The best way to remove stains from a vinyl-coated street bench is to start with a gentle washing and then spot-treat anything that remains. In most cases, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft-bristle brush will handle bird droppings, dirt, food spills, and leaf tannins without damaging the vinyl coating.
First, clear off loose debris with a soft brush or a normal garden hose spray. Do not use a pressure washer, because the high-pressure stream can peel or lift the vinyl coating, especially around scratches or seams. Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Scrub the whole bench with a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle brush using small circular motions, working from the top of the backrest down to the legs. Rinse the bench with clean water and take a look at what is left.
If stains remain, make a paste with baking soda and water — roughly three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste to the stain with a soft cloth and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Gently scrub the area and rinse. Baking soda is only mildly abrasive, so it usually lifts the stain without scratching the coating.
For mold or mildew, spray the stained area with distilled white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, scrub lightly, and rinse thoroughly. For ink, crayon, dye, or scuff marks, dampen a clean cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and dab the stain, then wash the area with soapy water. Always test any cleaner on a hidden spot first, because vinyl coatings can vary.
After cleaning, dry the bench with a clean microfiber towel to prevent water spots. If you want extra protection, apply a vinyl-safe protectant or automotive vinyl dressing following the product instructions. Avoid chlorine bleach, strong solvents, steel wool, and stiff wire brushes, as these can fade or scratch the coating and make future stains worse.
That is the best overall method: wash gently, spot-treat stubborn stains, rinse well, and dry. It keeps the bench clean without peeling or dulling the vinyl coating.