How to care for wrought iron curtain rods and hardware

Wrought iron curtain rods can last for centuries with very little care. For best results, these basic guidelines should be followed.

First and foremost, don’t use cast iron rings, small gauge rings, twisted rings, square rings, or any sharp or rough metal products on your curtain rods or iron hardware. Curtain grommets can be hard on curtain rods as well, many are thin or sharp and can gouge where they contact the curtain rod. Use only high quality heavy gauge smooth iron curtain rings available from Paso Robles Ironworks. 

Keep your wrought iron curtain rods and hardware clean and dry. Dust will accumulate on top of the curtain rods and rings. Simply wipe them with a clean dry cloth. It is OK to use a damp cloth on your wrought iron products purchased from Paso Robles Ironworks as they are treated to withstand moisture.

Keep curtain rings sliding well with beeswax, paraffin, or dry silicone spray. A bar of beeswax or paraffin can be rubbed across the top of the rod as needed, usually two to four times a year depending on the amount of use and the weight of the curtains. If you feel the rings dragging on the rod, it’s time.

It is not necessary to use any other cleaning or care products on your wrought iron hardware purchased from Paso Robles Ironworks. Just enjoy them forever and ever.

Outdoor applications: The elements attack everything exposed to them. Our hardware is finished to withstand these elements and can last many years outdoors with these basic guidelines:

Try to limit the amount of exposure, mount the rods under cover, or on the inside of the patio opening if possible. If you only use the outdoor curtains to deflect the summer sun, you might consider taking the rods down during the harsh wet winter, leaving the mounting brackets in place. You can give them a shot of preservative oil spray in extreme conditions. If you are on the coast, it won’t hurt to rinse the salt off every now and then. 

Keep curtain rings sliding well with beeswax, paraffin, or dry silicone spray. A bar of beeswax or paraffin can be rubbed across the top of the rod as needed, usually two to four times a year depending on the amount of use and the weight of the curtains. If you feel the rings dragging on the rod it’s time for more.