How to Clean Resin Patio Furniture

Resin is an inexpensive, durable and easy to clean material that is perfect for low maintenance patio furniture. However, just because it is advertised as being low maintenance, does not mean it is zero maintenance. There are some methods for keeping your resin patio furniture looking clean and new.

New resin patio furniture has a beautiful, bright, clean look. Although it is made for outdoor use and will stand up to rain and sun, it will start to look weathered without care. Some preventative care will help extend that new look.

• Resin is porous, so to prevent stains from setting, apply car wax. Rubbing auto paste wax on new resin furniture will also help keep off dust and dirt.


• When necessary, wet your furniture with a hose, scrub with soapy water and rinse.


• For dirtier furniture, create a mixture of about a gallon of water, a cup of bleach and a good size squeeze of detergent. Rub it on, let it sit at least 10 minutes and rinse.


• For scuff marks, make a paste out of water and powdered cleanser, such as Comet. Let it sit, then rinse well.


• Nonabrasive household cleaners may also work, but never use an abrasive cleaner. It will scratch the surface, which will allow the surface to trap dirt and oils. That will result in stains that are impossible to clean.


• Whenever you try a new cleanser, test an inconspicuous spot before you treat your resin furniture with the new products.  


• To remove mold or mildew stains, mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes. Scrub with a damp rag dipped in baking soda. Rinse well.


• To remove grease, mix approximately 1 teaspoon of a degreasing dishwashing detergent into a cup of warm water. Wet a clean cloth with the mix, dip in baking soda and scrub off the grease stain.

Always remember that resin patio furniture tends to show its age quickly, if not cleaned thoroughly after the summer season. It needs to be cleaned after each season and then stored in a secure, dry place through winter. Since resin can scratch, protective patio furniture covers are a good idea.