Plastic tables and chairs are the most practical furniture for a dacha, terrace or balcony. But a Ukrainian summer with scorching sun, downpours, temperature swings and a winter in a damp shed takes its toll: the plastic dulls, greys and gathers stains and cobwebs.
The good news is that regular care takes less than an hour. Simply wash the furniture thoroughly, dry it and apply a protective film that repels water and dirt. Here is how to do it properly.
What you will need
Important: Do not apply silicone to polycarbonate or clear polystyrene, as it may leave marks on these plastics. Test the product on a hidden area before first use.
Step 1
Wash the furniture thoroughly
Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and sponge down every surface: seats, backs, legs and the underside of the table top. Remove dust, pollen, dried mud, sand and cobwebs.
Do not use a hard scourer or wire brush: they scratch the plastic, and dirt builds up even faster in the scratches. The cleaner you get the furniture now, the better the result.
Step 2
Dry all surfaces completely
Wipe the furniture with a clean towel or leave it to dry in the open air. Pay attention to seams, holes and leg joints where water lingers longest.
Only move on once the plastic is completely dry: moisture trapped under the protective film leaves streaks.
Step 3
Apply the protective layer
Spray WD-40 Specialist Silicone onto a clean dry cloth and work it into the plastic with circular movements, section by section. It does not stain, leaves a thin water-repellent film and protects the surface from moisture whatever the weather.
Spray onto the cloth rather than directly onto the furniture, especially on a windy day: you use less product and avoid overspray on the lawn or paving.
Step 4
Let it work, then remove the excess
Leave the furniture for 5-10 minutes, then buff the surface thoroughly with a clean dry cloth. Remove all the excess so none of it ends up on clothing. Take particular care with seats and armrests.
Step 5
Look after the metal parts
Folding chairs and loungers have metal hinges, rivets and catches that rust and squeak in damp weather. Give them a short spray of WD-40 Multi-Use, fold and unfold the furniture several times and wipe off any residue.
Tip: In autumn, do not leave plastic furniture out under the snow: frost makes plastic brittle. Wash it, treat it with silicone and store it under a cover or in a dry, enclosed space.
What next
Repeat the treatment at the start of the season and again in midsummer if the furniture stands outside. For metal garden furniture and tools, WD-40 Multi-Use helps protect against rust.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».