How to Properly Clean and Maintain Plastic Chairs for Longevity

2. How to Clean and Care for Plastic Chairs for Long-Term Use • Plastic chairs have long been a favorite for indoor as well as outdoor sitting, with their strength, affordability, and low maintenance.Nonetheless, just like any kind of furniture, they need to be cleaned and properly maintained regularly to help them keep looking and functioning well for years to come.Whether your plastic chairs are indoors or outdoors, exposed to the elements, learning how to clean and maintain them will extend their life and keep them looking their best.In this blog, we will guide you through the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your plastic chairs so they can last. • 1. Regular Cleaning for Everyday Maintenance Plastic chairs, especially those used outdoors, are susceptible to dirt, dust, and debris.Regular cleaning is the key to preventing buildup and maintaining their appearance.Basic Wiping or Dusting: For general cleaning, you can simply use a microfiber duster or a soft cloth to wipe away dirt, pollen, or dust on the surface.If your chairs are outdoors, you may also use a soft-bristled brush to brush off dirt in hard-to-reach places such as the crevices or the spaces between the chair legs.

3. Mild Dish Soap and Water Solution: For deeper cleaning, combine warm • water with a mild dish soap solution.Soak a clean, soft cloth or sponge in the solution, and softly clean the plastic chair surface.This will be effective in cleaning off stains, grease, or marks left by food or beverages.Rinsing: After wiping down the chairs, use clean water to rinse off any soap residue.It’s important to dry the chair with a clean towel or let it air dry to prevent water spots from forming. • 2. Removing Stubborn Stains Even the toughest stains can be tackled with a bit of extra effort.Here are a few methods to deal with stubborn marks or discoloration:Baking Soda Paste: Mix a paste of water and baking soda (roughly 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and place it directly on the stained spots.Allow the paste to remain for around 10-15 minutes, then lightly scrub with a gentle cloth or sponge.Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that will work to remove stains without harming the plastic surface.Vinegar and Water Solution: If your chairs have yellowed or become discolored, a white vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) will restore their brightness.Dampen the area with the solution using a cloth or sponge and scrub gently.Vinegar is also excellent for cleaning water spots and mineral deposits from the surface.

4. Commercial Plastic Cleaner: If the stain is still not giving way, you might • employ the help of a plastic cleaner or outdoor furniture degreaser.Always follow the instructions on the product and try it on an unseen area first. • 3. Mold and Mildew Plastic chairs left outdoors, particularly in wet environments, might harbor mold or mildew over time. This is how you deal with it: Bleach Solution: To kill mold or mildew, mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to the moldy or mildewed areas, taking care to wear gloves to protect your hands.Allow the solution to sit for approximately 10-15 minutes before gently scrubbing the chair to remove the mold or mildew.Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, rinse the chair with clean water and allow it to dry completely in the sun.The sun's UV rays help kill any remaining spores and prevent further mold growth. • 4. Protecting Your Plastic Chairs from UV Damage Plastic chairs are in most cases weather-resistant, but in the long run, they might be vulnerable to sun damage.The sun's UV rays have the potential to dry out, crack, or discolour the plastic.Here are some measures you can take to keep them safe:

5. UV Protectant Sprays: To shield plastic from the sun, you can use a UV • protectant spray.These sprays are made to block UV rays, which prevents fading and maintains the color of the chair.Use the spray as directed by the manufacturer and reapply every few months, particularly if your chairs are outdoors.Covering Chairs When Not in Use: In the event that you reside in a region of extreme sunlight or changing seasons, use chair covers to shield your plastic chairs from the sun's rays. This is particularly handy during the hottest part of the year when the UV rays are most damaging.Winter Indoor Storage: If you are in an area with very cold winters, storing your plastic chairs indoors over the off-season will keep them from being subjected to extreme cold or snow that will crack plastic. • 5. Prevention of Scratches and Scuffs While plastic chairs are pretty resistant to scuffs, they can get scuffed or marked by abrasive surfaces or excessive use.The following are a few suggestions for scuff prevention:Utilize Felt Pads or Furniture Sliders: In order to avoid scratching your floors or even the chair, put felt pads or furniture sliders at the end of the chair legs.It will become very convenient to slide the chairs in and out without hurting your floors or the surface of the chair.Be Careful with Harsh Surfaces: When transporting or piling plastic chairs, take care not to drag them across harsh surfaces or knock them into hard objects.Always lift or slide them across smoother surfaces.

