How to Clean Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Keeping outdoor plastic furniture looking its best requires regular cleaning. Outdoor plastic chairs are affordable, durable, and low-maintenance, but they still need proper care and maintenance to prevent buildup of dirt, mildew, and stains. With the right cleaning methods and products, you can easily keep your outdoor plastic chairs looking like new. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to clean outdoor plastic chairs and restore them to their original beauty.

Why It’s Important to Clean Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Outdoor plastic patio chairs are very convenient because they don’t require much upkeep. However, that doesn’t mean you can just leave them outside and forget about them. Here are some key reasons why properly cleaning outdoor plastic chairs matters:

Prevent Dirt Buildup: Outdoor chairs are exposed to a lot of dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris. If you don’t clean them regularly, all this gunk will build up on the chairs over time.
Stop Mildew Growth: Plastic chairs left dirty and wet can start growing mildew, mold, or algae. This not only looks unsightly but can actually damage the plastic.
Remove Stains: Spilled food, drinks, bird poop, and other stains need to be cleaned off before they have a chance to set in and permanently discolor the chairs.
Maintain Appearance: Cleaning keeps outdoor plastic chairs looking new and vibrant. It restores the color and glossy finish.
Extend Lifespan: Regular cleaning protects the integrity of the plastic and prevents cracking, peeling, pitting, and other signs of aging. This allows the chairs to last many seasons.
Improve Hygiene: Grimey chairs become homes for germs and bacteria. A good deep clean sanitizes the chairs for you and your guests.

By making outdoor plastic chair cleaning a part of your regular maintenance routine, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful, comfortable patio seating for years to come.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Cleaning outdoor plastic furniture doesn’t require any heavy duty equipment. You likely already have most, if not all, of the supplies needed:

Broom or Brush: For sweeping loose dirt off the chairs before washing them. A soft-bristle brush is ideal.
Bucket: For holding water and cleaning solution as you wash the chairs. Get one large enough to hold rags/sponges too.
Mild Detergent: Look for a gentle liquid dish soap, hand soap, or all-purpose cleaner. Avoid anything too harsh.
Water: Warm water works best for cleaning outdoor plastic furniture.
Clean Rags or Sponges: Microfiber cloths are ideal but any soft, lint-free rag will do. Have plenty on hand.
Old Toothbrush: For scrubbing in crevices and hard-to-reach spots.
Garden Hose: Makes rinsing the chairs off easier after washing.
Soft-Bristled Scrub Brush: Helpful for tougher buildup and stains.
Vinegar: Good for helping remove stubborn stains. Mix with water 50/50.
Baking Soda: Can boost cleaning power and help brighten the plastic.

That’s really all you need for a thorough outdoor plastic chair cleaning. Now let’s go over the step-by-step process.

Follow these simple steps for sparkling clean outdoor plastic patio chairs:

1. Sweep Away Loose Debris

Before washing, use a broom or brush to sweep off any loose dirt, leaves, pollen, spiderwebs, bird droppings, etc. This prevents the debris from turning into mud during the wash.

2. Hose Down the Chairs

Use a garden hose to spray the chairs and give them a good preliminary rinse. The water pressure will help rinse away surface-level dirt. Check for stains or sudsy areas and focus extra spray there.

3. Make a Cleaning Solution

In your bucket, mix together:

2-3 tablespoons of mild detergent
1 gallon of warm water
1⁄4 cup distilled white vinegar (optional for extra grime-fighting power)
1⁄4 cup baking soda (optional to help brighten the plastic)

The solution should be sudsy but not thick like soup. Vinegar and baking soda enhance cleaning power.

4. Scrub Every Surface

Dip your rag, sponge, or scrub brush in the solution and scrub every surface of the chairs: arms, legs, back, seat, crevices, etc. Get a nice lather going and let it sit a few minutes to penetrate gunk. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Wipe all suds off with clean water. Use the hose to power rinse. Run water over every surface until all traces of soap are gone. Don’t let any suds dry onto the chairs.

6. Allow to Air Dry

Let the chairs drip dry in an upright position. Placing them flat can trap water and lead to mildew growth. Don’t put away until 100% dry. The sun helps speed drying.

That’s it! Just repeating those basic cleaning steps keeps outdoor plastic chairs looking fresh and new. Do this each month or whenever grime builds up.

Tackling Tough Stains on Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Sometimes you’ll encounter stubborn stains that require extra effort to remove from outdoor plastic chairs. Here are some common stains and how to conquer them:

Bird Droppings or Tree Sap Stains

Let the droppings dry completely before removal, as wet waste can smear and spread more
Use a plastic scraper to chip off as much as possible
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and rub the stain until it fades
Rinse with water and repeat alcohol scrub as needed

Dirt and Grime Buildup

Make a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water
Use an old toothbrush to work the paste into the stained area
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing
Repeat as needed for tough stains

Food and Drink Spills

Wipe away any chunks or wet remains immediately
Scrub the area with warm, soapy water using a soft brush
If any stain remains, rub it with straight distilled vinegar
Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Mold and Mildew

Mix equal parts water and bleach in a spray bottle
Liberally spray the moldy areas until saturated
Wait 10 minutes before rinsing with water
Repeat for stubborn mildew stains

Scuffs and Scratches

Buff very lightly with extra fine steel wool or sandpaper
Avoid rubbing too hard, which worsens the damage
Follow buffing by rubbing plastic polish into the scratched area using a microfiber cloth
Rinse and buff dry for restored luster

With some focused attention on stained spots, you can erase any pesky blemishes marring your outdoor plastic chairs’ surface.

