Plastic furniture has long been a popular choice for decks due to its cheap price and durability in most climates. While plastic outdoor deck furniture has many benefits, it still needs to be cleaned regularly to continue looking it’s best. Following the right steps can ensure that your furniture continues looking great in the years to come.
Wipe Away Any Debris
The first thing you’ll need to do when caring for your deck furniture is removing any leaves and debris that have built up. If you haven’t used your deck in a few months due to poor weather or being away from home, it’s likely that your furniture will need to be rinsed thoroughly.
Use a Gentle Cleaning Solution
While plastic outdoor furniture is easy to clean, it is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. These can damage the surface of the furniture and cause it to become discolored or scratched. Instead, opt for gentle, pH-neutral cleaners that are safe for use on plastic.
Once your deck furniture is free from large pieces of debris and leaves, you can move on to using a cleaning solution. The easiest option is combing the following two ingredients in a bucket and scrubbing the furniture with a soft sponge.
- 1 tbsp of natural liquid dish wash detergent
- Warm water to fill a 5-gallon bucket
After the furniture has been scrubbed, you’ll need to rinse.
Use Patio Furniture Covers
While it’s always helpful to clean your deck furniture on a regular basis, you can extend the time between cleanings by using a cover. Choosing covers that fit snugly onto your deck furniture can prevent them from getting dirty as fast and help maintain their condition.
Clean Regularly
To keep your plastic outdoor furniture looking clean and fresh, it is important to clean it regularly. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the furniture. For tougher stains, you can use a mild detergent mixed with water to gently scrub the affected area. Be sure to rinse off the furniture thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
Protect it from the Elements
Plastic outdoor furniture is resistant to the elements, but it is still essential to protect it from extreme weather conditions. Avoid leaving your furniture in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this can cause the plastic to fade or become brittle. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider storing your furniture in a shed or garage during the winter months to protect it from the cold.
Repair Damage
If your plastic outdoor furniture becomes damaged, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Small cracks or chips can often be repaired using a plastic furniture repair kit, which is available at most hardware stores. If the damage is more extensive, you may need to replace the affected parts or the entire piece of furniture.
Protect from Extreme Weather
Plastic outdoor furniture can become damaged if it is exposed to extreme temperature changes. To prevent this, avoid moving your furniture from a warm environment to a cold one (or vice versa) too quickly. If you do need to move your furniture, allow it to acclimate to the new temperature gradually.
Keeping your plastic deck furniture in great shape is easy when making cleaning a habit. If you’re interested in plastic furniture for your deck, please contact us.