As we all know Plastic outdoor furniture can be a thorn in the side when it comes to cleaning. I have scoured the internet in search of the best cleaning methods for plastic outdoor furniture. I have actually tried a few of these methods and it has worked. The best method is trial and error.
All of the cleaning items are natural or can be purchased in the cleaning isle at your local grocer or department store. Let’s get to scrubbing and learn the top ten ways to clean plastic outdoor furniture.
1. A 50/50 Bleach water solution
Mix up a 50% bleach and 50% water solution and put into a spray bottle. Then you spray on and let the mixture sit on the furniture for 5-10 minutes out in the sun. Take the hose or clean water and rinse. The dirt and grime should be gone.
2. Tub and Tile Cleaner
Any brand of tub and tile cleaner will work. You spray it onto the plastic furniture, wait 5 minutes, and then rinse with water.
3. Use Automatic Dish Detergent
Any brand will do. Mix 1 part detergent to 4 parts of water. Gently clean the plastic furniture and then rinse with water. You might have to leave the mixture on the chairs out in the sun for 5-10 minutes if round one doesn’t cut it.
I personally love to clean with Apple Cider Vinegar. It is awesome! Do not dilute this vinegar. Spray directly onto the plastic furniture, let sit for 5-10 minutes, wipe down, and then rinse off.
5. Baking Soda
I also love cleaning with Baking Soda. It is a very mild abrasive cleaner. You dip a wet sponge into a shallow dish of baking soda. Wipe the plastic furniture down using a circular motion and then rinse well.
6. WD-40
When all else fails turn to the tried and true WD-40. This will clean anything. Spray directly onto the plastic furniture and then wipe with a clean dry cloth. This will bring color and shine back to faded furniture.
7. White Vinegar
Mix 2 Cups white vinegar and 2 Tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm/hot water. Apply the mixture to the plastic furniture, rinse, and allow to dry in the sun.
8. Oxy Clean
You can use any version of this. My local dollar store has a knock-off brand that works just as well as the original for only $1.00. You can also make your own oxy clean solution. You need 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide to 1 part of water. Then rub on or spray onto surface, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse.
9. Washing Soda Solution
Mix 1 part of washing soda (Soda Ash, Sodium Carbonate) to 10 parts of water. Apply this solution to the plastic furniture and then rinse.
10. Repaint your Plastic Furniture
When all else fails just go to your local home improvement store and buy spray paint. They make a spray paint now that is specially formulated for Plastic Outdoor Furniture. The best part of this is you get to choose a new color to suit you. It is like buying brand new plastic furniture all over again at a fraction of the cost.
Now that you are armed and ready to get your plastic outdoor furniture clean, it is also time to think about maintenance. I have a couple of tips that can help you maintain all that hard work and effort.
1. Non-Gel Toothpaste
This will help remove scratches on the surface of the furniture. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the surface and rub it in. Buff it with a clean dry cloth.
2. Car Wax
Apply Car Wax to the surface of the plastic furniture. Buff the wax with a clean dry cloth.
I hope that you have found an easier way to clean that dirty plastic outdoor furniture for the upcoming warmer days and months. I hope that you have many wonderful nights sitting outside in your like new plastic chairs, creating another summers worth of memories.
SOURCES:
Personal Experience
www.thriftyfun.com
www.diynetwork.com
www.thedollarstretcher.com
www.marthastewart.com
www.readersdigest.com
