White plastic chairs and outdoor furniture, also called resin chairs, have many benefits. They are cheaper than other outdoor furniture, made mostly from recycled plastic, and can be recycled again. Plus, they are lightweight, easy to stack, and can withstand different weather conditions.
The problem with white plastic chairs is that they get dirty quickly if not cleaned often. But the good news is, they are easy to clean with a few basic products and some effort.
How Often to Clean White Plastic Chairs
Clean spills and stains from grass, mud, food, tree sap, or bird droppings as soon as possible. A deep clean at the start of outdoor season usually keeps them looking good all summer. Before storing for winter, make sure to clean them well.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Buckets
- Garden hose
- Sponge
- Soft-bristled nylon brush
- Microfiber towels
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic tarp
- Spray bottle
Materials
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
- All-purpose cleaner
- Oxygen-based bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
- Automotive paste wax
Instructions
Set Up a Cleaning Area
Lay a plastic tarp in a sunny spot near a garden hose. Place the chairs or other plastic furniture on the tarp for cleaning.
Mix a Cleaning Solution
You can use different cleaners for white plastic chairs. Pick one that works best for you.
If the chairs have mildew, mix 25% water and 75% white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mildewed spots and wait 10 minutes before cleaning the whole chair.
Cleaning Solutions:
- Fill a bucket with one gallon of lukewarm water and add 1/4 cup of dish soap. Stir well to mix.
- Mix one gallon of lukewarm water with 1/2 cup of baking soda and stir well.
- Mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner with one gallon of lukewarm water.
Wash and Rinse the Chairs
Use a sponge or a soft brush to wash the chairs from top to bottom, so dirty water drips down. For stains, sprinkle some dry baking soda on the sponge or brush to help scrub them away.
Once the chairs are clean, rinse them well with a garden hose. If they look bright and white, dry them with a microfiber towel or let them air-dry in the sun. If they still look dull, go to the next step.
Tip: Avoid using rough cleaners or scrubbing pads on white or colored plastic chairs. They can scratch the surface, making it easier for dirt to stick.
Mix an Oxygen Bleach Solution to Whiten Dingy and Stained Chairs
If the chairs still look dull and stained, use an oxygen bleach solution. Oxygen bleach is a gentle cleaner that removes stains and brightens plastic. It works slower than chlorine bleach but is safer for plastic and the environment. Plus, it won’t harm grass or plants while you clean.
If your white chairs are very dirty, mix one gallon of lukewarm water with 1/2 to 1 cup of powdered oxygen bleach in a bucket. Stir until the powder dissolves.
Apply the Oxygen Bleach Solution
Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge or soft brush to apply the oxygen bleach solution. Start from the top and scrub well to remove deep dirt.
Let the solution sit on the chairs for at least 15 minutes to brighten the plastic. It’s safe to leave it on longer if needed.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the chairs thoroughly with a garden hose, then dry them with a microfiber cloth or let them air-dry in the sun.
Tips to Keep White Plastic Chairs Clean Longer
- After cleaning the chairs, keep them white longer by applying a thin layer of car wax. Use a soft cloth or sponge to spread it, then buff with a dry cloth. The wax helps prevent stains and dirt from sticking.
- Avoid placing the chairs under trees that drop flowers or leaves.
- Clean the chairs, cover them, and store them indoors during winter to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Use an outdoor umbrella to shield the chairs from the weather.