Poly Outdoor Furniture: Cleaning and Care

When it comes to poly outdoor furniture, there's not much work to be done to keep it functioning and looking just like new. It doesn’t need to be stained, finished, or sealed (in fact, applying any sort of coating will ruin the poly lumber), but like most things in life, a little bit of cleaning and care every now and then is necessary. This guide offers a few quick tips and tricks for preserving your poly furniture.

Cleaning

Thankfully, since it is a plastic material, poly furniture doesn’t require any special cleaning products. Just a bit of soap and water will do the trick, and there are a few ways you can go about the cleaning process.

The best method for cleaning your poly is to use a power washer to hose the piece down. But do be careful if you choose to wash this way. The power washer should be put on a lower setting (1,500 psi or lower)  and be kept a reasonable distance, about a foot, from the furniture. If you get too close or use too high of a power setting, you run the risk of cutting into the poly lumber or raising the fibers.

If you don’t have a power washer or just would prefer not to use one, you can always clean your poly by hand. With a soft-bristled brush, water, and a non-abrasive, non-bleach cleaner, like dish soap, you can gently scrub the surface of your poly chair, table, swing, etc. to remove any built-up dirt and grime.

Due to its durable material, poly furniture can be left outside through winter without deterioration or damage, and the fasteners, all crafted from stainless steel or aluminium, will not rust. But if you do choose to leave your furniture exposed to the elements, inevitably there will be more cleaning to be done when springtime comes. To reduce the necessary clean-up, we recommend that, if at all possible, you cover your poly furniture or store it inside during the winter months.

Care

Aside from keeping your poly looking good, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it’s in tip-top working order as well. The first suggestion is rather straightforward: keep the piece on a level surface. Poly, due to its material, will flex more than wood. Our builders have learned to use this to their advantage, making the furniture more comfortable and form-fitting and allowing the poly to develop a slight contour over time, especially in a seating surface. However, by the same token, if a piece is left to sit on an uneven surface, it can cause the frame to wrack permanently out of shape over time. Therefore, it is important that, wherever you choose to place your piece, you make certain it is sitting flat to avoid any unwanted warping.

Another simple piece of advice to prevent any harm from coming to your poly furniture is to be aware of any potential heat on the poly surface. Poly lumber can withstand the heat from the sun and high summer temperatures, but it is ultimately a plastic substance, so the application of direct heat from items such as errant fire embers or cigarette butts could cause melting or burning if left on the poly’s surface.

At the start of every season, it is also a good idea to check your furniture for any loose bolts or screws and tighten them as necessary. Be sure not to overtighten as stainless steel fasteners are more likely to break when over-torqued. If you have a poly glider, the glider bearings may also periodically need a bit of machine oil to keep them operating smoothly.

Poly furniture is essentially maintenance-free; it will last for years and years with minimal upkeep. But through small acts of care and cleaning, you can ensure that your poly furniture stays looking and performing at its best for a long time to come. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the poly furniture available at Geitgey’s Amish Country Furnishings, check out our blog! Or feel free to call, email, or visit. Our knowledgeable sales team would be happy to assist you in any way possible.