning outdoor furniture, using a garden hose to rinse these items will be easier.
Step 2: Add your cleaner to water.
You don't need to purchase an expensive cleaner. Just use distilled white vinegar or a mild cleanser, such as dish soap or a household cleaner, to gently clean the iron without damaging it. Avoid antibacterial soaps or cleansers that contain bleach.
We recommend using distilled white vinegar for indoor cast iron table legs. Add 1/2 cup (118 mL) vinegar to 1⁄2 gallon (1.9 L) (1892 mL) of water.
Vinegar will probably not be strong enough for outdoor cast iron furniture to eliminate all the dirt, so we recommend using dish soap or a household cleaner. Add 1 tbsp. (14 mL) of soap to 1 qt. (946 mL) of water. Or mix 1/4 cup (59 mL) of a household cleaner with 1/2 gallon (1892 mL) of water.
Step 3: Remove or protect non-metal items or parts.
You want your piece to be completely bare so you can clean all of the table legs. So, we recommend taking off any cushions, pillows, or coverings.
If your furniture contains several different materials, such as a bench with a wooden seat and iron sides, you won't be able to isolate the iron part of your furniture piece. In this case, carefully clean where the two materials meet. You can also wrap the non-wrought iron parts in plastic wrap.
Step 4: Soak a sponge or washcloth with your cleaning solution.
Don't squeeze the excess water from your sponge; you will need plenty of soapy water to ensure you reach every nook and cranny of your wrought iron item. If you are using a spray bottle, spray the sponge or cloth with your cleaning solution until it is completely wet.
Step 5: Start scrubbing!
Clean your cast iron table legs with the soapy sponge to remove dust and dirt. Make sure to wipe your metal table legs in a circular motion, working in small sections at a time, to fully clean the item.
Step 6: Rinse off the vinegar or soapy mixture.
Dip a clean sponge or cloth into your reserved bucket of water. Wipe your cast iron table legs again to rinse off the cleaning solution and dirt.
Remember that if you are washing your wrought iron outside, it may be easier to rinse with a garden hose.
If the water in your bucket becomes excessively dirty, dump the dirty water and refill the bucket with fresh, clean water.
Step 7: Allow your cast iron table legs to dry out completely.
For outdoor pieces, let the sun do the work. Wipe indoor items with a clean and dry cloth to remove all the excess moisture. Don't skip this last step because iron can rust.
Do you have questions about how to care for or maintain your cast iron table legs? We’d love to help. Just contact us.