Plastic garden furniture is popular in many gardens – and for good reason! It's lightweight, low-maintenance and often reasonably priced. But plastic furniture does need a bit of love from time to time. In this blog, we explain how to keep your furniture looking good, how to clean it, and whether you can actually leave it outside all year round.
Can you leave plastic garden furniture outside?
Yes, plastic garden furniture can handle a shower! It's resistant to rain, wind and sun. But… if you really want to keep it looking nice for a long time, we do recommend storing it or covering it with a good garden furniture cover during winter. This prevents the plastic from becoming brittle due to prolonged UV radiation or extreme cold.
Tip: In autumn and winter, preferably place your furniture in a shed or under a roof. No space? Then opt for a breathable cover that's specially made for garden furniture.
Cleaning plastic garden furniture
Fortunately, cleaning plastic garden furniture is very simple. You don't need much to get your set looking neat again:
What you'll need:
- Bucket of warm water
- Green soap or mild washing-up liquid
- Soft sponge or microfibre cloth
Step-by-step guide:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and a splash of soap.
- Wet the furniture (e.g. a garden chair) and wipe the surface with a sponge.
- Let the soapy water work on stubborn stains for a while.
- Rinse off with clean water.
- Dry with a cloth or leave to dry in the shade.
For green algae or stubborn dirt, you can use white vinegar: mix one part vinegar with three parts water and treat the algae. Let it work for a bit and then rinse thoroughly.
New plastic garden furniture
New plastic garden furniture is often a real sight to behold. It shines, is free from stains and feels sturdy. But if you want it to look that way after a few seasons? Then regular maintenance is important. Fortunately, plastic is very easy to clean and requires little effort to keep in top condition.
Note: Don't use abrasive cleaners or aggressive cleaning products on new furniture. They can damage the surface and make it dull.
Cleaning plastic garden furniture
A bit of soapy water works wonders! For cleaning plastic garden furniture, you usually don't need more than:
- A bucket of warm water
- A splash of green soap
- A soft sponge or cloth
Here's how to do it:
- Wet the furniture with a sponge and soapy water.
- Let it soak for a while if you have stubborn stains.
- Rinse the furniture off with clean water.
- Dry with a cloth or leave to air dry.
Dealing with green algae? Then you can use a bit of white vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and wipe it over the algae. Let it work for a bit and then rinse off!
Getting white plastic garden furniture clean
White garden furniture is beautiful, but unfortunately catches dirt and stains more quickly. Don't panic – with this approach you'll have them sparkling white again in no time:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a bit on a damp sponge and gently rub over the stains. Then rinse thoroughly.
- Lemon juice: Works well against yellowed patches. Let it soak for a while and then rinse off.
- Stain remover (specially for plastic): Available at most DIY shops and ideal for stubborn stains.
Always use a soft cloth or sponge – scratches on white plastic are easily visible!
Getting white plastic garden furniture clean
White garden furniture is beautiful, but unfortunately catches dirt and stains more quickly. Don't panic – with this approach you'll have them sparkling white again in no time:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a bit on a damp sponge and gently rub over the stains. Then rinse thoroughly.
- Lemon juice: Works well against yellowed patches. Let it soak for a while and then rinse off.
- Stain remover (specially for plastic): Available at most DIY shops and ideal for stubborn stains.
Always use a soft cloth or sponge – scratches on white plastic are easily visible!
Do's & Don'ts with plastic garden furniture
A few practical tips to keep your garden furniture looking good:
Do's
- Use lukewarm water with mild soap.
- Clean furniture regularly, especially during the garden season.
- Store your garden furniture or cover it in winter.
- Use a soft cloth or brush for cleaning.
- Check occasionally for loose screws or wear and tear.
Don'ts
- Don't use a pressure washer, as it can damage the plastic.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning products such as chlorine or thinners.
- Don't use abrasive sponges or steel wool.
- Don't leave wet cushions on the plastic.
- Don't leave furniture in direct sunlight for long periods without protection.
Plastic garden furniture is a smart choice for any garden. With the right maintenance, it will stay beautiful for years to come. Looking for a new plastic set or accessories to complete your garden? Check out the range from Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture in our webshop. We're happy to help you make the right choice.
Also read: Which garden furniture is weather-resistant? and Which garden furniture is rain-resistant?
