How to Care for Poly Furniture
One of the most appealing features of poly, or poly lumber, furniture is how low-maintenance it is. However, like all furniture, it still needs some upkeep and occasional cleaning in order to look its best. Keep reading for some tips and suggestions for caring for your poly furniture and helping it to last for years to come.
How to Clean Poly Furniture
Due to its material, poly furniture is surprisingly easy to clean. In fact, all you need is some soap, water, and a little bit of elbow grease for a quick and easy cleaning. We recommend using a mild or nonabrasive soap to clean your furniture.
Even though poly furniture is generally stain-resistant, it’s possible for it to accumulate some debris over time that’s hard to get off with just soap and water alone. For stubborn dirt or debris, you may need to use a soft bristle brush. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse your furniture with clean water from a hose and allow it to air dry.
Additionally, you can also choose to power wash your poly furniture (this is our preferred method), but make sure to always keep the machine’s pressure below 1,500 psi, and don’t hold the nozzle closer than 8-12 inches from your furniture’s surface. This could cause the material to split or crack.
Cleaning Cushions
If you use cushions on your poly furniture, we recommend that you clean those periodically. Cushions can accumulate a lot of food and dirt with use, so brush or shake your cushions when needed to prevent debris from building up.
For a deeper cushion cleaning, you can use the same soap and water mixture that you’d use for your poly furniture. We’ve used Scotts Outdoor Cleaner. You can also do a gentle spray with a pressure washer for a quick clean.
Although not necessary, in between usage, we recommend propping the couch cushions vertically to avoid rainwater pooling on top of the cushions.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Poly Furniture
The following are some tips and tricks to make caring for your poly lumber furniture a bit easier:
- Adding a splash of Listerine to your cleaning water will deter bugs from sitting on your furniture because of the scent.
- Avoid placing hot items directly onto furniture to prevent melting.
- Do not place flower pots or any items that will leave stains on your furniture or cushions.
- When cleaning your poly furniture and/or cushions, it is most enjoyable on a warm, dry day.
All in all, it’s no surprise why poly lumber is such a popular choice for outdoor furniture. If you’re in the market for some new furniture, check out our selection of poly chairs, tables, and more. If you have questions feel free to reach out, our team would love to speak with you!
