How to Clean Wrought Iron Gates

Wrought iron gates instantly raise a property’s curb appeal with their elegant balance of form and function. Perhaps you already own a wrought iron gate, and you’re looking for some tips and tricks on how to make your property investment last.

Are you wondering how often you should clean your wrought iron gate? You don’t have to worry about working extensively to keep your iron gates in A1 shape. A few hours of yearly maintenance will go a long way in helping your iron gate go the distance.

Here’s a rundown of all the supplies you’ll need to properly maintain your iron gate:

• Mild strength dish soap
• Bucket
• Cleaning rag
• Dust mask
• Sandpaper
• Phosphoric acid
• Eye protection
• Rubber gloves
• Mask
• Touch-up paint
• Small detail brush
• Vacuum cleaner w/ attachment brush
• Garden hose or pressure sprayer

Let’s dive right into how you can handle iron gate maintenance like a pro.

Simple Wash

You can begin your iron gate cleaning process by thoroughly mixing mild soap and warm water within your bucket. Dunk a rag into your bucket’s soap and water mix and apply this rag to your gates. This first cleaning can be gentle as you’re aiming to achieve a simple wash to start.

You can follow up this gentle application with a scrub brush cleaning before using a pressure sprayer or garden hose to rinse the gates’ surfaces. It’s essential that you rinse all soap residue off of your gates, as leftover soap can cause discoloration on the gate.

Are you noticing any iron gate rust? Don’t let this get you down. Keep reading below to learn how you can remove iron gate rust without breaking a sweat.

How to Remove Rust from Your Iron Gates

It helps to be on the lookout for rust when it comes to iron gate maintenance. Early-stage rust repair will be less challenging, as rust will continue to spread over time. Sandpaper or coarse wire brushes are your best friend when it comes to removing rust from iron gates.

You might run into an instance where you’re facing iron gate rust that’s extremely stubborn. You can lower the strength of iron gate rust by applying phosphoric acid that turns the rust into iron phosphate. This conversion will occur over the course of a day. It’s essential to wear a mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection when applying phosphoric acid.

Is your rust all gone from your sandpaper or wire brushwork? Your iron gate will need another wash after your rust removal process is complete. Follow the same washing steps above to remove any leftover rust remnants.

There’s a chance you’ll encounter some exposed iron after you’re done cleaning your gate. It’s essential to address iron exposure to reduce the likelihood of future rusting. You can begin taking care of exposed iron by applying a rust-proof primer to the bare metal. Two coats of light, durable enamel paint application will produce better results than one heavy coat.

When to Replace Your Iron Gate/CTA for Precise Iron Doors’ Iron Gates

While attentive maintenance can help your iron gate last for the long run, it might be time to replace your iron gate if you notice:

• Accidental damage
• Rusted gate joints
• Extensive gate rust
• Bent metal
• Damaged fasteners
• Compromised welds

Precise Iron Doors can help you hit the refresh button with stock or custom iron gate options that cut right through the noise. Take a step toward elevating your property’s appearance by contacting Precise Iron Doors at 844-830-6707 for more information on our iron gate options.