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Living in Paradise: 3 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Aluminium Garden Ornaments

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Liven up your garden by decorating it with ornaments. You'll be surprised at what a big difference several ornaments can make. Aluminium ornaments, in particular, tend to be quite popular, as they are colourful, robust and rather durable. In addition, aluminium does not rust, although it may corrode, which will basically dull its shine. Still, if you've found the perfect aluminium ornaments that will really spice up your garden, here are 3 tips to make sure your ornaments prevail through anything that Mother Nature throws their way.

Combat Corrosion and Restore Shine

When aluminium corrodes, its shine will be greatly dulled because the aluminium will have oxidized. Generally speaking, most aluminium ornaments are coated with a protective layer of wax. If you see any oxidation, it means that this protective layer of wax has been worn through, and another layer should be applied immediately to prevent further oxidation unless you're looking to achieve a rustic look.

Before applying a protective layer of wax, which can be purchased at your local home hardware store, you want to remove as much of the oxidation as possible. You can do this by using a metal polishing paste or by making a concoction made up of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water at home. Make sure you don't spill this solution, as the white vinegar can scorch and damage grass.

Preserve the Smooth Finish with Regular Cleaning

Even if your aluminium ornaments are still shiny and look like new, you should consider wiping and cleaning them regularly with a wet cloth. Aluminium ornaments are vulnerable to bugs, bird poop, and — most importantly — sap. Once the sap hardens, it can be extremely difficult to get it off. Tree sap is a tad acidic, and will eat away the aluminium surface and compromise the structural integrity and appearance of your ornaments in the long run.

If you've noticed that the sap has already hardened, getting it off with a wet cloth will be almost impossible. In these situations, you might have to find some type of cleaning solution or agent that is designed for removing sap. Make sure to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the ornaments first in order to verify that the solutions will not damage the aluminium.

Keep the Ornaments in Areas Without a Lot of Plant Interference

Picking the right place to put the aluminium garden ornaments is another key feature in making sure the ornaments last and remain in good condition. You want to stay away from areas that are densely packed with bushes and trees because swaying branches can easily scratch up the aluminium. You also want to make sure that the ground is stable. In short, shy away from muddy areas because small shifts in the soil may cause the ornaments to topple over.

Conclusion

Investing some money to purchase aluminium garden ornaments for your home may really help improve the overall appearance of your garden. As aluminium is a hardy material that can withstand most weather elements, they are one of the better materials to choose from. 


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