Unilever logo
Cleanipedia ZA logo

How to Clean White Plastic Chairs

White plastic chairs are as much of a South African outdoor staple as the Kreepy Krauly and the Weber braai. They are super functional and last forever, but they can show the dirt really easily and can become yellowed and stained over time.

Updated

Reading Time: 5 minutes

How to Clean White Plastic Chairs

Handy Andy has the solution, to keep these versatile indoor and outdoor chairs sparkling white for as long as possible. Follow this guide for all you need to know on how to clean white plastic chairs with ease.

Why Should You Clean White Plastic Chairs?

The misconception about plastic outdoor seating is that they don’t need to be kept clean as regularly as indoor furniture does. However, because they are usually kept outside and not covered, they are prone to collecting more dirt and debris because they are exposed to the elements.

If you regularly dust, wipe, and clean your chairs, you’ll keep them from getting stained or yellowed over time. Here are our top tips for cleaning plastic chairs quickly and effectively.

#1 – Dust & Wipe Regularly

If you wipe down your chairs once a week, this will prevent layers and layers of dust from settling onto the chairs and creating deep stains. Take a dry, microfibre cloth (or recycle an old t-shirt) and wipe down the chairs. Don’t forget to clean the surfaces you sit on as well as the surfaces you don’t including the underside and legs of the chairs.

#2 – For Deep Cleaning, Wash With Handy Andy

When there’s a need for removing stains from plastic chairs, it’s time for a deep clean. We recommend giving the chairs a deep clean once a month, to prevent yellowing and stains from setting in. Fill a bucket with warm water and add in a few squirts of Handy Andy Cream Cleaner. This multipurpose cleaner is ideal for getting rid of stains and dirt and doesn’t leave any residue. Give the chairs a good wash and leave in the sun to air dry.

#3 – Keep Them Covered

To keep your chairs in the best possible condition, and sparkling white after washing too, consider using chair covers to keep them protected. You can purchase chair covers from your local building and homeware store, or you can make them yourself. Take all your old fabric, curtains, and sheets, and turn them into DIY chair covers for a great upcycled alternative.

Benefits of Cleaning White Plastic Chairs

Now that we’ve given you the lowdown on how to clean plastic chairs with ease, it’s important to understand why cleaning your chairs regularly can actually benefit you in the long run.

  • You’ll have clean white chairs all year round, ready to use when you need it or when unexpected visitors pop in.

  • You’ll be able to extend the life of your chairs by keeping them clean and covered so that they don’t get stained and brittle and more inclined to break.

  • If you make DIY chair covers, you’re recycling old fabric and putting less strain on our landfills – therefore a more environmentally friendly experience all around.

  • If you clean your chairs regularly, it will take quicker to keep them clean the more you do it. If you only clean your chairs once a year, it’s going to take you hours to get the dirt and debris off of them.

What Is The Best Chair Cleaner To Use?

Whether you have plastic chairs, wicker chairs, or wood chairs for your outdoor seating area, we highly recommend Handy Andy Cream Cleaner as the best cleaning detergent to use. This multipurpose cleaner is made from 100% natural cleaning particles with work to remove stains, dirt, and yellow spots. You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of fragrances in the Handy Andy range including:

  • Eucalyptus

  • Lemon

  • Lavender

  • Potpourri

If you’ve got guests and just need to give the chairs a quick wipe, why not use Handy Andy Multipurpose Surface Wipes? They’re ideal for giving a quick clean to just about any surface in the home and leave the surface looking great and hygienically cleaned too.

Want to get more tips on cleaning other outdoor elements of your home? Read the blog on Out of Home Tips: Home Exterior Cleaning now.

For more home cleaning tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.

FAQs on Cleaning White Plastic Chairs

Which is the best white plastic chair cleaner?

We recommend Handy Andy Cream Cleaner for all your outdoor cleaning needs, including white plastic chairs.

How do you get stains out of white plastic outdoor chairs?

Use Handy Andy to get red of stains. Alternatively, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket or bowl and use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the stained areas. For more stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it off. Rinse the chairs thoroughly with water to remove any remaining solution or residue. With these simple steps, you can restore the look of your white plastic outdoor chairs and keep them looking great for years to come.

What is the fastest way to clean white plastic chairs?

If you regularly dust, wipe and wash your plastic chairs, you should have pretty clean chairs all year round. If you want to give them a quick wipe down when guests are coming, give them a wipe with Handy Andy Surface Wipes.

Originally published