If you have a garden or yard area in your house and don’t want to invest much in that, then plastic furniture is the best alternative. It is long-lasting and less time consuming when it comes to maintenance. However, due to long periods of exposure to dust, dirt, and sunlight, the chances are high that your plastic lawn chairs get dull after a few months.
It’s just filthy dirt most of the time that can be cleaned easily with soap, detergent, or power washing. But when you see white residue forming over time, understand that your work has been increased. Such patches won’t go off quickly, not even by scrubbing. Also, too much scrubbing can lead to scratches and fade the plastic furniture. We are sure that it is not what you want! So what to do? How to clean chalky plastic lawn chairs? Let’s see!
What Is This White Residue? How Is It Formed?
The ugly and unappealing white residue that gets collected on the patio chair is nothing but the plastic form of rust. The process of forming this plastic rust is known as ‘Oxidization.’ The most common reason for oxidization is constant exposure to sunlight, dust particles, and UV rays. The chemicals in the plastic recline chairs react with them and lead to oxidization.
Now that we know what oxidization is and how it occurs let us focus on how to get rid of it. We know that you don’t want your outdoor lawn furniture to lose its shine and spoil your garden area’s look. Don’t worry. As always, we are here to have your back. We bring you an easy way of cleaning plastic chairs.
How to Clean Chalky Plastic Lawn Chairs?
Materials Required
- Vinegar
- Water
- Cloth to wipe off
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- towel
Here are some steps that you need to follow to restore oxidized plastic.
Step 1: Make a Vinegar-Water Solution
The right amount of dirt must be accumulated on the plastic lawn chairs. To cleanse it off, a vinegar-water solution is the best alternative. Mix 1/4th cup of white vinegar with a quarter cup of water. Prepare the solution in accordance with the quantity required to blow the dirt off all the lawn chairs.
Step 2: Spray-Hold-Rub-Rinse
Once the solution is prepared, spray it liberally on all the plastic chairs. After spraying it all over, let it settle down for at least 20 to 25 minutes. Once settles down, take a cloth and rub off the areas where dirt has gathered. When done, rinse it off with water. You will notice that all the extra dirt has been washed out of the furniture. Now what we are left with is the removal of white chalky residue.
Step 3: Sprinkle Baking Soda
As we know that the chalk stains residue or the plastic rust will not go off by scrubbing, we have to use a substance that could weaken the rust’s bond with the plastic. The best alternative for the same could be none other than baking soda. It will make it much easier to remove the residue.
Step 4: Clean Clean and Clean
Use a sponge. Take a bucket of warm water. Dip the sponge into warm water and rub it off on an area with white chalk residue while sprinkling baking soda on it. Keep on squeezing the sponge and adding baking soda as and when needed. As you get done with it, rinse it thoroughly with water. Dry it out using a towel or keep it in the sun and let it dry naturally.
Pro Shine Tip
If you still feel that the chair has gone dull and thinking of getting the shine back, you can put some extra effort in doing so. Get the Automotive Paste Wax. Apply it gently all over with a rag. Let it dry for about 5 to 7 minutes. One assured, buff it with a soft cloth.
The Final Verdict
Now that you have read the article, you know how to clean plastic lawn chairs easily. The result will be beautiful, shining, and presentable lawn chairs. We hope we were of some help to you. What are you waiting for? Get started with the job and give the chairs a look that they had when you first bought them.
