Alexei Volkov
Plastic outdoor chairs are lightweight, affordable, and durable, but they can get dirty and stained easily. To keep them looking clean and bright, regular cleaning is required, especially if they are white. There are several products that can be used to clean plastic outdoor chairs, including water, neutral soap or mild detergent, soft-bristled brushes or sponges, baking soda, white vinegar, bleach, and commercial cleaning products. Some products, like bleach, should be used with caution to avoid discolouration or damage to the plastic. In addition to cleaning, protecting chairs from the elements with a cover or wax coating can reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
Products and methods to clean dirty outdoor plastic chairs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Water |
| Neutral soap or mild detergent | |
| Soft bristle brush or sponge | |
| Microfiber cloth or rag | |
| Baking soda | |
| White vinegar | |
| Bleach | |
| Rubber gloves | |
| Hose | |
| Spray bottle | |
| Automotive paste wax | |
| Carnauba wax car polish | |
| White Knight 310g Crystal Clear Acrylic Clear Gloss | |
| Vanish Oxy-Action Napisan | |
| Mr. Clean Magic Eraser | |
| 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning solutions for white plastic chairs
White plastic chairs are a great, affordable option for outdoor furniture. However, they can get dirty and dingy very quickly when exposed to the elements. Luckily, they are also pretty easy to clean with just a few products and tools and a bit of elbow grease.
Water and neutral soap or mild detergent:
Fill a container with lukewarm water and add neutral soap or a mild detergent. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to apply the mixture to the entire surface of the chair. Gently scrub in a circular motion to remove any dirt and rinse with clean water.
White vinegar and water:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the chair, leave for 10-15 minutes, then scrub again with a brush or sponge. Rinse with clean water.
Baking soda:
For stained areas, sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge or brush to act as a gentle abrasive and help lift the stains. You can also mix baking soda with wax and wipe the chair with a warm solution of the mixture.
Bleach:
Mix 3/4 cup of bleach with 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap and a gallon of hot water. Put on some rubber gloves and wash the chairs with a sponge dipped in the solution. Rinse each chair with clean water. Be careful not to leave bleach on the chairs for too long as it may cause discolouration.
30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner:
Spray this cleaner on stained areas and rinse away once clean. This product is designed to clean stains from algae, mould, and mildew on outdoor plastic surfaces.
To keep your white plastic chairs clean for longer, apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax after cleaning. This will help stains and dirt to slide right off the plastic.
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Removing mould and mildew
Mould and mildew are common issues for outdoor plastic chairs, as they thrive in damp, humid environments with little airflow. However, there are several ways to remove mould and mildew from plastic chairs.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the area and the cleaning mixture. Clear the area to ensure that the cleaning products do not fall on other furniture. Next, mix lukewarm water with a mild detergent or neutral soap in a container. Avoid using abrasive cleaning liquids, as these could damage the plastic.
Then, apply the cleaning solution gently to the entire surface of the chair using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Scrub gently in a circular motion to remove any mould or mildew. For more solid plastic furniture, use a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water, and scrub gently to lift the mould and mildew from the surface. For plastic wicker furniture, a hose or pressure washer may be more effective at removing mould and mildew from woven crevices.
For more stubborn mould and mildew, a mixture of vinegar and water can be applied to the affected areas. This can be done using a sponge or brush, or by spraying the solution onto the chair. Leave the vinegar and water solution to soak for at least 10 minutes, then scrub again and rinse with clean water. If any mould or mildew remains, baking soda can be applied to the brush or sponge to act as a gentle abrasive.
Another method for removing mould and mildew is to use bleach. However, it is important to exercise caution when using bleach, as it can cause discolouration. Test the bleach on an inconspicuous spot first, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Dilute the bleach with water, then spray or wipe the solution onto the chair. Allow it to stand for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
To prevent mould and mildew from returning, it is recommended to keep the chairs covered and protected from the elements.
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Using bleach
Bleach is a good option for cleaning heavily soiled white plastic chairs. It can also be used to remove yellowing from plastic. To clean your plastic chairs with bleach, follow these steps:
Prepare the Area and the Cleaning Mixture
Clear the area around the chairs to ensure that you have enough space to work without getting cleaning products on other furniture. Prepare a mixture of one part bleach to four parts water in a container. Always wear rubber gloves when handling bleach to protect your hands.
