How To Clean Wrought Iron Balusters and Railing

Most owners will agree that wrought iron is the perfect material to use in the construction of balusters and stair railing. It’s strong, durable, resistant to rust, and it offers a classic look that works well in practically any home decor. Whether your home is decorated with contemporary, vintage or even rusted elements, you simply can’t go wrong with wrought iron balusters and railing. Like any material, though, wrought iron must be occasionally cleaned in order for it to maintain a sleek and attractive appearance.

Dusting Wrought Iron

No matter how hard you try to prevent it, dust will inevitably gather on your home’s wrought iron balusters and stair railing. You’ll want to avoid using harsh furniture polish sprays and products, as they tend to leave behind a chemical-ridden residue that can slowly damage the metal over time. Instead, take a lint-free microfiber cloth and simply run it across the surface of your wrought iron balusters and railing to remove any dust. When done correctly, this should remove most of the dust.

Alternatively, you can also use a basic feather duster on your wrought iron balusters and railing. Just swat it back and forth over the surface of the metal to dust it. The only problem with this method is that it essentially knocks the dust off onto the floor instead of capturing it. Unless you vacuum immediately afterwards, the dust will remain on the floor where it eventually blows back onto your furniture and furnishings.

Deep-Cleaning Wrought Iron

Of course, sometimes it will take a bit more than a microfiber cloth or feather duster to clean your wrought iron balusters and railing. If you’ve neglected them for months on end, then you’ll need to take a more direct approach. There are several different ways to give wrought iron a deep cleaning, but one of the safest and most effective methods is to use diluted vinegar. Fill a small bucket up with 2 parts water and 1 part white distilled vinegar. Soak a towel in the solution, ring it out, and then use it to scrub down your wrought iron balusters and railing.

When you are done scrubbing down your wrought iron balusters and railing with the solution of diluted vinegar, go back over it with a clean towel or hand cloth to dry it. This should result in a freshly clean metal that looks as pristine as it did when it was first installed!