To keep a metal dining table looking new for years, dust it regularly, wipe it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, dry it straight away and avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and harsh chemicals. Deal with spills and scratches promptly, use felt pads and coasters, and keep the table away from constant damp. The exact routine depends on the finish, so identifying whether your table is powder coated, chrome, brushed steel, brass or wrought iron is the first step.<\/p>\n
Metal is a durable choice for a dining table, but durability is not the same as being maintenance free. A few minutes of care each week, and a slightly more thorough clean every couple of months, will keep the finish in good condition and prevent the small problems that tend to shorten a table’s life.<\/p>\n
Different metals and coatings react differently to moisture, cleaning products and wear. If you still have the product information, check it. If not, the appearance usually gives a good clue.<\/p>\n
This is the most common finish on modern metal dining tables and bases. It has a smooth, even colour, often matt or satin black, white, grey or a soft pastel. The coating protects the steel beneath from moisture, so keeping it intact is the priority.<\/p>\n
Chrome has a bright, mirror like shine. It is common on table legs and frames in contemporary designs. It resists rust well while the plating is intact but shows fingerprints and water spots easily.<\/p>\n
Brushed steel has fine parallel lines running across the surface and a soft sheen rather than a mirror finish. Stainless steel resists corrosion well but can still mark with fingerprints and hard water.<\/p>\n
Solid brass develops a natural patina over time. Many modern tables use brass or gold coloured plating or lacquer over another metal, which needs gentler care as the coating can wear if scrubbed.<\/p>\n
Iron is heavy and strong but prone to rust if its protective coating is damaged. It is more common on traditional and outdoor tables.<\/p>\n
Everyday care is simple. Dust the frame and any metal surfaces with a dry microfibre cloth, paying attention to joints, feet and any decorative detail where dust collects. Then wipe with a cloth dampened in warm water with a small amount of mild washing up liquid. Wring the cloth out well so it is damp rather than wet.<\/p>\n
The most important step is drying. Use a second clean, dry cloth to wipe everything down straight away. Water left sitting on metal leaves spots on chrome and steel and, on any finish with a chip or scratch, can start the process of corrosion.<\/p>\n
If your table has a glass, ceramic, marble or wooden top on a metal base, clean the top according to its own material and treat the base separately. Many of our glass dining tables UK sale<\/a> use a metal frame or pedestal, and both parts benefit from their own gentle routine.<\/p>\n Most damage to metal tables comes from well intentioned cleaning with the wrong products. Avoid the following.<\/p>\n Abrasive powders, cream cleaners and scouring pads, which scratch powder coating, strip plating and dull brushed finishes.<\/p>\n Bleach and strong household disinfectants, which can discolour coatings and corrode some metals.<\/p>\n Undiluted vinegar or lemon juice on plated or lacquered metals, as the acid can damage the finish.<\/p>\n Wire wool on anything other than bare iron being prepared for repainting.<\/p>\n Excess water, including steam cleaners, which can reach joints and seams where drying is difficult.<\/p>\n Mild soapy water is all that is needed. For sticky marks, let a little warm soapy water sit on the spot for a minute before wiping. Once or twice a year, a thin layer of non abrasive car wax or furniture wax suitable for metal can add a little extra protection and make future cleaning easier. Test any product on a hidden area first.<\/p>\n Clean with soapy water and dry thoroughly. To remove water spots or fingerprints, a small amount of glass cleaner on a microfibre cloth usually works. Buff with a dry cloth afterwards for a streak free shine.<\/p>\n Always wipe in the direction of the grain, following the fine lines. Wiping across them can leave visible streaks. A dedicated stainless steel cleaner can help with stubborn marks, applied sparingly and buffed off.<\/p>\n Use only a soft damp cloth and dry immediately. If the finish is lacquered or plated, avoid metal polish, which can remove the coating. On solid, unlacquered brass, a gentle brass polish can restore shine if you prefer it bright, though many people enjoy the warm patina that develops naturally.<\/p>\n Dust and wipe with a barely damp cloth, then dry well. Check regularly for chips in the paint or coating, especially on feet and edges, and touch these up before rust has a chance to spread.<\/p>\n On powder coated tables, small scratches can usually be disguised with a colour matched touch up paint, applied with a fine brush in thin layers. On brushed steel, a very fine abrasive pad used carefully along the grain can soften light scratches, but practise on a hidden spot first. Mirror chrome scratches cannot be polished out easily, so prevention is better than repair.<\/p>\n Small spots of surface rust on iron or steel can be removed gently with a soft brush or very fine abrasive, then the area cleaned, dried and sealed with a matching paint or protective coating. Deal with rust as soon as you notice it, as it spreads under the coating if left.