Plastic garden furniture is popular in many gardens — and for good reason! It's lightweight, low-maintenance and often budget-friendly. But plastic furniture also needs a bit of love now and then. In this blog we explain how to keep your furniture looking good, how to clean it, and whether you can actually just leave it outside.
Can you leave plastic garden furniture outside?
Yes, plastic garden furniture can handle a shower just fine! It's resistant to rain, wind and sun. But… if you really want to keep it looking good for a long time, we do recommend storing it away in winter or covering it with a good furniture cover. This prevents the plastic from becoming brittle due to prolonged UV exposure or extreme cold.
Tip: in autumn and winter, preferably place your furniture in a shed or under a shelter. No space? Choose a breathable cover made specifically for garden furniture.
Cleaning plastic garden furniture
Cleaning plastic garden furniture is fortunately very simple. You don't need much for it:
What you need:
- Bucket of warm water
- Green soap or mild dish soap
- Soft sponge or microfibre cloth
Step by step:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and a splash of soap.
- Wet the piece (e.g. a garden chair) and rub the surface with a sponge.
- Let the soapy water soak in on stubborn stains.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a cloth or let it air-dry in the shade.
For green algae or stubborn dirt, you can use natural vinegar: mix one part vinegar with three parts water and treat the algae. Let it soak in briefly and rinse well afterwards.
Note for new furniture: don't use abrasives or aggressive cleaning products — they can damage the surface and make it dull, even if the piece still looks shiny and spotless.
Getting white plastic garden furniture clean
White garden furniture looks beautiful but unfortunately picks up dirt and stains faster. No panic — with this approach you'll have it sparkling white again in no time:
- Baking soda: sprinkle a bit onto a damp sponge and rub gently over the stains. Rinse well afterwards.
- Lemon juice: works well against yellowed patches. Let it soak in briefly and rinse afterwards.
- Stain remover (specifically for plastic): available at most hardware stores and ideal for stubborn grime.
Always use a soft cloth or sponge — scratches show up quickly on white plastic! Struggling with rust stains on your white plastic furniture (for example from a rusting screw)? Read our specific tips in removing rust from garden furniture.
Recommended cleaning and protection products
Prefer a ready-made product over mixing your own soapy water?
Garden Furniture Protector (650ml)
Do's & don'ts for plastic garden furniture
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Use lukewarm water with mild soap | Don't use a pressure washer — can damage the plastic |
| Clean furniture regularly, especially during garden season | Avoid aggressive cleaning products like chlorine or thinner |
| Store your furniture or cover it in winter | Don't use a scouring pad or steel wool |
| Use a soft cloth or brush for cleaning | Don't leave wet cushions on the plastic |
| Check occasionally for loose screws or wear | Don't leave furniture in full sun for long periods without protection |
Tip: a good protective cover prevents a lot of damage before it happens. Browse our full range of garden furniture covers by Platinum.
AeroCover Garden Set Cover (200x150xH85)
Video: how a good garden furniture cover works
Watch this video to see how a breathable protective cover keeps your garden set protected against the weather all year round.
Plastic garden furniture is a smart choice for any garden. With the right care it stays looking good for years. Looking for a new plastic set or accessories to complete your garden? Browse the range at Boender Outdoor in our webshop — we're happy to help you make the right choice.
Browse our full range of maintenance products and protective covers at Boender Outdoor.
Also read: Which garden furniture is weather resistant? — Which garden furniture is rain resistant? — Removing rust from garden furniture