Maintaining the Cleanliness of Outdoor Plastic Furniture

Cleaning outdoor plastic chairs is just half the battle. Keeping them clean in between washes is equally important. Here are some tips for maintaining the cleanliness of outdoor plastic patio sets:

When not in use, keep chairs overturned or covered to prevent dirt buildup
Wipe up spills promptly before they have a chance to stain
Rinse chairs after rainstorms to prevent water stains
Keep chairs out of direct sunlight when possible to avoid fading
Remove bird droppings, tree sap, and other messes as soon as noticed
Inspect furniture for debris before each use and brush off as needed
Wash pillows and cushions regularly according to label instructions
Consider applying a protectant coat 1-2 times per year for added stain resistance
Bring chairs indoors or cover over winter to protect from weathering damage
Arrange patio to allow chairs to dry thoroughly after rains and morning dew

A little ounce of prevention keeps outdoor plastic chairs in a cleaner state between deep cleans. Developing good maintenance habits is key.

Alternative Cleaning Solutions for Outdoor Plastic Chairs

While the mild detergent and water method works fine for most, some people prefer natural cleaning solutions for outdoor furniture. Here are a few effective homemade cleaner recipes:

All-Natural Vinegar Cleaner

1 part distilled white vinegar
1 part water
5-10 drops essential oil (for scent; lemon is popular)
Mix in spray bottle and use as is

Baking Soda Scrub

1⁄4 cup baking soda
1⁄4 cup warm water
Mix into paste, apply and scrub with brush, then rinse

Mild Soap Solution

2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
1 gallon warm water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Mix well and use to clean chairs

Brightening Bleach Solution *Do not use for mold/mildew

1 part water
1 part bleach
1 teaspoon blue dawn dish soap
Mix and use sparingly on faded spots

Experiment to find the natural cleaning solutions you like best. Just steer clear of anything too abrasive or harsh on plastic.

How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Plastic Chairs?

Outdoor plastic furniture should be washed at least once monthly during the seasons it gets used. However, the exact cleaning frequency depends on several factors:

Amount of Use: Chairs that get sat on daily need cleaned more often than seldom-used pieces.
Exposure to Elements: Furniture in a covered patio stays cleaner than chairs open to the elements.
Local Climate: Warm, humid climates promote mildew growth faster than dry regions.
Surrounding Foliage: Areas near trees and gardens need cleaned more due to sap, leaves, pollen.
Air Quality: Urban areas with more pollution require more frequent washing.
Rainfall Frequency: Wet climates equal more frequent cleanings to prevent stains.
Bird and Insect Traffic: Expect to clean more if chairs are a bird or wasp haven.

Check chairs over before each use and do a full wash when they look dingy. Target high traffic seats and backs more frequently. Proper cleaning frequency comes down to your specific environment and usage.

Best Practices for Cleaning Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Follow these best practices as you take on the task of cleaning outdoor plastic patio furniture:

Inspect chairs thoroughly and address any stains, scratches, or damage right away before it worsens
Read chair labels for any special cleaning considerations (especially for cushions)
Test cleaners on inconspicuous spots first to ensure colorfastness
Use soft sponges and scrub brushes to avoid scratching delicate plastic
Allow chairs to dry fully upright and uncovered before putting away
Buff plastic with car wax or polish 1-2x per year for added protection
Replace faded, badly damaged cushions and pillows to keep sets looking uniform
Consider buying chair covers to limit dirt exposure between cleanings
Don’t use bleach, acetone, or other harsh chemicals unless plastic is rated for it
Avoid pressure washing at close range, as the force can damage chairs
Store cleaned chairs on a covered patio or garage to minimize re-soiling

A bit of care goes a long way in preserving outdoor furniture’s appearance and longevity. Consistent cleaning habits are the key.

FAQ About Cleaning Outdoor Plastic Chairs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about properly cleaning outdoor plastic patio chairs:

Can I use a pressure washer to clean outdoor plastic chairs?

You can use a pressure washer, but do so carefully to avoid damaging the chairs. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches back to prevent tearing the plastic. Scuffing is likely if you pressure wash too close.

What is the best way to dry outdoor plastic chairs after cleaning?

The best drying method is letting the chairs sit upright in the open air until fully dry. Placing chairs flat traps moisture and promotes mildew growth in corners.

How do I clean mold and mildew from outdoor plastic chairs?

Mix equal parts water and bleach in a spray bottle. Mist mildewed areas liberally and let sit 10 minutes before rinsing clean. Repeat as needed for stubborn mildew.

Should I use harsh chemicals to clean outdoor plastic patio furniture?

Harsh chemicals like acetone, MEK, and chlorine can damage many types of plastic. Read your chairs’ care label first or spot test. Mild dish soap mixed with water works great for most outdoor plastic furniture.

How can I restore faded plastic chair color?

Try rubbing the faded areas with lemon oil or petroleum jelly. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wipe away. The oil helps restore color and sheen. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals.

What’s the best way to clean and care for chair cushions?

Check the tag to see if cushions are machine washable or spot clean only. Use mild detergent and air dry thoroughly. Consider spraying with a fabric protector to repel stains. Replace damaged cushions promptly.

How should I prepare outdoor plastic chairs for winter storage?

Clean chairs thoroughly before storing for winter. Allow to dry fully. Cover with a tarp, waterproof cover, or bring indoors if possible. Storing dirty chairs leads to bigger cleaning headaches come spring.

Enjoy Beautiful, Clean Outdoor Plastic Furniture

Now that you know how to properly clean outdoor plastic chairs, you can keep your patio sets looking pristine all season long. Just be sure to clean them regularly, act quickly on stains and damage, and take preventative steps to maintain cleanliness between deep cleans. With this handy guide, you have all the tips and tricks needed to care for outdoor plastic chairs. Here’s to many seasons of enjoying vibrant, spotless outdoor furniture!