Poly furniture has become a favorite for outdoor spaces like porches, patios, and gardens. Its durability, eco-friendliness, and ability to withstand the elements make it a must-have for anyone looking to create an inviting outdoor area. If you own poly swings, swing beds, or gliders, you already know how comfortable and beautiful they can be. But like anything that spends time outdoors, poly furniture needs a little care to keep it looking its best.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for and cleaning your poly furniture. Whether you have a single swing or an entire set of poly furniture, these tips will help you maintain that brand-new look and feel.
Why Poly Furniture?
Before we dive into cleaning tips, let's talk about why poly furniture is so awesome. Made from recycled plastics like milk jugs, poly furniture is not only a win for your outdoor comfort but also for the environment. It's designed to withstand harsh weather conditions—rain, snow, UV rays, you name it! Unlike wood, which can warp or rot, poly furniture maintains its shape and color for years. Plus, it’s low-maintenance compared to other outdoor furniture materials, so you'll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your outdoor space.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: caring for your poly furniture!
Regular Cleaning: A Breeze for Poly Furniture
Poly furniture is designed to be low maintenance, but a little regular upkeep will keep it looking fabulous. Thankfully, cleaning your poly swings, swing beds, or gliders couldn’t be easier.
What You’ll Need:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap or a gentle all-purpose cleaner
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A soft-bristle brush for tougher spots
- A garden hose (optional, but makes life easier)
Step-by-Step Cleaning:
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Mix Your Solution: Start by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or an all-purpose cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the material over time.
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Wipe It Down: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into your cleaning solution and gently wipe down your furniture. Pay attention to areas that gather dust and grime, such as the slats of swings or the arms of gliders.
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Scrub Gently for Tough Spots: If you notice any stubborn dirt or debris, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub those areas. Poly furniture can handle a bit of scrubbing, but it’s still best to use a gentle touch to avoid scratching.
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Rinse with Water: Once you’ve wiped everything down, rinse the furniture with clean water. A garden hose works great for this, but a bucket of clean water will do just fine.
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Dry It Off: Although poly furniture doesn’t absorb water, it’s still a good idea to dry it with a soft towel to prevent water spots and to keep everything looking pristine.
Voilà! Your poly furniture should now be sparkling clean and ready for relaxation.
Deep Cleaning: When Your Furniture Needs a Little Extra TLC
Every so often, your furniture may need a deep clean—especially if you’ve had a busy season of hosting, or if it’s been exposed to a lot of outdoor elements. This is especially important for swing beds and gliders, which can gather dust in hard-to-reach places.
What You’ll Need for Deep Cleaning:
- A pressure washer (optional but helpful)
- Baking soda (for stain removal)
- Vinegar (optional, for a natural cleaner)
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning:
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Give It a Rinse: Before you start scrubbing, spray the furniture with your garden hose or use a pressure washer if you have one. This will remove loose dirt and debris and make the rest of the cleaning easier.
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Create a Paste for Stubborn Stains: If you have any tough stains, especially from things like bird droppings or tree sap, you can make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush.
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Use Vinegar for Extra Cleaning Power: If you prefer a natural cleaner, you can use a mix of half water and half vinegar. This solution is great for breaking down grime and won’t harm your poly furniture.
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Pressure Wash: If you’re using a pressure washer, now’s the time to give your furniture a thorough wash. Just be sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the surface. Pressure washing is a fantastic way to clean swing beds, which often have lots of nooks and crannies.
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Dry Thoroughly: After deep cleaning, use a soft towel to dry the furniture. Leaving it wet can cause water spots, and no one wants that after putting in the effort of a deep clean!
Seasonal Care Tips for Poly Furniture
Because poly furniture is so durable, it can stay outside year-round. However, a few seasonal maintenance tips can help extend its life and keep it looking fresh.
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Winter: Although poly furniture can withstand snow and freezing temperatures, consider covering your swings or swing beds if you won’t be using them for an extended period. This can help keep them clean and reduce the amount of work you’ll have come spring.
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Spring: After the pollen starts flying, it’s a good time to give your furniture a quick wipe-down. Pollen buildup can make your swings and gliders look dusty, but a simple clean will have them looking like new again.
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Summer: During the hot months, you may want to clean more frequently, especially if your furniture is near trees or plants that drop sap or leaves.
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Fall: Fall is the perfect time for a deep clean. Remove any fallen leaves and dirt, and give your poly furniture one last scrub before the winter sets in.
Bonus Tip: Protect Those Cushions!
If your poly swing beds or gliders come with cushions, don’t forget to care for them, too. While poly furniture itself is durable, cushions can fade and wear out if left in the sun for long periods. Store them indoors or invest in weather-resistant covers to prolong their life.
Enjoy Low-Maintenance Beauty with Poly Furniture
Caring for poly furniture is as easy as it gets. With just a little effort, your swings, swing beds, and gliders will stay beautiful and welcoming for years to come. Whether you’re relaxing solo with a good book or hosting a lively outdoor gathering, your well-maintained poly furniture will be the star of the show. So, get outside, clean up your furniture, and start swinging into relaxation!