Cleaning And Caring For Wrought Iron Railings

For centuries, wrought iron railings have been used for both practical and decorative purposes. Their use began in Medieval times and they are frequently chosen by modern homeowners for their sturdy benefits and their aesthetic appeal. The styles, designs and creative detail associated with wrought iron explain why such material is so popular with many of today's modern homeowners.

In reality, wrought iron is a broad term for a wide variety of forged metal alloys. Since 1969, authentic wrought iron is relatively hard to come by as the cost of its manufacturing is particularly high. However, genuine wrought iron railings are frequently custom-ordered for special projects such as the restoration of historical sites. Mild steel is one variety of metal that is used quite often commercially as a wrought iron substitute.



Benefits

Security and safety are the primary benefits of wrought iron surrounds and railings. On steep porch steps and high balconies its use is obvious. In home where small children or elderly people reside wrought iron railings are commonly seen. Burglar bars and grates are also valuable applications for wrought iron railings.

Price Considerations

Individual prices are largely dependent on the uses for which they were initially intended. There are many designs, patterns, and finishes in which wrought iron railings can be found. Intricately designed wrought iron is typically more expensive than plainer designs and if one has special patterns which need to be custom made, the price will be higher still.

Care and Cleaning

Low maintenance is one of the many attractive features of  wrought iron railings and standard surface care will maintain their structural integrity and attractive appearance. Deterioration due to paint degradation and rust accumulation is easy to prevent with minimum effort. When the time comes to clean wrought iron, the following steps should be used:

1.  A bucket filled with plain water or access to a garden hose should be within reach of the railing in need of cleaning.

2.   An additional bucket should be filled with mild soap and water which should be agitated until suds are formed. However, antibacterial agents and bleach should be avoided.

3.   A rag, sponge, or soft-bristled brush should be saturated with soapy water and used to wash the wrought iron railing. Care should be taken to scrub long enough so that complete removal of dead insects, grime, caked on dirt and stubborn debris is removed.

4.   When properly cleaned, the soapy water should be rinsed away with a gentle stream of water from a bucket or garden hose, and all surfaces should be allowed to air dry.

Ongoing Maintenance

The biggest threat to the functionality and beauty of wrought iron railings is rust. Oxidation begins when the coatings meant to protect the iron wear off and the metal underneath becomes vulnerable to moisture. The best remedy to prevent and remove rust is white vinegar. 

After thoroughly cleaning the wrought iron, one should soak a paper towel in white vinegar and wipe down the railings allowing them to become saturated. The white vinegar should be left on the railing for about 30 minutes, at which time the rust deposits can be gently scrubbed off with a steel wool pad. A light coat of liquid wax can also be placed on the surface of the railings in order to prevent the recurrence of rust.