How to Clean Plastic Patio Chairs

Clean plastic patio chairs to keep them looking new.

You can use plastic patio chairs on a deck, patio, balcony or even in the yard. Regardless of which outside destination you choose, the patio chairs will likely be covered in bugs, dirt and possibly mud after a storm or a muggy, hot night. Cleaning dirty plastic patio chairs whenever they are visibly dirty does more than protect you and your clothes from the items that are on the chairs. Regular cleaning protects the surface of your chairs, allowing you to use them for years.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Cloths/towels
• Soft-bristled brush
• Liquid dish soap (nonbleach)
• Undiluted white vinegar
• Hot water
• Water-displacing spray (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove any covers and seat cushions from the patio chair.

2. Spray the patio chair with a moderate mist from a garden hose, or wipe the chair with a clean wet cloth. This removes dirt, bugs and other debris stuck onto the plastic patio chairs.

3. Pour approximately 2 tbsp. liquid dish soap and 2 cups undiluted white vinegar into a bucket. Fill the rest of the bucket with warm to hot water.

4. Place the soft-bristled brush or cloth into the bucket. Make sure the brush or cloth is saturated.

5. Scrub the plastic patio chairs with the brush or cloth. Wipe all of the grooves and crevices found on the chair. Scrub any covers and cushions that you removed in step 1.

6. Rinse the patio chair with a garden hose or by dumping water from a bucket or bowl over the chair. Thoroughly remove all of the soap and vinegar from the patio chair.

7. Wipe the patio chair with a dry, clean towel. Place the chair in a sunny portion of the patio or yard so it can finish drying. This also helps naturally deodorize the patio chair.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray the plastic patio chair with a water-displacing spray after you've cleaned the chair if the chair has faded. Wipe the entire chair with a clean cloth. This restores the patio chair's natural shine and look.

References

• Reader's Digest: Clean Lawn Furniture