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 backyard furniture. However, caring for and learning how to clean outdoor 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. No matter which solution you pick, it’s important to rinse these agents away right after you clean the problem areas. Extended exposure to the chemicals in some products can degrade and fade plastic. This can shorten the look and life of your patio furniture. This part of our maintenance guide talks about two of the most common types of synthetic garden furniture and how to clean them. It’s also import to keep all exposed furniture dry to prevent mold and mildew.
All-Weather Wicker – Cleaning woven resin furniture
In the past, natural rattan or painted white wicker furniture was mainly used for indoor or porch seating. Basically, places where there was some protection from the weather. That was needed because organic materials were used to make the weave. Contemporary resin wicker from brands like Lloyd Flanders offers the look of natural weave. However, it’s resistant to rain, sleet, or snow [Raycheva & Angelova 2017]. Cleaning the nooks and crannies in intricate resin wicker patio furniture takes a little effort.
Pre-season preparation & maintenance checklist for all-weather wicker patio furnishings
All-weather wicker is usually made from synthetic materials like resin or polyethylene. It has the classic look of natural rattan but is more durable against the weather. Still, proper pre-season maintenance is essential to keep it looking fresh and performing well. Here’s a detailed checklist to prepare your wicker furniture for outdoor use and maintain it throughout the season.
Preparation – Resin wicker
- Uncover and Inspect
Remove any covers and inspect furniture for mold, fading, brittleness, or cracked strands. - Vacuum Loose Debris
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or soft handheld brush to remove dust, leaves, and dirt lodged between woven strands. - Deep Clean the Surface
Mix mild dish soap with warm water and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush for crevices. - Rinse Thoroughly
Use a hose with moderate pressure to rinse off soap residue. Avoid pressure washers as they can damage the weave. - Dry Completely
Let furniture air-dry in the sun or use a towel. Do not cover while damp to prevent mold or mildew. - Check Feet and Hardware
Tighten any screws, check for rust on metal fasteners, and replace damaged plastic feet or glides. - Apply UV Protectant (Optional)
For added longevity, apply a plastic-safe UV spray protectant to prevent fading or brittleness.
Routine maintenance – All-weather wicker
- Monthly Cleaning
Wipe down with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dust and grime. - After Storms or High Pollen
Rinse or wipe down surfaces to prevent buildup in the weave. - Seasonal Deep Clean
Repeat the deep cleaning process mid-season if the furniture is exposed to heavy use or frequent storms.
How to clean outdoor wicker furniture
- Remove all pillows and cushions
- Use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of superficial debris
- You can usually remove any extra leaves, twigs, soil, or other materials stuck in the weave. Just use a vacuum with a small brush attachment
- If you have small debris stuck in deep or complex weaves, use a high-pressure washer. Set it to a low or moderate level
- Once the wicker is free of dirt, use a hand brush with mild dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub the surface to remove stains or coatings from pollen, berries, bird droppings, and 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 garden furniture
Plastic outdoor chairs and tables are inexpensive. Because of this, people often ignore them when it rains or the weather gets bad. 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 water
- Dry with a towel or air-dry
BUY RESIN WICKER OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Molded Resin – Simple steps for keeping plastics clean
Pool furniture made from plastic or molded resin is relatively low-maintenance and lightweight but tends to get dirty. Plastic tables and chairs get dirty from regular outdoor use. They also break down in direct sunlight and can develop a chalky finish. Consequently, you have to do a few extra steps to clean plastic furniture and make it look new.
Preparation – Molded resin
- Inspect for Cracks or Warping
Check for signs of sun damage or structural weakness, especially around legs and joints. - Clean Off Surface Grime
Mix warm water and mild soap. Scrub all surfaces using a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush. - Remove Tough Stains
For mildew, sap, or deep stains, apply a solution of vinegar and water or a baking soda paste. Avoid bleach, which can discolor the plastic. - Rinse Thoroughly
Use a garden hose to rinse off all cleaning agents. Allow it to dry completely before use or storage. - Brighten and Protect
Apply a plastic restorer or protectant designed for UV resistance to enhance appearance and prevent fading or chalking. - Stabilize Wobbly Legs
Check screws (if applicable) and level feet. Replace damaged caps or glides.
Routine maintenance – Plastic
- Monthly Cleaning
Wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, sap, or bird droppings. - Post-Storm Cleanup
Rinse off debris or dirt that may have splashed onto surfaces during rain. - Seasonal Deep Clean & Reapplication
Every season, repeat the deep clean and reapply UV protectant for continued protection.
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 air 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 soft cloth in small circular motions to renew the shine
Helpful Article
Read the resin and plastic section of our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide. This will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of these 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).
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