How to Clean Outdoor Vinyl Chairs

Written by Alicia Sokolowski | Edited by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: May 28, 2022 References

Outdoor vinyl chairs are durable and designed to hold up to the elements, but they tend to get dusty and grimy pretty fast. If you’re wondering what you can use to safely clean your vinyl chairs, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best ways to remove dirt and tackle tough stains on vinyl mesh, strap, or fabric chairs—including stains from mold, mildew, soap scum, and grease.

This article is based on an interview with our green cleaning specialist, Alicia Sokolowski. Check out the full interview here.

1

Dust your outdoor vinyl chairs with a dry cloth.

Alternatively, vacuum away dust and pollen. At least once a week, wipe off surface dirt with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. You can also vacuum the dirt away or sweep it off with a soft-bristle brush.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- If you vacuum your furniture, use a soft brush attachment to gently loosen the dirt.
- To avoid scratching your vinyl chair, always use a soft cloth or brush for dusting.

2

Rinse off loose dirt with a garden hose.

Spray down your vinyl chairs after dusting them. This will wash away any dust or pollen that’s still clinging to the chair.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} Don’t use a power washer, since it could damage your furniture.^{[3]
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3

Wipe away grime with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water.

Add 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of dish soap to a bucket of water. Soapy water is a gentle and effective all-purpose cleaner.^{[4]
X
Research source} It will remove most kinds of dirt from vinyl chairs without damaging them. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the bucket and wring it out so it’s damp, but not dripping wet. Use the cloth to gently rub away the dirt. Rinse the chair when you’re done to remove any soapy residue, then pat it dry with a towel.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.}
- Use a soft rag or the soft side of a sponge so you don’t scratch the vinyl. Don’t wash your chair with an abrasive scrubber.
- You can also use an all-purpose cleaner as an alternative to soap and water.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia Sokolowski
  Green Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} However, check the label to make sure it’s suitable for vinyl.
- Soap and water is a great option for vinyl strap chairs, but it also works well on vinyl-based fabrics, like those used in some outdoor chair cushions, sunshades, and synthetic wicker mesh.^{[7]
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4

Scrub off set-in dirt with washing soda.

Washing soda is scrubby, but not too harsh. If any dirt has hardened onto your chair, it might take a little elbow grease to get it off. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in soapy water, then sprinkle a bit of washing soda on it. Scrub away at the dirt until it comes loose, then rinse the area with clean water.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}
- You can buy washing soda in the cleaning supplies section of most grocery or home supply stores. You can also make your own by heating baking soda in the oven at 400 °F (204 °C) for about an hour.^{[9]
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5

Brighten discolored vinyl with bleach and dish soap.

Try bleach for stains that have soaked into the vinyl. Your chair may be stained and discolored from exposure to things like chlorine, suntan oil, or dirt and debris. Combine 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of bleach with ¹⁄₂ gallon (1.9 L) of water and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of mild dish soap. Wipe the stain with the mixture, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water and pat it dry.^{[10]
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- If the mild bleach mixture doesn’t work, try mixing up a higher concentration of 50:50 bleach and water.
- Too much exposure to bleach can etch or dry out the surface of your vinyl furniture, so only use bleach if other solutions don’t work.
- Wear gloves when you work with bleach to protect your hands, and always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. To avoid creating toxic fumes, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners (aside from mild dish soap).

6

Get mildew out of vinyl cushions with bleach.

Bleach is also great for killing mold on vinyl straps. Mix ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of bleach into 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle, spritz it on the cushions, and scrub it in with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse the bleach out thoroughly when you’re done with clean water.^{[11]
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- You can also use this solution on vinyl mesh chairs or chairs with vinyl fabric sunshades.

7

Try white vinegar as a bleach alternative on mildewed chairs.

Vinegar is not as harsh as bleach. It also has mild disinfectant properties. To make a gentle cleaning solution, mix 2 cups (470 mL) of warm water, ¹⁄₄ cup (59 mL) of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of mild liquid dish soap. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it on the mildewed parts of the chair.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.} Use a soft scrub brush to work the vinegar solution into all the cracks and crevices on your chair. Rinse the chair thoroughly with clean water when you’re done.^{[13]
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- This method works well on vinyl wicker, mesh, or fabric chairs.
- If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is also safe to use on vinyl surfaces.^{[14]
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8

Banish grease and soap scum on vinyl chairs with ammonia.

It also works on waxy stains, like furniture polish. Dilute a few drops of ammonia in a bucket of soapy water. Wipe the greasy stain with the solution, then rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.^{[15]
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- Never mix ammonia with bleach! Doing so will release very dangerous toxic fumes.

9

Use coconut oil for ink stains.

Coconut oil is a gentle cleaning option for vinyl. Warm a small amount of coconut oil in your hands to soften it, then wipe it on the ink stain with a soft cloth.^{[16]
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Research source} Wipe away the stain and the oil with a soft cloth.
- Wash the area with soapy water and rinse it thoroughly when you’re done so your chair doesn’t get greasy.

10

Tackle marker or paint stains with rubbing alcohol.

Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Then, gently rub the stain with the cotton ball. Rinse the area with clean water when you’re done to remove any remaining residue. If you’re not sure how your chair will react to the alcohol, test it in an inconspicuous spot first.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.}
- Alcohol can break down a variety of tough stains, including permanent marker and spilled paint. It’s also safe on most types of plastic, unlike many harsher solvent cleaners.^{[18]
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11

Rinse and dry your chairs once they're clean.

Use plain water to wash away any cleaner residue. Then, gently dry the chairs with a soft towel.^{[19]
X
Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.}