When we talk about plastic mesh patio furniture, we are primarily talking about garden chairs and loungers. The frames are often made from other materials such as steel, plastic resins, wood or cast aluminium, and then a soft and stretchy plastic fabric is used for the seating or lounging area.
This is defined on Wikipedia as:
“Texteline (or Textoline) is a generic term for synthetic fabrics, used instead of deposed marks. Texteline’s are high-strength polyesters with a PVC compound. They are often used in outdoor and garden furniture due to UV resistance, comfort and ease of cleaning.”
In this article, we want to look at how to clean, maintain, and protect mesh garden furniture…
What are the benefits of plastic mesh garden furniture?
The common types of plastic mesh patio furniture on sale in the UK are made from a woven polyester fabric that is then coated with PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
They are renowned for their strength, durability, and resistance to various environmental factors such as UV rays and moisture, making them ideal for various applications, including garden furniture and outdoor fabrics.
The reason it is super popular on sun loungers is the combination of water resistance and comfort. It is soft to the touch like a fabric but the PVC coating will prevent mould and mildew from forming. It can also withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without degrading, ensuring that garden furniture stays in good condition despite sunny weather.
Whilst plastic mesh fabrics have plenty of stretch and give, the woven polyester base provides strong resistance to tearing and stretching. With the correct care and maintenance, textiline can last many years, and it is easy to clean with the PVC coating making the fabric resistant to staining.
As well as being a popular material for garden chairs, sun loungers, its water and UV resistance also make it a common material choice on sunshades, hammocks and swing seats, and patio screening.
How do you clean and protect plastic mesh furniture like textiline?
Cleaning and protecting plastic mesh patio furniture like a textiline is essential if you want to maintain its functionality, appearance, and longevity.
These are our 10 simple steps and tips for effective cleaning and protection of plastic mesh fabrics:
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Clean
Start by regularly removing dust from the surface and in between the perforations of the mesh weave to prevent it from building up. You can use a soft bristle brush or we have found a hoover with a brush attachment the best for this job. Do this regularly, especially after windy days or when you notice a buildup of dust and dirt but make sure the furniture is dry. -
Wash
The best solution to use to wash Textiline is washing up liquid in warm water. Fill a bucket and wash down the plastic mesh with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Give it a good wash but try not scrub too hard. Pay extra attention to areas with visible stains or where grime has built up on the top surface. -
Rinse
Once washed, remove the soapy water by rinsing the furniture down with a garden hose on a spray setting. Remove all soap residue from between the woven strands but avoid using a pressure washer as they could damage the plastic mesh, so stick to just a regular garden hose with low to moderate pressure. -
Stains
If there is any stubborn staining, the best two solutions we have found for PVC fabrics are to mix up equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket or use a bicarbonate of soda paste. With the vinegar solution, apply it directly onto the stain with a cloth, let it sit on there for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft bristle brush. We find that the baking soda paste tends to work great on any grease or oil-based stains such as suncream. Mix up a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water, apply it to the stain, let it sit and fizz for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft bristle brush. Rinse both solutions off the garden hose as per the previous step. -
Dry
Once washed and rinsed, leave the furniture to air dry in the sun completely before using or storing it. Avoid using it until it's thoroughly dry to prevent mould and mildew growth. -
Protect
The sun's UV rays can cause plastic mesh fabrics to fade, so try and keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods and use them as plastic or fabric UV Protection Spray. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and make sure you spray it on evenly across the Textiline surface. It will probably require regular reapplication, so reapply as recommended, usually every few months or so, to maintain effectiveness. -
Store
One of the best ways to keep your plastic mesh furniture clean and protected from the elements is to cover it when not in use and during bad weather. Use breathable weatherproof covers to keep it clean and dry but to prevent mould and mildew from forming. This is especially important during winter or prolonged periods of rain. If possible, store the furniture indoors during extreme weather conditions such as high winds. -
Avoid
Avoid using any abrasive cleaners that could damage the weave and whilst it can be tempting to use bleach on stained white furniture we would not recommend it. Using bleach, harsh detergents, or abrasive cleaners can damage the fabric and PVC coating. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners to maintain the integrity of the material. -
Prevent
If possible place the furniture in shaded areas to minimise direct exposure to sunlight and reduce UV damage. Depending on the weight of each piece and/or the frame material the texteline is paired with, ensure it is sheltered from high winds when necessary. -
Inspect
Regularly inspect the plastic mesh to check for signs of wear or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from worsening. By following these 10 cleaning and protection steps, you can keep your plastic mesh patio furniture looking great and ensure it lasts for many years.
Our final thoughts…
If you’re in the market for new garden furniture, then there are a host of materials to choose from. Naturally, we are a little biased in what we sell. However, the always unpredictable UK climate means that factors such as weather resistance, durability, maintenance, comfort, and style are the key criteria to consider.
One big advantage textiline mesh fabrics have over the metal patio furniture we sell here at Lazy Susan is that they are breathable, providing comfort even on hot days. The PVC fabric contours to the body and allows air to circulate, so a sun lounger for example would be great for around the pool in a hot climate. You can however pair our sold metal chairs and loungers with coordinating cushions.
Unfortunately, hot days feel few and far between here at the moment. That is why solid cast aluminium pieces with removable outdoor cushions are a more suitable option for our gardens. We looked at this in detail with regard to loungers (however the same is true for chairs) in our What is the best sun lounger material for easy care and maintenance? and Can you use metal sun loungers in a hot climate? articles
Textiline is resistant to water, preventing mould and mildew, which is particularly useful close to water such as a pool, and it generally only requires soapy water to keep it clean. However, over time, the fabric can stretch, wear out, and eventually split and tear, especially with heavy use. Despite UV resistance, prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight will eventually cause fading.
Cast aluminium is highly durable and can last for many years with minimal wear. Aluminium does not rust, making it ideal for the UK climate. It too can be easily cleaned with just soapy water (car shampoo is our preference) but it is, especially darker colours like our black and slate finish, significantly less prone to staining.
The solid construction of full metal provides a stable seating or lounging experience, it gives much better resistance to tipping and wobbling. Although often heavier than the mesh fabric pieces, it is still manageable in terms of weight but it offers much greater stability.
In our opinion, plastic mesh fabrics are a great choice if you prioritise comfort and a more modern aesthetic. They are particularly suited for those living in warmer climates who frequently move their furniture around and prefer lightweight options.
However, cast aluminium is ideal for those wanting greater durability, a classic UK home and garden aesthetic, and stability. They are perfect for a more permanent setup that can endure the UK's varying weather conditions without much in the way of wear and tear.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences for comfort, aesthetics, and how you plan to use the furniture in your garden.
If you have any photos of your Lazy Susan Patio Furniture, we would love to see a few snaps for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
