Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500290
06/24/03
Cleaning Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Most plastics can be washed with solution of mild
detergent (hand dishwashing liquid) and water, rinsed,
and can be wiped dry to prevent water spots if that is a
problem. Never use strong alkalis on plastic. Never use
scouring powders or other abrasives as plastics scratch
easily.
Some new plastic furniture is finished with lacquered
resins that protect the surface against ultraviolet rays,
rain, and salt spray, with a special resin for plastic
tabletops that gives touch ceramic-like finish. For
others, waxes or special protective finishes for
plastics will give extra protection.
Polyvinyl Chloride Frames and Tops
Not affected by weather, but mat finish on frames
soils easily and should be cleaned when soiled. Easily
scratched so do not use abrasives. Auto wax protects it.
Wash with mild detergent solutions and rinse
Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Polyester Mesh Fabric
Wash during the season when soiled with mild
detergent (hand dishwashing liquid) solution and brush,
and rinse. Wash before storage at end of season. Fabric
sheds water and dries quickly.
Nylon Webbing Seats
Wash with mild detergent solution and brush and rinse
when soiled, and again at end of season before storage.
Vinyl Strapping Seats
Protect from tanning lotions with large towel as some
can stain. Never use abrasives or strong detergents.
Clean regularly as buildup of soil, oil, lotion can
lead to fungus growth. Wash with mild detergent solution
and brush, and rinse, when soiled, and before storage.
Some may have mildew inhibitors.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Mary Ellen
Delsipee and Isabel Jones, previous Extension Specialists.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .