Learn to look after your NeoTimber® products with our recycled plastic furniture care guide.
The advantage of choosing recycled plastic furniture over timber or metal alternatives is how easy the products are to look after, without the need for any painting or staining with preservatives, to prevent damaging effects such as rot or rust. However, this does not mean it is exempt from cleaning tasks entirely, Below, we have collated our top tips and advice into one handy plastic furniture care guide, to help keep your furniture looking good as new. Let’s take a look.
General Cleaning
Despite plastic furniture’s longevity and low maintenance qualities, it will still need an occasional clean to keep it looking its best. Thankfully, plastic furniture is incredibly easy to clean, and most marks will wash away completely when the surface is hosed down, or scrubbed with a sponge and hot, soapy water. We recommend using a lint free cloth, as the rough texture of our plastic furniture may catch some of the cloth’s fibres.
Stubborn Staining
Should any marks or stains persist despite being treated with water and soap, it may need something a bit stronger to properly lift it. Diluted detergents can be used, but do not used any solvent based cleaners. Alternatively, using a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and warm water should be able to move these more belligerent marks, as the vinegar will break down the soda to release a carbon dioxide gas, which aids with cleaning.
Pressure Washers
If using a pressure washer or hose pipe, we recommend choosing a low setting to avoid potentially damaging the surface of the plastic, and to stand a considerable distance away from the furniture. Be careful also to avoid directing the stream of water to the ground, as this may churn up mud and soil, and cover your plastic furniture with dirt, meaning you’ll have to start the cleaning process again!
Staining From Water
Because of the material’s compacted recycled surface, any water staining is incredibly unlikely. However, should any marks occur, this can be gently scrubbed away with a sponge and hot, soapy water. Scrubbing in a circular motion is recommended for any particularly persistent staining. Again, if these marks do not lift, you can apply diluted solvent free detergent or vinegar and baking soda, as outlined earlier in our plastic furniture care guide.
Preventative Measures
If you want to minimise cleaning tasks entirely, you can store your plastic furniture underneath an outdoor shelter or indoors when they are not in use. If your space is limited, and you need to leave your furniture outdoors, you can use a large tarpaulin sheet to protect the plastic material’s surface from dirt and rainwater.
Need Further Support or Advice?
If you’ve still got questions that have not been answered here, or you would like additional advice, support or assistance then please give one of our friendly experts a call and we’ll be happy to help.
Just give us a call on 01509 323 170.