How to Maintain and Care for Aluminium Outdoor Furniture to Keep It Looking Great

Aluminium outdoor furniture has long been praised for its resilience, modern elegance, and low-maintenance nature. At The Exclusive Home, our high-end aluminium furniture goes beyond standard-grade offerings, combining powder-coated finishes, marine-grade materials, and weather-resistant fabrics that stand up beautifully to the harsh Australian climate. However, even premium aluminium furniture deserves the right care to ensure it retains its fresh, new look for years.

In this guide, we share professional, tried-and-true practices to care for aluminium outdoor furniture and contrast our high-quality construction with cheaper alternatives often found in mass-market retailers.

1. Why Aluminium is a Superior Outdoor Material

Aluminium has become a staple in luxury outdoor living for several key reasons:

• Rust-proof: Unlike steel or wrought iron, aluminium won’t rust. This makes it ideal for coastal, tropical, or humid regions where moisture can corrode lesser metals.
• Lightweight yet strong: Easy to move and rearrange while being structurally sound.
• Corrosion-resistant: Especially when powder-coated, aluminium resists corrosion from salt, rain, and UV.
• Design versatility: Easily moulded into sleek or classic forms to suit any high-end aesthetic.
• Eco-friendly: Recyclable and long-lasting with low carbon impact over its lifetime.

However, exposure to dirt, pollution, salt spray, and airborne debris can still take a toll on appearance over time—especially on cheaper aluminium furniture with minimal coating or poor fabrication. That’s where proper maintenance makes all the difference.

2. Regular Cleaning: The First Line of Defence

How Often to Clean

• Monthly: General wipe-down with mild soap and water.
• Fortnightly or Weekly: In coastal or high-pollution areas.
• Immediately: After dust storms, bird droppings, tree sap, or heavy rain.

Tools Needed

• Soft sponge or microfibre cloth
• Mild detergent (non-abrasive, non-acidic)
• Bucket of warm water
• Garden hose (for rinsing)
• Soft-bristle brush (for textured finishes)

Cleaning Process

1. Rinse the furniture to remove loose dust or grit.
2. Wash with a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
3. Scrub gently using a sponge or soft brush for grooves and intricate areas.
4. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue remains.
5. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spotting.

Avoid: Harsh chemicals, bleach, steel wool, or abrasive pads, which can damage the protective powder coating.

3. Powder-Coated Aluminium: Protecting the Finish

At The Exclusive Home, our aluminium furniture is powder-coated using advanced techniques for a smooth, durable finish that resists peeling, fading, and chipping.

Why Powder Coating Matters

• Protects the metal beneath from oxidation and corrosion
• Maintains colour vibrancy under UV rays
• Offers a luxurious, tactile finish—from matte to gloss textures

Care Tips

• Avoid placing hot pots or barbecues directly on the surface—use heat-resistant mats or trivets.
• Immediately clean spills from sunscreen, oil, wine, or food to avoid staining.
• Use coasters and placemats during meals to preserve finish.

If minor scratches occur, you can use a matching powder-coat touch-up kit or consult the manufacturer (we offer guidance on this for all Exclusive Home pieces).

4. Dealing With Stains, Marks, and Mildew

While aluminium resists mildew and mould, dirt and organic matter left to build up can create staining or even mildew formation on fabric or underneath joints.

To Remove Stains or Marks:

• Use a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water.
• Gently apply to the affected area with a cloth and rinse well.

For Mildew or Tree Sap:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap with 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water.
• Use a soft brush to agitate the area.
• Rinse well and dry completely.

Avoid leaving furniture directly under overhanging trees known to drop sap or heavy organic debris.

5. Seasonal Deep Cleaning & Inspection

A quarterly or seasonal clean helps maintain long-term appeal and integrity.

Checklist for Deep Maintenance:

• Clean thoroughly using steps in section 2.
• Inspect for wear on joints, bolts, and welds (especially if stacking furniture).
• Check for finish damage—re-touch any small scratches.
• Tighten all fasteners (stainless steel bolts on Exclusive Home pieces are designed to last, but regular checking ensures safety).

