When it comes to outdoor furniture, plastic may not be the most glamorous option, but in most cases, it’s one of easiest materials to maintain. Wood can rot, splinter, and become weatherworn; cast iron can rust, and upholstery—even the kind designed to live outdoors—requires more care.
For the most part, plastic patio furniture simply needs to be washed, and much of the time, rinsing it off with a garden hose will do. But sometimes, light-colored plastic furniture will end up with a stain that won’t budge. Here’s how to get rid of stubborn stains on plastic patio furniture.
How to remove stains from plastic patio furniture
While outdoor furniture made of plastic is easier to keep clean than other materials, stains can still development—especially from grass, grease, and dirt. Here are a few ways to get rid of them:
- Dish soap: Add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water, then wash the furniture with the solution, using a rag or sponge. If rubbing the stained area with a sponge doesn’t work, try a soft-bristled brush.
- Vinegar: Add about 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a bucket of warm water, and use a soft-bristled brush to work on the stains.
- Baking soda: Rinse off the furniture with water, then sprinkle baking soda on the stains, and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a sponge to scrub the stains. Only use baking soda on white plastic furniture, as it may lighten the color.
- Laundry detergent: Add 1 tablespoon to a bucket of warm water, then use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub the stains with the solution.
- Bleach or oxygen/non-chlorine bleach: Add 1/4 of a cup to a warm bucket of water; wear rubber gloves to scrub the stain with a sponge or brush. Only use on white furniture.
Once you’ve removed the stains using one of the methods above, rinse the chair with a hose, then allow the furniture to air dry.