Ah, those white plastic outdoor benches! They start off so bright and cheerful, but after a season or two, they can look dingy with dirt, mildew, and stains. Don't worry, bringing them back to life is easier than you think. You likely have everything you need already at home.
For general dirt and grime, a simple soap and water solution works wonders. Mix a few squirts of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the entire bench. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. This often does the trick for surface-level dirt.
For tougher stains, green mildew, or yellowing, white vinegar is your best friend. Create a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it generously over the bench, let it sit for 10-15 minutes to break down the grime, then scrub and rinse. For stubborn mildew, use undiluted vinegar.
If the bench is heavily stained or has deep-set mildew, a mild bleach solution is highly effective. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Mix one part chlorine bleach with four parts water. Apply with a sponge or spray bottle, let it sit for no more than 5-10 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse *extremely* thoroughly. This will kill mold spores and remove deep discoloration.
For a non-toxic scrub, make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply it to stained areas, let it sit, then scrub with a brush. The mild abrasiveness works great without scratching.
As a last resort for very large or deeply ingrained dirt, a pressure washer on a LOW setting can be used. Keep the nozzle at a distance to avoid damaging the plastic.
Pro Tip: After cleaning, applying a protectant spray designed for plastic can help slow down future dirt buildup and UV fading. Regular cleaning once or twice a season will keep your benches looking new for years!