Apply the Bleach Solution
Using a sponge or a soft-bristled brush, apply the bleach solution to the chair. Start at the top and work your way down, using some elbow grease to help lift embedded soil. Make sure to get the solution into any crevices or grooves in the plastic. Allow the solution to remain on the chair for at least 15 minutes. Leaving it longer will not harm the chair.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the chair thoroughly with a garden hose to remove all traces of bleach. You can then dry the chair with a microfiber cloth or let it air-dry in the sun.
Maintain the Cleanliness
Once your chairs are clean, you can keep them that way by applying a thin coat of automotive paste wax. Use a soft cloth or sponge to spread the wax evenly over the chairs, then buff with a dry cloth. The wax will help repel stains and dirt, keeping your chairs looking clean and shiny.
Precautions
It is important to note that bleach should be used with caution. Do not leave the bleach solution on the chair for more than 10 minutes to avoid damaging the material. Always test the bleach on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not discolour or damage the plastic. Additionally, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach, and avoid mixing it with other cleaning products.
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Natural cleaning products
Firstly, clear the area around your plastic chairs so that you have enough space to clean without getting other furniture dirty. Then, wipe off any dust and surface dirt with a dry cloth or rag.
Next, prepare your natural cleaning mixture. White vinegar is a standout natural cleaner that removes stains and is suitable for both white and coloured surfaces. It is also a natural disinfectant. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, or a slightly higher proportion of vinegar, and apply this solution to stubborn stains with a sponge or brush. You can also use a spray bottle. Leave the mixture for at least 10-15 minutes, scrub again, and then rinse with clean water.
For more challenging stains, baking soda is an excellent natural cleaning agent. Make a paste with a small amount of water and apply it directly to the stained areas. Leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
To maintain the appearance of your plastic chairs, regular cleaning with mild soap and water is essential. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water and use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the chairs. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel to prevent water spots.
Finally, automotive paste wax or car wax can be applied to your plastic chairs to provide a protective coating that helps repel water and dirt and offers UV protection to reduce fading. Ensure the wax is non-abrasive and suitable for plastics.
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Maintaining chairs
To maintain your plastic chairs, it is important to clean them regularly, especially if they are white, as these chairs get dirty and dingy very quickly when exposed to the elements. A thorough cleaning at the beginning of the outdoor season will often last throughout the summer. Always give the chairs a good cleaning before storing them away for the winter.
Before cleaning your plastic chairs, clear the area so that you have enough space to work without the products used falling on other furniture. Then, remove dust and surface dirt with a dry cloth or rag, or by shaking the chair well if you prefer.
Next, prepare your cleaning mixture. Fill a container with lukewarm water and add neutral soap or a mild detergent. Avoid using products with abrasives that could damage the material. You can also add a small amount of bleach, but be aware that bleach can cause discolouration and should not be left on the chairs for too long. If you are cleaning white plastic chairs, you can add a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the mixture.
Once your cleaning mixture is ready, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently apply it to the entire surface of the chair. Work on one chair at a time and rinse each with clean water before moving on to the next. For stained areas, sprinkle some dry baking soda on the sponge or brush to act as a gentle abrasive to help lift the stains.
Finally, let the chairs air dry in the sun, placing them on an incline so that any remaining water drips downwards.
To keep your chairs looking their best for longer, apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax or carnauba wax car polish to help repel stains and dirt. Use a dry, soft cloth or sponge to spread the wax over the chairs, then buff with a dry cloth.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a mixture of white vinegar and water, or a solution of baking soda, water, and dish soap. For more stubborn stains, you can use bleach, but be cautious as it can cause discolouration.
First, remove any surface dust and dirt with a dry cloth. Then, prepare your chosen cleaning solution and gently apply it to the chair using a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Rinse the chair with clean water and let it dry in the sun.
Regular cleaning will help keep your chairs looking their best. You can also apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax or carnauba wax car polish to help repel stains and dirt. Storing your chairs indoors during the winter will also help prolong their life.
For tough stains, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or a mixture of baking soda and wax. You can also try commercial cleaners like 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner, which is designed for cleaning outdoor plastic surfaces.
