Woven plastic serves as durable chair material for outdoor slingback chairs, prepared to defy the elements day after day, month after month. Over the years, dirt and grime build up only from being outdoors. Wind, rain and contamination all come into play, creating a buildup which might not be noticed until you see how clean and bright the underside of the seat sling looks in relation to the top. Employing the incorrect types of cleaners may stain or damage that seat seat. A gentle household cleaner is all that’s needed much of the time.
General Maintenance
To maintain that slingback chair looking its best, give it a thorough dusting and a rinse each couple weeks if it is kept outdoors exposed to the elements. Brush it off using a feather duster to remove loose soil, then spray it with a hose to remove extra debris. This simple remedy helps keep the debris away out of getting roasted onto the plastic, which would call for a bit of scrubbing to remove. Maintaining the seat beneath a cover when not in use helps maintain it clean as well.
Simple Cleaning Solution
A few squirts of dishwashing soap in a gallon bucket of warm water makes a mild cleaning solution strong enough to remove general dirt but gentle enough that it won’t stain or discolor the chair material. In addition, it can be utilized on the seat frame. Wipe the chair a sponge dipped into the solution, with a sponge using a clean pad on one side to hard-to-clean areas. When it’s been a while since the seat has been cleaned, put some of the solution in a spray bottle and liberally spray the chair material, allowing it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing. Use a soft scrub brush or toothbrush if the chair needs a deep cleansing. Rinse off the chair using a hose, then wiping with a sponge, if needed, to help loosen dirt or soap stuck at the mesh-like fabric.
Gunk Grabber
If the seat has a few mystery spots which don’t wipe away easily, pour a little rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth, then wipe out the spot away. If the spot is still difficult to eliminate, soak a part of the cloth in rubbing alcohol, then set the soaked part atop the stain for several minutes before buffing the material away. A household cleaner suitable for vinyl can be used at a pinch; just be sure it doesn’t contain bleach, as bleach can fade the seat sling or damage it.
Mildew Maintenance
A seat kept in a damp environment with little air flow is more likely to mold or mildew, which includes a musty odor and small spots that look like dirt. Spray the spots with white vinegar and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe down the entire surface using a soft, damp cloth or sponge. If the spots are stubborn, then saturate the cloth with vinegar and then wipe down the chair , rinsing it with a garden hose afterwards. A gentle wash brush or toothbrush assists rub away the toughest spots.