Plastic chairs and outdoor furniture, also known as resin outdoor chairs, offer various benefits. They are cost-effective compared to alternative outdoor furniture, made predominantly from recycled plastic, and easily recyclable. These chairs are lightweight, stackable, and resilient to weather conditions. On the flip side, they tend to become dirty and discolored quickly when exposed to the elements. Yet, learning how to clean outdoor plastic furniture is relatively straightforward with some basic cleaning products, tools, and a bit of effort.
How often do you need to clean plastic outdoor furniture?
Swiftly address spills and blemishes caused by grass, mud, food, tree sap, or bird droppings to maintain the pristine condition of your outdoor furniture. A comprehensive cleaning at the onset of the outdoor season can typically endure throughout the entire summer. Prioritize a thorough cleaning session before stowing the chairs away for the winter to ensure they remain in top-notch condition for the next outdoor season.
What you’ll need before cleaning plastic outdoor furniture
Below are some of the things you’ll have to use when cleaning outdoor plastic furniture:
Tools:
- Bucket set
- Gardening water conduit
- Absorbent sponge
- Gentle nylon-bristle brush
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Protective rubber gloves
- Durable plastic covering
- Misting spray dispenser
Materials:
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing soap
- A versatile cleansing solution
- Oxygen-infused bleach
- Pure distilled white vinegar
- Automotive gloss enhancer
Set up the area
Position a plastic tarp outdoors, basking in the sunlight, strategically close to a readily available garden hose. Your next step involves relocating the chairs or any additional plastic furniture requiring a thorough cleaning onto this strategically placed tarp. This setup ensures an efficient and convenient outdoor cleaning process, making the most of natural light and the accessibility of the garden hose for a seamless and effective cleaning experience.
Mix the cleaning solution
For your plastic chairs, opt for a suitable cleaning solution. If mildew is present, create a mixture of 25 percent water and 75 percent distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it to the mildewed sections, allowing it to sit for approximately 10 minutes before proceeding with a comprehensive cleaning session.
How to mix:
- Pour a gallon of warm water into a bucket.
- Add a quarter cup of dishwashing liquid and stir.
- Mix a gallon of warm water with half a cup of baking soda and stir.
- Combine a quarter cup of all-purpose cleaner with a gallon of warm water.
Wash and rinse the chairs
Clean the chairs starting from the upper sections to capture any dripping dirty water, using either a sponge or a soft-bristled nylon brush. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of dry baking soda to the sponge or brush to serve as a mild abrasive for lifting the stains.
Once the chairs are devoid of dirt and debris, thoroughly rinse them with a garden hose. If your chairs are already clean and white, dry them with a microfiber towel or let them air-dry in the sunlight. If they still appear dingy, proceed to the next step.
Use the oxygen-based bleach solution to whiten stained chairs
Should the chairs retain a dingy, stained appearance, employing an oxygen-based bleach solution is advisable. This type of bleach, known for its mild and gradual action, effectively eliminates stains and enhances the brightness of plastic materials. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is gentler, less harmful to plastics, and more eco-friendly. Additionally, this solution poses no risk to grass or plants during the cleaning process.
To tackle the level of dirtiness on your chairs, mix one gallon of warm water with a half to a full cup of powdered oxygen bleach in a bucket, ensuring thorough stirring for complete dissolution of the powder.
How to properly apply the oxygen-based bleach solution:
Put on rubber gloves and utilize a sponge or a soft-bristled nylon brush to administer the oxygen bleach mixture. Begin from the top, applying a bit of effort to dislodge ingrained dirt.
Let the solution sit on the chairs for a minimum of 15 minutes, aiding in the whitening of the plastic. Extended exposure to the solution poses no risk to the chairs.
Rinse or air-dry
Thoroughly rinse your chairs using a garden hose, ensuring all remnants of the bleach solution are washed away. Once rinsed, either pat them dry with a microfiber cloth for an immediate finish or take advantage of the sun’s natural drying power by letting the chairs air-dry under its warm rays. This final step ensures your chairs not only regain their cleanliness but also sparkle with renewed freshness.
Tips to Keep Plastic Chairs Clean Longer
- Preserve the cleanliness of your chairs by applying a thin layer of car wax after cleaning.
- Use a dry, soft cloth or sponge to evenly distribute the wax over the chairs.
- Buff the chairs with a dry cloth to enhance the protective effect of the wax, allowing stains and dirt to easily slide off the plastic.
- Avoid placing the chairs beneath trees that shed blossoms or leaves to minimize debris accumulation.
- For winter care, clean the chairs, cover them, and store them indoors to shield them from freezing temperatures.
- When outdoors, employ an outdoor umbrella to provide additional protection for the chairs against the elements.
Prolong Your Outdoor Plastic Furniture with the Proper Cleaning Techniques
Keep your outdoor plastic furniture looking fresh and vibrant all season! Regular cleaning and simple maintenance can extend the life and beauty of your chairs. Embrace the ease of care these durable pieces offer. Start today—a cleaner, brighter outdoor space awaits you!