6. 6. Storing Plastic Chairs • Proper storage can maximize the lifespan of your plastic chairs when not in use: Stacking: Most plastic chairs are stackable. If you have more than one chair, stacking them will save space and prevent them from being knocked over or scratched.Stack them in a dry, cool area to prevent warping or distortion.Covering Outdoor Chairs: If you have plastic outdoor chairs that must remain outside, purchase waterproof covers to keep them dry, clean, and free from dirt or debris when not in use.These will keep the chairs clean and not exposed to the elements when the chairs are not in use. • 7. Annual Deep Cleaning and Inspection Every now and then, once or twice a year, it is advisable to perform a thorough cleaning and checkup of your plastic chairs:Check for Damage: Check for any cracks, chips, or wear that must be addressed.Broken plastic chairs can be replaced or repaired.For small cracks, you can restore them with plastic glue or epoxy resin, but make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines on how to apply it properly.Deep Clean: Give your plastic chairs a deeper clean, utilizing the steps above, to get them looking their best.likecopy

7. 8. Storage Hints for Plastic Chairs • Storage is essential in keeping your plastic chairs lasting longer.When storing them indoors or outdoors, there are proper steps you need to take to avoid weather, moisture, and environmental damage. • Indoor Storage: In their non-use condition, place your plastic chairs in a dry, cool environment with no direct sunlight.If the chairs can be stacked, stack them tidily to conserve space.Never overs tack them since this might make the chairs warp or lose their shape. • Outdoor Storage: If you do have to leave plastic chairs outdoors, ensure that they are placed under a waterproof, UV-protective cover.This will shield them from rain, snow, and sun exposure over a long period, which can weather the plastic away.Alternatively, place chairs inside a shed or storage bin for protection from the elements. • Rise Above the Ground: When storing chairs outside, place them above the ground on an elevated surface such as a patio or deck.This rises the chairs above the ground, which stops water from entering the material and prevents mold and mildew growth.

8. 9. Keeping Plastic Chairs Safe from Seams Weather • Outdoor plastic chairs are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, and exposure to extreme weather conditions and temperatures can impair their structural integrity. • The following is how to protect them: Shield from Freezing Weather: If your outdoor plastic chairs are left outside in winter, the freezing temperatures will cause the plastic to become brittle and crack.It's a good idea to bring them inside for the winter months, or at least cover them with heavy-duty tarps to protect them from snow and ice. • Hot Weather and Sun Exposure: During hot summer months, plastic chairs can be damaged by prolonged sun exposure, leading to fading, warping, or cracking.Consider placing chairs in shaded areas or using UV-resistant covers to prevent these issues.Additionally, consider storing chairs in a cooler area during peak sun hours. • Wind Protection: Plastic chairs can be blown over or even destroyed by high winds.If you live in a wind zone, place weighted bases on chairs or tie them down with bungee straps or cords.Placing chairs in storage during severe windstorms can keep them from being blown away or destroyed.

9. 10. Avoiding Mold and Mildew Build-Up • Mildew and mold are usual issues with plastic chairs that are exposed outdoors or in moist areas.Both have the potential to create odors, unsightly stains, and health hazards. • The following is how to avoid and handle mold and mildew development:Dry After Wet Weather: After a rainy day or when the chairs become wet, make sure to dry them well.Allowing plastic chairs to remain wet for long periods promotes the growth of mold and mildew.In humid weather, wipe the chairs with a clean, dry towel to remove moisture. • Regular Cleaning: Add a monthly cleaning schedule that involves washing your chairs using a combination of water and vinegar or a diluted detergent solution.This prevents mold and mildew from forming and keeps the surface clean.Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight is a natural way to kill mold and mildew spores.Place your plastic chairs under sunlight frequently for a few hours, and let the UV rays destroy any bacteria or mold spores that are forming. • Use Anti-Mold Sprays: Use mold-resistant sprays meant for outdoor furniture.These sprays create a protective barrier on your plastic chairs that will prevent the growth of mold and mildew even in humid conditions.