With the sun peeping through it is tempting to get out on the patio and give the outdoor furniture a clean in readiness for warmer weather that we hope is around the corner. If you have plastic garden furniture, getting it ready for the Spring and Summer months should be fairly straightforward.
If your plastic table and chairs have been under-cover then a wipe with a soft cloth and soapy water may be all that is required to remove dust and the odd cobweb. However, if your plastic garden furniture has been out in the elements all Winter, it will probably be necessary to undertake a deeper clean, and white plastic furniture may even require a mild bleach solution to bring them back to sparkling white. Always protect your skin and eyes and wear rubber gloves before trying the bleach solution out first in an inconspicuous place, just in case there is an adverse reaction with the plastic material. A mild bleach solution is also very good for removing any mildew on your plastic garden furniture.
Using your soapy water (washing up liquid or car shampoo are ideal), give the table and chairs a good wash with a soft cloth or sponge, not forgetting to wash the underside too. If your furniture is older or made from softer plastic then you should avoid using the abrasive side of the sponge as this will scratch the plastic surface. You could try using an old toothbrush to get into any corners and crevices.
Once you are satisfied that the furniture is completely clean, rinse off the soapy solution. A garden hose is the best way to do this, making sure that you turn the furniture over to rinse underneath. You could also use a pressure washer but again make sure that the pressure is not too strong as it may damage the surface of the plastic. It is probably a good idea to avoid letting the soapy/bleach solution go near any valuable plants in the garden as you are rinsing!
Allow the furniture to drip dry and then finish the drying process off with another soft cloth to avoid any water spots. If you are feeling really keen, you could then give it all a coat of car wax (follow the instructions on the tin) to create a water repellent shine and help lengthen the life of your plastic garden furniture.
