Omar Khalid
Plastic patio furniture is a durable and low-maintenance option for outdoor use, but it can show signs of ageing over time, especially after prolonged sun exposure. To refresh your plastic patio furniture, you can start by giving it a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, scuff marks, or stains. This can be done with a mixture of warm water and soap, or dish detergent, and a cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, a paste made of baking soda and water, or a solution of vinegar and water, can be applied before scrubbing gently with a sponge or brush and then rinsing with warm soapy water. To restore the colour and shine of faded plastic furniture, a product like WD-40 can be sprayed onto the surface and rubbed in with a cloth. Additionally, applying a UV-protectant and moisture-repellent spray can help prevent future fading and damage. For a more significant change, you can consider painting your plastic furniture after cleaning and light sanding, but be aware that paint may wear off or peel over time.
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What You'll Learn
Clean with soapy water
Plastic patio furniture is relatively low-maintenance compared to other materials. To clean it, you can follow these simple steps:
Prepare a mixture of soap and water
Take a bucket and fill it with warm water. Add some washing-up liquid or laundry detergent to the water. You can also add a capful of bleach per litre of water if there are stubborn stains. Alternatively, you can use car shampoo or a mild detergent if you are cleaning plastic mesh patio furniture.
Wash the furniture
Use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush to wash the furniture with the soapy water mixture. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas with visible stains or built-up grime. If you are cleaning plastic mesh furniture, try not to scrub too hard. For resin wicker furniture, you can use a small soft brush followed by a water spray.
Rinse the furniture
Remove the soapy water by rinsing the furniture with a garden hose on a spray setting. Make sure to remove all soap residue, especially from between the woven strands of mesh or weave furniture. Avoid using a pressure washer as it could damage the plastic.
Dry the furniture
After rinsing, dry the furniture with a microfiber pad, non-abrasive cloth, or paper towels. For plastic mesh and weave furniture, ensure that the furniture is completely dry before using it to prevent the buildup of mould or mildew.
Apply a protective coating (optional)
After cleaning, you can apply a UV-protectant and moisture-repellent spray to help prevent future fading and damage from direct sunlight. This will also help keep your furniture cleaner for longer.
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Use WD-40 to restore colour
If your plastic patio furniture is looking a little drab, you can use WD-40 to restore its colour and shine. WD-40 is a non-corrosive lubricant that will bring life back to your dull plastic furniture without eating away at the material. It can be used to restore colour and shine to plastic patio furniture, as well as to protect metal parts from rusting and remove oil or grease stains.
Before using WD-40, it is important to clean your plastic patio furniture. Take the furniture outdoors and give it a thorough dusting to remove any dirt or other particles. Then, mix warm water with soap and wash the surface with a cloth or sponge. Once the furniture is dried, you can move on to using WD-40.
Take your can of WD-40 and spray it liberally all over the surface of your patio furniture. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to rub it in. Make sure to perform this step outdoors to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. It is also recommended to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
After applying WD-40, your plastic patio furniture will have its colour and shine restored. This simple solution can extend the life of your furniture and improve the appearance of your outdoor space.
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Apply a UV-protectant spray
To apply a UV-protectant spray to your plastic patio furniture, start by cleaning the furniture thoroughly. Mix warm water and soap and wash the surface with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the furniture with clean water and let it air-dry completely.
Once the furniture is dry, take your chosen UV-protectant spray and hold the can approximately 6-12 inches away from the surface. Spray liberally and evenly across the entire surface, ensuring you get into any crevices or intricate details.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the UV spray, as application techniques may vary between products. Some sprays may require you to rub the product into the surface with a clean, dry cloth after spraying. Others may suggest a light hand sanding to smooth out any rough surfaces before application.
If you are using a UV-protectant spray that also has moisture-repellent properties, this will help prevent future fading and damage caused by direct sunlight and keep your furniture looking cleaner for longer.
You can find UV-protectant sprays at most hardware stores or online. It is always recommended to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration or adverse effects.
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Use baking soda to remove stains
Plastic patio furniture is a popular choice for outdoor settings due to its durability and versatility. However, exposure to the elements can cause staining, mildew, and discolouration. To remove tough stains from plastic patio furniture, a natural, mild abrasive like baking soda can be used.
Firstly, rinse the furniture with water. Then, sprinkle or apply a paste of baking soda to the stained areas. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few minutes. Its mild abrasive properties will help lift stains from the plastic surfaces. Then, use a brush or sponge to gently scrub the stained areas. Rinse the furniture with water again and dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots.
For a baking soda solution, combine a quarter cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water. Use a brush to scrub the stained areas with this solution. This natural cleaning agent is tough on stains but gentle on furniture, so it won't damage the plastic. Baking soda can also be used to create a gentle abrasive paste with lukewarm water to remove mildew and mould.
Before applying any cleaning solutions, test them on an inconspicuous area of the furniture to ensure they do not harm the plastic.
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Waxing or painting
If your plastic patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear, you can refresh its appearance by either waxing or painting it.
Waxing
Waxing is a great way to refresh the look of plastic patio furniture. It is a more laborious process than painting, but it can leave your furniture with a luxurious sheen. There are a few steps to follow before waxing. Firstly, clean the furniture with warm soapy water and a cloth or sponge. For more stubborn stains, a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water can be applied and scrubbed with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Alternatively, a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can be sprayed on, left for a few minutes, and then washed off with warm soapy water. Once the furniture is clean, it should be dried thoroughly.
Next, you need to choose the right wax. There are specific waxes for resin furniture, but if you can't find these, a natural carnauba-style car wax can be used. Only a small amount is needed, applied with a microfibre or lint-free cloth. Work in small sections, gently buffing the wax into the furniture.
Painting
If you want a quick refresh, painting is the way to go. Ensure the furniture is clean and dry, and then lightly scrub with TSP before rinsing and drying. You can then apply paint specifically designed for plastic resin outdoor furniture, such as FUSION by Krylon. This type of paint comes in a variety of colours, so you can get creative!
It is important to note that painting plastic resin furniture may result in the paint wearing off or peeling over time. Additionally, if you decide to paint, do not apply wax, as this can cause the paint to not adhere properly.
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Frequently asked questions
You can refresh your plastic patio furniture by cleaning it with warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth. You can also use a pressure washer or a nylon pad. If your furniture is coloured, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water. For stubborn stains, try a paste made from baking soda and water. Once clean, you can apply a UV-protectant and moisture-repellent spray to prevent future damage.
WD-40 can be used to refresh plastic patio furniture. First, dust off any dirt, then wash the surface with warm soapy water. Once dry, spray WD-40 all over the surface and rub it in with a cloth.
You can use paint to refresh plastic patio furniture. First, clean the furniture thoroughly and then rinse off any cleaner. Then, use a high-pressure water spray to remove the discoloured layer of plastic. You can then give the furniture a light sanding to smooth out the surface before painting.
There are a variety of products you can use to refresh your plastic patio furniture. You can use automotive or car wax, or PatioClean Wax. You can also use a glass repair kit for minor scratches or chips on glass tables.
You can prevent plastic patio furniture from weathering by storing it indoors during winter and covering glass tables when they are not in use. You can also apply a UV-protectant spray to prevent damage from the sun.
