Maintenance and care of street furniture

The care and maintenance requirements of outdoor furniture made of wood and metal vary greatly depending on the conditions at the installation site. The local climatic environment has a huge impact, as well as air quality and pollution. Mechanical wear and tear due to normal use but also vandalism lead to a need for action. However, even in places where the furniture is rarely used due to its location, surfaces get dirty. 

Some general notes:

Wood - maintenance and care
Wood is a natural material and its surface will naturally turn grey within a few months if exposed to constant weathering. This "patina" is a natural protection of the wood. For cleaning, remove dirt once or twice a year with water and a coarse sponge. Oiled or glazed wood can be sanded with 120-grit abrasive paper once a year or, if necessary, also during the year after cleaning and can then be re-oiled or re-glazed with a cloth or brush. Repeat the process if necessary. The lighter the glazes/oils, the less resistant they are to UV and weathering. Smaller cracks that can form during dry seasons can swell up again in wetter seasons. Larger cracks, rough spots or carvings where sharp edges have formed or water may remain, should be defused.
Many types of wood can wash out in the first few weeks. This could cause stains on paving stones or other surfaces. However, these marks can easily be removed with household cleaning agents. 
With coniferous woods, resin leaks may occur. This is quite natural. Resin stains that may be particularly bothersome can be carefully removed with a non-aggressive solvent.

Steel components - maintenance and care
Steel components are hot-dip galvanised and often additionally powder coated. If necessary, clean with water and sponge, repair mechanical damage professionally. To do this, clean the damaged area, sand it a little and apply varnish or cold zinc spray. It is advisable to dab on colour rather than paint small defects.

Cast components - maintenance and care
Cast iron elements are dip-coated cathodically and additionally powder coated. If necessary, clean with water and sponge. It is advisable to dab on colour rather than paint small defects. It is advisable to dab on colour rather than paint small defects.

Litter bins - Mechanically moving parts
Movable parts of the container such as the locking mechanism must be checked for function and condition when empty. Replace damaged parts. If necessary, clean coated surfaces with water and sponge, grind damaged areas and apply paint or cold zinc spray. It is advisable to dab on colour rather than paint small defects.