As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to make your outdoor furniture look brand new. Whether you have plastic chairs, tables, or other pieces of furniture on your patio or garden area – making them shimmer and shine is not just rewarding in terms of aesthetics but also a great way to add value and life span for the future.
Sure, replacing faded furniture may be an option – but reviving old pieces can often save money and time! In this blog post, we will explore several simple tips on how to make plastic outdoor furniture look new with minimal effort required.
From restoring color and luster back into dull surfaces all the way to proactive maintenance practices that help keep plastics vibrant year after year – this guide should help you enjoy your refreshed home setup in no time!
Needed Materials
Given below is a list of all the materials you’ll need to get started with making your plastic outdoor furniture look new.
- Mild Dish Soap and Water Solution
- Soft Clothes or Sponges
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Plastic Scrubbers (Non-abrasive)
- Mineral Oil or Vegetable Oil
- Spray Bottle
- Plastic Cleaner
- Sunscreen
11 Step-by-step Guides on How to Make Plastic Outdoor Furniture Look New
Step 1: Prepare the Furniture
Start by removing all the cushions, covers, and ancillary items from the plastic furniture. You can use mild soap and water solution to wipe down the surfaces of your furniture.
This will help remove dust, dirt, and any other debris that may have accumulated over time. If needed, use a soft cloth or sponge to make sure each surface is properly cleaned and ready for the next step.
Step 2: Rinse With Water
Once you have cleaned the furniture with a mild dish soap and water solution, it’s time to rinse off the furniture with water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe away residual soap and suds from the surface. It’s important to note that you should only use fresh, clean water when rinsing the furniture.
But be careful not to use too much pressure as this may cause damage to the furniture’s surface. This step will ensure that all debris and soap residue has been removed from the plastic furniture.
Step 3: Remove Stains With Rubbing Alcohol
If you notice any stains on your plastic outdoor furniture, use rubbing alcohol as an effective way to remove them. The rubbing alcohol will act as a solvent and break down any discoloration, leaving your furniture looking brand new.
It is important to note that rubbing alcohol shouldn’t be used on colored furniture as it may cause the colors to fade. However, if you are only dealing with white or clear furniture then rubbing alcohol is an excellent option.
Step 4: Scrub With Non-Abrasive Plastic Scrubbers
To lift off stubborn dirt or grime from the surface of your plastic outdoor furniture, use non-abrasive plastic scrubbers. This will help bring back the luster and shine without damaging the furniture.
If you are dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water as an effective cleaning agent. This will help gently remove the dirt without causing any damage to the furniture’s surface.
Step 5: Use Mineral Oil or Vegetable Oil for Shine
To add a glossy shine to your plastic outdoor furniture, use mineral oil or vegetable oil. Pour some of the product onto a soft cloth and rub it into the plastic surfaces. This will help restore the original color and vibrancy to furniture that has been faded by the elements.
But be sure to wipe away any excess oil as this may become sticky or attract dirt. It is important to note that mineral oil or vegetable oil should not be used on colored furniture as this may cause discoloration.
Step 6: Clean and Condition Plastic Surfaces with a Plastic Cleaner
To help keep your plastic outdoor furniture looking new, you need to clean and condition it regularly. Using a plastic cleaner will help restore color, remove deposits that cause discoloration, and protect the surface from future damage.
This product is specifically designed to remove grime and dirt from plastic furniture surfaces. To apply the cleaner, simply spray it onto your furniture and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a soft cloth or sponge.
Step 7: Protect From Sun Damage
Sun damage can cause plastic outdoor furniture to fade and discolor over time. To prevent this, make sure to use a sunscreen lotion that is specifically designed for outdoor plastics. This will protect the furniture from harsh UV rays while also keeping it looking new.
It is important to note that this sunscreen should be applied regularly and should not be left on for extended periods of time. This will help ensure that your furniture stays vibrant and protected from the sun.