<\/p>\n In hard water areas, which cover much of the south and east of England, water left to dry can leave white marks. Drying immediately is the best prevention. A cloth dampened with a weak solution of white vinegar and water can lift marks from stainless steel and chrome, followed by a clean water wipe and thorough drying. Avoid this on plated brass or lacquered finishes.<\/p>\n Metal tables with bolted legs may loosen over time, especially if moved frequently. Check fixings every few months and tighten them gently with the correct tool. Avoid overtightening, which can strip threads or crack surrounding materials.<\/p>\n Small habits prevent most damage. Fit felt pads under the table feet to protect both the floor and the base, and replace them when they wear. Use placemats and coasters, particularly on metal tops, where hot dishes and cold glasses can mark the finish. Lift rather than drag the table when rearranging the room. Keep sharp objects such as keys and craft tools away from the surface.<\/p>\n Chair legs knocking against a metal base can chip the coating over time. Soft bumpers on chair legs, or simply pulling chairs out rather than pushing them hard against the frame, help avoid this.<\/p>\n Many of our modern marble dining tables UK<\/a> sit on powder coated or brushed metal bases, and the same simple habits keep both the top and base in good order.<\/p>\n Moisture is the main enemy of most metals. Kitchens and conservatories can become humid, especially in winter when windows are closed and condensation forms. Good ventilation, an extractor fan and wiping down condensation help protect metal furniture.<\/p>\n Avoid placing a metal table immediately beside a radiator or in strong direct sunlight for long periods, which can cause some coatings to fade or become brittle over time.<\/p>\n If you use a metal table outdoors, choose a design intended for garden use, as indoor finishes are not usually made to withstand rain and frost. Our outdoor garden dining tables UK<\/a> are designed with weather resistant finishes, and covering them or storing them during the wettest months extends their life considerably.<\/p>\n Every few months, give the table a closer look. Tighten any fixings, check feet and edges for chips, clean any hard to reach joints with a soft brush and apply a light coat of protective wax to powder coated or iron surfaces if you use one. This twenty minute routine catches small issues before they become visible damage.<\/p>\n If you are still deciding, a matt or satin powder coated finish is generally the easiest to live with. It hides fingerprints, shrugs off everyday marks and is straightforward to touch up. Brushed steel is a good second choice. Mirror chrome and polished brass look striking but ask for more regular attention.<\/p>\n You can explore a range of metal framed and metal based designs among our dining tables UK sale<\/a> at Furniture in Fashion<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mild antibacterial sprays are generally fine on powder coated and stainless steel surfaces if wiped off and dried afterwards. Avoid bleach based products and test any spray on a hidden area first, particularly on plated or lacquered finishes.<\/p>\n Wipe with a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with glass cleaner or soapy water, then buff with a dry cloth. Regular buffing keeps chrome looking clear.<\/p>\n Most indoor metal tables have a protective coating and will not rust in normal conditions. Rust can appear if the coating is chipped and exposed to damp, so touch up any damage promptly.<\/p>\n Once or twice a year is usually enough. Wax is optional but adds a thin protective layer that makes cleaning easier and helps repel moisture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Metal dining tables are durable, but durable is not the same as maintenance free. To keep one looking new for years, dust it regularly, wipe it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, dry it straight away and avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":70647,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3334],"tags":[4255,902,7333],"class_list":["post-70646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-guide-for-your-home","tag-cleaning-tips","tag-furniture-care","tag-metal-dining-tables"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70646"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70646\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.furnitureinfashion.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Not to Use<\/h3>\n
Finish by Finish Care<\/h3>\n
Powder Coating<\/h3>\n
Chrome<\/h3>\n
Brushed and Stainless Steel<\/h3>\n
Brass and Gold Tones<\/h3>\n
Iron<\/h3>\n
Dealing With Common Problems<\/h3>\n
Light Scratches<\/h3>\n
Rust Spots<\/h3>\n
Water Marks and Limescale<\/h3>\n
Wobbly Legs<\/h3>\n
Protecting Your Table Day to Day<\/h3>\n
Environmental Factors in UK Homes<\/h3>\n
A Seasonal Check<\/h3>\n
Choosing a Metal Table That Is Easy to Maintain<\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n
Can I use antibacterial spray on a metal dining table?<\/h3>\n
How do I remove fingerprints from a chrome table base?<\/h3>\n
Will a metal table rust indoors?<\/h3>\n
How often should I wax a powder coated table?<\/h3>\n