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How to Clean Mold Off of Polywood

Corey M. Mackenzie

Polywood is the brand name of outdoor, weather-resistant furniture created from recycled plastic. Polywood furniture comes in as many styles as wooden patio furniture, but Polywood is more durable. Although it is resistant to the elements, this does not mean that dirt or even mold will not collect on the pieces, making them look unattractive. However, Polywood is very easy to clean, and is not porous--mold may form on the surface, but will not penetrate the material. If mold, mildew or other substances leave stains on your Polywood pieces, you can remove them using common cleaners.

  1. Spray loose debris off the Polywood with a garden hose.

  2. Mix 1 tblsp. of dish soap into a bucket of hot water.

  3. Put on protective gloves (rubber or vinyl) to spare your hands and douse a sponge in the hot soapy water. Rub the sponge over the Polywood, paying extra attention to moldy areas.

  4. Wet a nylon scrubber in the soapy water and scrub the remaining stains the mold may have left behind. Use a nylon-bristled brush, instead of a scrubber, to get dirt or mold from creases (you can use a toothbrush for small areas).

  5. Follow the stain-removal advice from the manufacturer for any remaining stains: mix 1 part bleach to 2 parts water in a bowl. Wet a sponge in this solution and rub it over the stain. According to polywoodinc.com, this solution will not affect the color of the Polywood.

  6. Rinse the Polywood with clean water and dry with a towel.