Step 8: Keep Furniture Covered When Not in Use
If you don’t plan on using your plastic outdoor furniture for an extended period of time, it’s best to keep it covered. This will help protect the surfaces from dirt and dust that can accumulate over time and make the furniture look worn out.
It is important to note that you should only use covers that are specifically designed for plastic furniture as this will help ensure a snug fit and prevent the cover from slipping off.
Step 9: Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
When cleaning your plastic outdoor furniture, it’s important to avoid using abrasive cleaners. These can cause damage to the plastic surfaces and make them appear dull and faded.
But if it’s absolutely necessary, make sure to use an abrasive cleaner only on the toughest of stains. Be sure to rinse off any residual cleaner thoroughly with clean water and wipe away any excess as this may cause further discoloration.
Step 10: Clean After Use
After each use, you should clean off your plastic outdoor furniture with a mild soap and water solution. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the surfaces during use.
It is important to note that you should use only a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning the plastic surfaces. This will help ensure that no scratches or abrasions occur during the cleaning process.
Step 11: Reapply Oil As Needed
When the plastic outdoor furniture starts to look faded and dull, it’s time to reapply the oil. This will help restore its color and luster while also protecting the surface from future damage.
This should be done at least once a month to ensure that the furniture stays looking new and vibrant. And be sure to use only mineral oil or vegetable oil on white or clear plastics as this will help prevent discoloration.
Following these simple tips on how to make plastic outdoor furniture look new should help you make your plastic outdoor furniture look new in no time. With minimal effort required, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a refreshed home setup!
Things to Consider When Making Plastic Outdoor Furniture Look New
- Keep Furniture Covered When Not in Use. This Will Prevent Dirt and Dust From Causing Damage to the Surfaces of Your Furniture.
- Use a Sunscreen Lotion That is Specifically Designed for Plastic Outdoors to Protect It From Harsh UV rays.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners as They Can Cause Discoloration and Dullness on Plastic Surfaces.
- Clean and Condition Your Furniture Regularly With a Plastic Cleaner to Restore Its Color and Vibrancy.
- Be sure to Reapply Oil Every Once In A While To Keep The Surface Looking Shiny.
- Use Soft Cloths and Sponges When Cleaning to Avoid Scratches.
- And Most Importantly – Enjoy Your Refreshed Furniture Setup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Often Should I Clean My Plastic Outdoor Furniture?
A. It’s recommended to clean your outdoor furniture at least once per month, or more depending on the amount of use it receives. Using a mild soap and water solution ios the best way to keep plastic furniture clean and looking new.
Q. What Should I Use to Protect My Plastic Outdoor Furniture From Sun Damage?
A. To protect your outdoor furniture from sun damage, it’s important to use a sunscreen lotion that is specifically designed for plastics. This will help provide protection against UV radiation while also keeping the furniture looking vibrant.
Q. Is It Necessary to Use Oil on Plastic Outdoor Furniture?
A. Yes, it’s important to use oil on plastic outdoor furniture in order to maintain its color and luster over time. Mineral oil or vegetable oil are great options for restoring faded surfaces back to their original vibrancy.
Q. Are Abrasive Cleaners Safe to Use on Plastic Outdoor Furniture?
A. No, abrasive cleaners are not safe to use on plastic outdoor furniture as they can cause damage and make the surfaces appear dull and faded. Stick to mild dish soap and water solutions when cleaning your furniture – these are effective for removing dust, dirt, and debris without causing
Conclusion
In the end, giving your plastic outdoor furniture some extra TLC is a great way to make sure it looks like new for many years to come. Not only is it cost-effective but it doesn’t take much time either -you don’t need to be a skilled DIYer or have to rush out and buy expensive new furniture every year!
Simply learning about how to make plastic outdoor furniture look new with the right cleaning and restoring techniques can get the job done in no time.
For those who want to keep their outdoor spaces looking fresh and modern, keeping up with the maintenance of your plastic furniture is the key. Now that you know how easy it is to keep your plastic outdoor furniture looking like new, why not start sprucing yours up today?
