How to Clean Plastic Patio Furniture

Plastic patio furniture is affordable and durable, but it gets dirty, stained and chalky from sun and weather. A good cleaning can make it look almost new.

What You'll Need

Dish soap
Baking soda
Oxygen bleach (for stains and mildew)
A soft brush or sponge
A garden hose
A bucket

Step 1: Rinse

Hose down the furniture to remove loose dirt and debris.

Step 2: Wash with Dish Soap

Mix dish soap into warm water and scrub every surface with a sponge or soft brush.

Step 3: Tackle Stains

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to stains and scrub gently. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and won't scratch most plastic.

Step 4: Remove Mildew

Mix oxygen bleach in warm water according to package directions. Apply to mildew spots, let sit 10–15 minutes, then scrub.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse well and let the furniture dry in the sun.

Restoring Faded or Chalky Plastic

Faded white plastic often has a chalky surface from UV damage. After cleaning, a plastic restorer or UV protectant spray can help bring back some color and protect it.

Keep It Clean Longer

Wipe furniture weekly during the season.
Store it out of the sun or under cover in winter.
Use furniture covers.

FAQ

Can I use a magic eraser? Yes, gently, on stubborn marks. Test first on colored plastic.

Is chlorine bleach okay? It may yellow some plastics. Oxygen bleach is gentler.