Sofia Martinez
Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is an environmentally friendly, durable, and stylish option for your garden or patio. It is made from plastic waste such as water bottles, containers, and bottle caps, which are transformed into a type of high-quality plastic lumber that mimics the look and feel of wood. This type of furniture is easy to clean and maintain, requiring just a few products and tools. With regular cleaning, your recycled plastic furniture will look as good as new for years to come.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Made from Recycled Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of Cleaning | Semi-annual cleaning recommended |
| Cleaning Solutions | Mild soap and water, oxygen bleach, mild detergent, vinegar, baking soda, automotive paste wax |
| Tools | Hose, high-pressure washer, soft cloth, soft-bristled brush, sponge, rubber gloves |
| Stain Removal | Use bleach diluted with water and a mild detergent, apply with a cloth and scrub with a soft-bristled brush |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, weather-resistant, not prone to cracking or fading |
| Protection | Cover with a protective furniture cover in freezing temperatures, apply wax to protect from stains and dirt |
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What You'll Learn
Use a hose or high-pressure washer
Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is easy to clean and maintain. The HDPE variant is the easiest type of material to clean. You can use a hose or a high-pressure washer to clean your recycled plastic outdoor furniture. The pressure washer should not be more than 1,500 psi. This will help you to easily remove dust, dirt, and grime from the surface of your furniture.
If you are using a hose, you can attach a soft-bristled brush with a mild cleanser to the end of the hose to help scrub off any stubborn dirt. You can also use a mild cleaning agent that is approved for use on plastics, such as Mildew Stain Remover, Mean Green, or 409 Cleaner. Alternatively, you can use a biodegradable formula such as Breezesta Clean.
If your furniture has food spills, it is important to clean them as soon as possible. First, spray off the spill with the hose. Then, use warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to scrub the spill from the furniture's surface.
If your furniture has mould or mildew, you can use a diluted bleach solution to remove it. Mix one part bleach with two parts water and apply the solution to the affected area with a clean cloth. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, rinse the furniture thoroughly and let it air dry.
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Apply a soft-bristled brush and mild cleanser
To clean outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic, you can use a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleanser. This method is useful if you need extra help to remove dirt and debris from the grain pattern of the furniture.
Firstly, mix a mild detergent or soap with warm water in a bucket. You can also add a biodegradable formula, such as Breezesta Clean, to remove grease. Alternatively, for deeper stains, mix one-third bleach and two-thirds water, and apply the solution with a clean cloth. Allow this to sit on the plastic lumber for a few minutes.
Next, apply the soft-bristled brush to the furniture. Use the brush to scrub the cleaning solution and loosen any dirt or debris from grooves in the lumber. You can also use the brush to remove pollen, dirt, and other debris from the grain pattern of the furniture.
Finally, rinse the furniture thoroughly and allow it to air dry. You can also apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax to keep your furniture looking bright and new for longer. Use a dry soft cloth or sponge to spread the wax over the furniture, and then buff it with a dry cloth.
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Use a bleach solution for tough stains
Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is easy to clean and maintain. It is resistant to weather conditions and does not require special oils or sealants. A simple mixture of soap and water or a specialised cleaning agent can be used to clean the furniture.
For tough stains, a diluted bleach solution is recommended. Oxygen bleach is a preferred bleaching agent as it is gentle, slow-acting, and less corrosive and damaging to plastics. It is also more environmentally friendly. To make the solution, combine one gallon of lukewarm water with half a cup to one cup of powdered oxygen bleach in a bucket. Stir the mixture until the powder is fully dissolved.
Wearing rubber gloves, use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to apply the solution to the stained area. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush to loosen any remaining dirt or debris. Finally, rinse the furniture thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Using bleach solutions is an effective way to remove tough stains, mould, and most fungi from recycled plastic outdoor furniture.
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Avoid abrasive cleaners
When cleaning outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic, it is important to avoid abrasive cleaners. This is because abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface of the plastic, creating grooves where grime can settle, making the furniture look dirty and dingy.
To clean outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic, a simple solution of mild soap and warm water is often all that is needed. This can be applied with a soft cloth or sponge, and for more stubborn dirt, a soft-bristled brush can be used. This method will effectively remove dirt, debris, and most spills and stains.
For deeper stains, a diluted bleach solution can be used. Oxygen bleach is a gentle, slow-acting bleaching agent that is less corrosive and damaging to plastics than chlorine bleach and is also more environmentally friendly. A solution of one gallon of lukewarm water mixed with half a cup to one cup of powdered oxygen bleach should be applied with a sponge or soft-bristled brush.
Another way to protect recycled plastic outdoor furniture and keep it looking new is to apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax. This helps stains and dirt to slide off the plastic and keeps the furniture looking clean for longer.
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Keep it covered during winter
If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, it is best to cover your recycled plastic furniture with a protective cover during winter. This will prevent ice from freezing on the surface and avoid warping.
Before covering your furniture for the winter, it is important to give it a good clean. Recycled plastic furniture is easy to clean and maintain. A simple mixture of mild dish soap and warm water can be applied with a clean cloth or soft-bristled brush to the surfaces of your furniture. For deeper stains, a mixture of one-third bleach and two-thirds water can be applied with a clean cloth and left for a few minutes before being scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the furniture thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Alternatively, a hose or pressure washer (with no more than 1,500 psi) can be used to remove dust, dirt, and grime. If extra help is needed, a soft-bristled brush and a mild cleanser can be applied. It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the plastic and allow grime to settle in the grooves.
Once your furniture is clean and dry, it is ready to be covered and stored for the winter. Choose a protective cover that is sized appropriately for your furniture and secure it in place. Store the covered furniture in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a shed or garage, to protect it from the elements.
By taking the time to clean and cover your recycled plastic outdoor furniture during winter, you can help ensure that it remains in good condition and prolong its lifespan.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean your recycled plastic outdoor furniture, you can use a water hose or high-pressure washer (with no more than 1,500 psi) to remove dust, dirt, and grime. For a deeper clean, use a soft-bristled brush with warm, soapy water or a mild detergent. For tough stains, a mixture of bleach and water can be applied and scrubbed with a soft brush.
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing pads as these can scratch the plastic and allow grime to settle in the grooves.
A thorough cleaning at the beginning of the outdoor season will often last throughout the summer. Regularly cleaning and rinsing the furniture will help maintain its appearance. It is also recommended to give the furniture a good clean before storing it away for the winter.
