Understanding the Challenges of Cleaning Fake Wood Near Coastal Areas

Fake wood Outdoor Chairs—often made from polywood, HDPE, or composite materials—are popular for shorefront patios because they resist moisture, salt air, and UV exposure far better than natural wood. However, coastal environments introduce unique cleaning challenges: salt residue, sand abrasion, sunscreen oils, mildew, and airborne minerals.
Manufacturers like Sunstone Outdoor design outdoor chairs with weather-resistant materials and smooth, non-porous surfaces that make cleaning easier even in harsh seaside conditions.

Step 1: Rinse Off Salt, Sand, and Surface Debris

Salt crystals and fine sand are abrasive, so the first cleaning step is always a gentle rinse.

How to do it

• Use a hose with moderate water pressure

• Rinse all visible salt residue, sand, pollen, or bird droppings

• Pay attention to slats, grooves, and edges where sand builds up

Rinsing prevents micro-scratches and keeps the surface of the fake wood looking smooth.

Step 2: Wash With Mild Soap and Warm Water

Most fake wood materials respond extremely well to a simple soap solution.

What you need

• Mild dish soap

• Warm water

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth

How to wash

• Mix a small amount of soap into a bucket of warm water

• Scrub the chair gently, following the grain pattern if present

• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue

This step removes sunscreen oil, food stains, salt film, and everyday dirt.

Step 3: Remove Tough Stains With a Soft-Bristle Brush or Magic Eraser

Coastal environments often cause stubborn spots, especially from mildew or bird droppings.

For deeper cleaning

• Use a soft-bristle brush on textured surfaces

• A melamine "magic eraser" can lift embedded residue

• Avoid steel brushes or abrasive pads that may dull the finish

Sunstone Outdoor’s fake wood and composite materials are engineered to resist surface damage, making them compatible with soft mechanical cleaning.

Step 4: Treat Mildew or Algae Growth

Shorelines with humid air can encourage mildew on surfaces that aren’t cleaned regularly.

Safe cleaning mixture

• 1 gallon of water

• 1 cup of white vinegar

Spray on, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub lightly and rinse.
For persistent mildew, a diluted bleach solution may be used sparingly:

• 1 part bleach

• 10 parts water

Always rinse thoroughly afterward.

Step 5: Remove Salt Streaks and Mineral Film

Saltwater spray leaves a white residue that standard soap may not remove.

How to handle salt buildup

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water

• Wipe chair surfaces with a soft cloth

• Rinse well to avoid lingering odor

Vinegar breaks down salt minerals without harming synthetic wood surfaces.

Step 6: Dry and Inspect the Chairs

Proper drying helps maintain appearance and prevents spotting.

Dry with

• A microfiber towel

• Air drying in the shade or sunlight

Inspect joints or hardware to ensure salt exposure hasn’t caused corrosion.
Sunstone Outdoor uses corrosion-resistant metals in all exposed hardware, making them ideal for coastal installations.

Step 7: Apply Protective Measures (Optional but Recommended)

Although fake wood is low-maintenance, treating it can extend lifespan in harsh coastal climates.

Recommended protection

• UV-protectant spray for synthetic materials

• Mild plastic restorer for color enhancement

• Avoid oily wood sealers—they do not bond to fake wood

These products protect color richness and prolong surface smoothness.

Ongoing Maintenance for Shorefront Conditions

Rinse weekly if near direct salt spray

Salt buildup accelerates discoloration and can clog surface texture.

Deep clean monthly

Soap, vinegar, and soft brushes maintain appearance.

Avoid pressure washers

High pressure can damage surface grain and force water into joints.

Move chairs during storms

Wind-driven sand can scour the surface over time.

Sunstone Outdoor’s outdoor furniture is engineered for coastal durability, so routine light maintenance is usually enough to keep chairs looking new.

Why Sunstone Outdoor Chairs Perform Well by the Shore

High-Performance Synthetic Wood

Resists UV damage, salt spray, and fading.

Aluminum Frames

Corrosion-resistant and ideal for coastal climates.

Low-Maintenance Surfaces

Smooth textures reduce sand and salt adhesion.

Designed for Resort-Level Use

Suitable for continuous exposure to humidity and sunlight.

Conclusion

Cleaning fake wood outdoor chairs by the shore involves removing sand and salt, washing with mild soap, addressing mildew, and occasionally restoring surface protection.
With proper maintenance, synthetic wood chairs—especially those designed with durable materials like Sunstone Outdoor uses—remain attractive and functional even in challenging coastal environments.