Features and Care of Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) is durable, easy to maintain, and ideal for outdoor use. In this article, you’ll learn everything about the material properties, proper cleaning, and care—based on manufacturer specifications and over 20 years of personal hands-on experience.
Cleaning and Care—Simple and Effective
Cleaning plastic furniture is generally straightforward. Depending on the degree of soiling, different methods are recommended:
Light Soiling
For everyday cleaning, a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Alternatively, you can use an eraser sponge, a cleaning stone, or a mild cleaning agent.
Gentle Cleaning with a Specialized Cleaner
For particularly gentle yet thorough care, we recommend the VONDOM Multi-Surface Cleaner. It was developed specifically for plastic furniture and removes even heavy soiling without damaging the surface. It offers an ideal solution for cleaning that preserves the value of your furniture, especially for delicate or painted pieces.
Thorough Cleaning for Stubborn Dirt
If conventional cleaning methods are not sufficient, dirt can be reliably removed with a high-pressure washer. Our experience shows that in over 95% of cases, even stubborn dirt can be easily removed this way—without damaging the material.
Material Properties at a Glance
Polyethylene (PE)
- LLDPE resin (linear low-density)
- UV-resistant (UV8—equivalent to 8,000 hours of Florida sunshine)
- Temperature-resistant from -60°C to +80°C
- Impact-resistant and lightweight
- 100% recyclable
- Manufacturing process: Rotational molding
Polypropylene (PP)
- Glass-fiber reinforced with UV stabilizer
- Temperature-resistant up to 150°C
- Lightweight, dimensionally stable, and impact-resistant
- 100% recyclable
- Manufacturing process: Injection molding
Practical Tips: What You Should Know
Generally, plastic furniture made of polyethylene (PE) has microscopic pores—meaning the surface is not completely smooth. This affects how easy it is to care for, especially with light colors like white. Some manufacturers handle this differently:
- Vondom: specifically reduces the micro-pores by using higher processing temperatures for white furniture.
- Serralunga: offers a surface sealant called “Cleanfighter” upon request.
- MyYour: uses a similar protective coating called “Polyeasy.”
- Slide Design: does not offer any additional surface sealant.
Note: White furniture is generally more susceptible to stains. Stains are much less noticeable on darker colors.
Scratches and Minor Damage—How to Fix Them
Superficial scratches on polyethylene furniture can often be reduced by gently heating the area. A hair dryer or an iron (used with extreme caution) can help—it’s best to test it first on an inconspicuous spot. If using an iron, place a cloth between the iron and the surface to prevent damage. The heat softens the material, and the scratch may fade or even disappear completely.
Temperature Behavior—No Cause for Concern
PE furniture expands slightly when exposed to heat and contracts again when exposed to cold. This natural movement of the material does not affect either its stability or its appearance—as long as temperatures remain between -60°C and +80°C. However, problems may arise with lacquered surfaces (see the next section).
Lacquered Furniture – Elegant, but More Delicate
Lacquered plastic furniture is a real eye-catcher, but it’s only suitable for outdoor use to a limited extent. Thermal expansion of the polyethylene can cause fine hairline cracks in the lacquer. If moisture gets into these cracks and freezes in the winter, the finish may flake off. Therefore, painted furniture is generally recommended for indoor use. If it is used outdoors nonetheless, careful maintenance is essential.
- Do not clean with a high-pressure washer
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh detergents
- Care tip: Apply car wax every 2–3 months
Protective Covers—Useful, but with Limitations
Protective covers are more than just a functional accessory—they preserve the high-quality appearance of your outdoor furniture even during the off-season and create a harmonious overall look. The protective covers we offer are treated to be water-, oil-, and dirt-repellent.
- Furniture and upholstery should be completely dry before covering.
- Never fold or pack covers while they’re damp—it’s better to let them dry in a well-ventilated area. To clean them, simply use a soft cloth and plain water—please avoid solvents.
- An alternative: Store the cushions separately during the off-season. The furniture itself can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer at the start of the season—this way, you’ll save on the cost of protective covers.
Conclusion
Plastic furniture made of polyethylene and polypropylene is an excellent choice for outdoor use. It is sturdy, easy to maintain, and weather-resistant. With the right knowledge of material properties and care, your furniture will remain a stylish companion for many years to come—whether for private or commercial use. Contact us for more information.
Your Home & Light Team
