Put a few drops of dish detergent in a bucket of warm water. Wash the metal yard furniture with a sponge and the cleaner. Use a brush to scrub heavily soiled areas. Rinse each piece well with a garden hose.
Apply an even coat of auto wax to the clean metal furniture at least once a year to help prevent rust. Rub the auto wax on with an applicator or soft cloth. When the wax dries, wipe it off with a soft towel.
Protect the metal yard furniture from rain with covers. Remember to remove the covers when the sun comes back out to prevent rust-causing condensation. Cover or store the furniture in a dry place during the winter months.
Inspect the furniture regularly for scratches and nicks. Immediately cover them with automotive touch-up paint to keep rust from forming. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
for best results. You may need to sand the areas with fine steel wool or sandpaper before you apply the paint.