Taking care of synthetic deck furniture
Plastic is lightweight, fade-resistant and can take on many different shapes, textures and styles. It also does not require paint or sealants used by other materials. That makes this synthetic polymer easy to maintain and a great inexpensive option for outdoor furniture. Cleaning and caring for plastic furniture depends on the form it takes.
Sticky spills and drips like tree sap may require commercial products (e.g. Goo Gone), but rubbing alcohol will suffice in many cases. Regardless of the solution you choose, it’s important that you immediately rinse these agents away once you’ve cleaned the problem areas. Extended exposure to the chemicals in some products can fade plastic and shorten the aesthetic lifespan of your patio furniture. This section of our maintenance guide references the two most common forms of synthetic outdoor furniture and how to clean them.
All-Weather Wicker – Cleaning woven resin furniture
In the past, natural or painted white wicker furniture was used primarily for indoor or porch seating where there was at least some protection from the elements. That was needed because organic materials were used to make the weave. Contemporary synthetic wicker, however, provides all of the aesthetic qualities of a natural weave without the vulnerability to rain, sleet and snow [Raycheva & Angelova 2017]. Cleaning the nooks and crannies in intricate resin wicker patio furniture takes a little effort.
Thoroughly cleaning synthetic wicker patio furniture
- Remove all pillows and cushions
- Use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of superficial debris
- Any additional leaves, twigs, soil or other material that may have become lodged in the weave can usually be taken care of using a vacuum with a small brush attachment
- If you still have fine debris lodged in deep or intricate weaves, you can employ a high-pressure washer set at a low or moderate level
- Once the wicker is free of superficial dirt, use the hand brush with mild household soap and lukewarm water to gently scrub the surface clean of any stains or coatings from pollen, berries, bird droppings and general grime
- Rinse the woven material well to ensure that no soapy residue remains
- Air dry the furniture in the shade if possible
Removing mold & mildew stains from resin patio furniture
Plastic outdoor chairs and tables are inexpensive so they’re often overlooked when it starts to rain or the weather turns inclement. However, allowing standing water to accumulate and remain on furniture can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Fortunately, killing these fungal growths is relatively easy.
- Fill a plastic spray bottle with a quart of water and add a quarter cup of white vinegar
- Liberally spray the stained area
- Allow the solution to set for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse the furniture off with clean water
- Dry with a towel or air-dry
BUY ALL-WEATHER WICKER OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Molded Resin – Simple steps for keeping plastics clean
Patio furniture made from plastic or molded resin is relatively low-maintenance and lightweight but tends to get dirty. In addition to the normal dirt and grime from everyday outdoor usage, plastic tables and chairs degrade in direct sunlight and often develop a chalky finish. Consequently, you have to do a few extra steps to get the plastic clean and look new.
Preventing chalky build-up on plastic outdoor pieces
- Brush the surface free from debris
- Create a simple mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap
- Dip a sponge, soft-bristled brush or cloth into the soapy water and wipe down the furniture
- Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and rub down the plastic to clean the chalky finish
- Rinse out the sponge and repeat the process until you’ve covered the entire piece
- Rinse the furniture off with clean water
- Dry it with a towel or in the sun
- Restore the plastic’s shine by applying automotive paste wax with a rag
- Let it dry for roughly 5 minutes
- Buff it with a soft cloth
Resist the temptation to use steel wool or scouring powder to remove spills or stains, as these abrasives will scratch the plastic’s surface.
Cleaning white plastic outdoor furniture
All backyard furnishings get dirty, but white plastic patio chairs seem to try extra hard. Even after you apply a little elbow grease and thoroughly clean, white resin furniture can still have a dingy look. To put the bright back in your white there’s a little extra work.
- Perform a standard cleaning and dry the surface
- Throw on a pair of rubber gloves
- Mix a couple of tablespoons of powdered oxygen bleach with a gallon of water (one cup of bleach for tougher stains)
- Dab a clean brush or sponge with the bleach mixture and scrub the surface until the grime disappears or won’t fade anymore
- Let everything set for 5-10 minutes
- Rinse the plastic with clean water
- Dry it with a towel
- Apply car wax with a rag
- Let it air dry for roughly 5 minutes
- Buff the surface with a microfiber cloth in small circular motions to renew the shine
Helpful Article
Read the resin and plastic section of our Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Furniture Materials for a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of specific materials.
Tabletops differ from furniture frames and bodies
Taking care of the frames and body structure of outdoor seating can be challenging. Designs feature curves and angles with intricate textures that can trap dirt and debris. Tabletops are available in additional materials with different cleaning techniques. The next section of our guide reviews a few high-end options and how to keep them in tip-top shape.
Guide Sections
References
- Raycheva, R., & Angelova, D. (2017). Woven furniture design: in search of form and texture. Pro Ligno, 13(4).
Leave a Reply