If your furniture includes removable cushions, now is also a good time to launder fabric covers (see your care tag) and vacuum or air out cushions.

6. Outdoor Fabric Care for Aluminium Furniture Settings

Most aluminium furniture includes fabric seat pads, backrests, or sling components. The Exclusive Home uses UV-stable, quick-dry, weatherproof fabrics ideal for Australian conditions. These are a cut above the average outdoor fabrics used by cheaper brands, which often fade, split, or absorb water over time.

Fabric Maintenance Tips:

• Brush off dust weekly using a dry cloth or soft brush.
• Spot clean spills with soapy water or fabric cleaner.
• Dry cushions thoroughly if caught in rain—do not leave damp in storage.
• Store cushions indoors or in weatherproof storage boxes when not in use.

For detailed care of your outdoor fabrics, refer to our dedicated article: “How to Maintain Outdoor Fabrics in Harsh Australian Weather.”

7. Storage Tips for Longevity

While aluminium doesn’t rust or rot, storing your furniture during extended periods of non-use can extend its aesthetic lifespan.

Storage Recommendations:

• Store under cover (carport, patio roof, or waterproof furniture cover)
• Stack or elevate furniture off damp surfaces to avoid ground moisture
• Use breathable furniture covers—avoid plastic tarps that trap moisture
• Bring cushions indoors or store in ventilated outdoor boxes

For customers in alpine or storm-prone areas, storage is especially recommended during winter months.

8. Protection From Sun, Wind, and Salt Air

Even the best aluminium furniture will benefit from thoughtful placement and basic protection from the elements:

• Shade or umbrella placement helps prevent fabric fading.
• Positioning near walls or barriers can reduce wind stress.
• Avoid direct contact with soil or garden mulch, which may stain or cause moisture damage to legs or joins.
• Hose down fortnightly in coastal regions to remove salt deposits.

Our marine-grade powder-coated finishes are designed to perform well in these environments, but maintenance is still key.

9. Rejuvenating Older Aluminium Furniture

If you’ve had your aluminium outdoor setting for years and want to bring back its former beauty, you can rejuvenate it with the following steps:

Rejuvenation Tips:

• Use a mild polishing compound or automotive wax on matte finishes.
• For gloss finishes, a specialised metal polish can restore shine (test on a hidden area first).
• Tighten bolts, re-spray minor scratches with colour-matched enamel (ask us for guidance).
• Replace or recover fabric elements for a refreshed look.

With quality design and regular care, your aluminium setting can last 10–15 years or more—a sharp contrast to budget imports that often degrade after just two or three years.

10. The Difference: Our Aluminium vs Cheaper Alternatives

Feature	The Exclusive Home	Budget Import Alternatives
Frame Construction	Powder-coated marine-grade aluminium	Thin, generic aluminium or steel blends
Fasteners	Stainless steel corrosion-resistant	Basic bolts prone to rust
Fabric	UV-stabilised, waterproof	Cotton blends or synthetic mix
Warranty	5-Year Structural, 10-Year Option	Often 1 year or less
Customisation	Yes – sizes, colours, fabrics	No – off-the-shelf only
Quality Assurance	Full pre-delivery photo reports	None – often shipped unseen

By investing in quality aluminium outdoor furniture and following these care guidelines, you not only protect your investment—you create a welcoming, beautiful space that lasts through every season.

11. Conclusion: Care Today, Enjoy Tomorrow

Aluminium outdoor furniture represents an elegant, timeless choice for outdoor living in Australia. Whether you’re entertaining under the stars or enjoying quiet moments in the morning sun, your outdoor setting deserves the same level of care as your indoor spaces.

By establishing a simple monthly cleaning habit, performing seasonal checks, protecting fabric elements, and leveraging quality design, your furniture will look as new in year ten as it did on day one.

At The Exclusive Home, we’ve designed every piece of aluminium outdoor furniture to withstand Australia’s unique weather conditions while delivering uncompromising beauty and style. And when you take care of it—just as we took care in making it—it will reward you for many years to come.