How to Remove Rust From Outdoor Furniture

If your patio furniture is made from iron or an iron-based material, then chances are high you’re going to deal with rust at some point. And when that happens, knowing how to remove rust quickly, cheaply, and effectively can save you a lot of time and effort over the long-term—as can learning how to prevent rust from occurring in the first place.

Much of today’s outdoor patio furniture is treated for rust prior to sale, but it’s not always wholly effective for keeping your pieces rust-free year after year. That’s because outdoor furniture is exposed to a lot of elements, including those that are at the root of rust development. Over time, all of this exposure can put a heavy toll on the finish and cause rust to appear, which is an unwelcome sight on an otherwise picture perfect patio.

Below, we’re covering why rust happens, plus helpful tips for how to remove rust and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here’s what to know.

What is rust and why does it occur?

There are two factors that cause patio sets to rust: the material that they’re made out of and the elements that they’re exposed to.

Rust is an iron oxide—i.e. the result of iron meeting oxygen and water, a process known as oxidization. In the beginning stages, it appears as small spots of reddish-brown flakes. If left untreated however, it can expand to cover a larger surface area, eventually eating away at enough of the iron that it impacts the structural integrity of your furniture.

Only iron can rust, which means that this a problem you’re liable to face if your patio furniture is made out of wrought or cast iron, or if it’s steel with an iron coating. If you want to avoid it entirely, look for patio furniture made out of non-rusting materials such as aluminum, teak, or all-weather rattan.

How to remove rust from furniture

Any piece of iron furniture left outside is prone to oxidization—and thus rust—since it’s obviously going to come into contact with both air and moisture. Fortunately, the process for how to remove rust is actually quite simple, and you likely already have what you need right at home.

Here are several options that should be effective at removing rust and getting your furniture looking good as (almost) new again:

Gently scrape the rust away

Use baking soda

Use Coca-Cola

Use a potato

Use white vinegar

Use a commercial rust remover

How to prevent rust from forming

In most cases, getting rid of rust is quite easy. The same goes for preventing it from forming in the first place though, so might as well make yourself familiar with some of the things that you can do prevent oxidation and keep your patio furniture rust free.

    • Protect it from moisture – Cover your patio set when not in use to keep it dry. You could also store it inside, such as in a shed or your garage, if you have the space.
    • Dry off furniture right away – It doesn’t take long for iron oxide to form, so if your patio furniture does come into contact with moisture, dry it off immediately with a clean towel.
    • Use a rust-resistance paste wax – Pick up a bottle of rust-resistant wax and give your patio furniture a good rub down. This provides a protective barrier between the iron and the outside elements, and as a bonus, it also keeps your furniture looking extra glossy and clean.
    • Keep your furniture clean – Set aside some time at least twice a year to give your iron patio furniture a thorough cleaning. Warm water, a gentle detergent, and a clean rag are all that you’ll need, after which you can dry the pieces off with a towel.

    The more extensive the rust damage, the more you’ll have to do restore your furniture. However, most instances of rust can be easily removed—and prevented—with a bit of care, so stay proactive and keep an eye out for any rust that does form so that you can get rid of it as soon as possible.