From wrought iron featuring dramatic loops, curls, twists and designs to heavier gauge steel that features exquisite lines and a decidedly modern look, more and more people are flocking to the versatility and beauty of metal bar stools. Caring for your metal bar stools isn?t a complicated procedure, but there are certain pieces of advice that must be followed if you are to get the most out of your purchase.

Cleaning

In most cases, cleaning your metal bar stools with simple soap and warm water will be more than enough, but it is important that you dry off the metal surfaces so that no rusting occurs. You also want to wash them as soon as you can since older dirt, food and dust will be more difficult to clean. If you are stymied with a spot that really doesn?t want to come out, go ahead and use some mild dishwashing detergent, but make sure that you don?t leave any residue on the metal once you are done. Clean and dry the surface when you are finished and if you want to go the extra mile, use filtered water to even out the ph level.

Placement

Probably the biggest attraction of metal bar stools is the fact that it can stand up to almost anything, including sun, rain and small children, but there are some placement tips you may want to keep in mind. If you are only using your stools outdoors, you may want to consider buying covers to keep direct sun and rain off of them when not in use. You also don?t want to keep your metal furniture directly over a heating vent since the constant and dramatic changes in temperature can weaken the metal, especially if you have thin wrought iron style bar stools. Polish

Your metal bar stool doesn?t really need polishing, but it can benefit from waxing now and then. The wax acts like a barrier between the elements and the metal itself. Waxing doesn?t leave the metal slick, but it can make it slightly more difficult to grip, especially for older folks and for kids. This is particularly useful if you plan on using your furniture outdoors as well as indoors. You can also repaint your metal furniture every few years to hide dings and scraps that inevitably happen over time. The paint serves a similar purpose as the wax in protecting the metal from daily wear and tear.

Misc.

With all of the proper care listed above, you should be able to ward off rust for the time being, but it is almost inevitable that it will happen eventually. Use a hard bristled wire brush to scrape off any rust stains, and then retreat with either paint, wax or both. If you are in the process of rescuing neglected a metal bar stool, you can use sandpaper to help rid each piece of large rust spots. Simply remember to retreat and each item should have a fresh, decades long lease on life. Metal bar stools can add beauty and versatility to any décor, and with proper care, you won?t have to replace your items for years.