Metal furniture is hearty,yet like other outdoor furniture, needs proper maintenance and care. Most metal furniture usually has a protective finish. So, essentially, you're simply washing a hard-wearing, synthetic top-coat, and all you need is to wash it with a cloth that's been dipped in and wrung out from a soapy washing-up liquid solution.

Problems start only when this coating begins to wear away, which should be a good few years according to the quality of the furniture. However, strong acids – in particular bird droppings – can eat through weak spots in the finish. So make a point of getting these off with a cleaning wipe whenever you spot them. If the coating has worn away, paint over it again, with a clear metal varnish.

Cast or wrought iron is mostly used for gates and rails, though you may come across benches made from this. Because water causes iron to rust, outdoor furniture is always painted with either an outdoor paint or a clear protective varnish.