Try This WD-40 Hack To Restore Faded Plastic Furniture

WD-40 was originally designed by a chemist working for the Rocket Chemical Company, in order to create a rust-proofing layer on the outside of the Atlas missiles back in 1953, according to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Now, the product is widely available for home use, but it can do a whole lot more than just take the squeak out of your door hinges or loosen those rusty bolts. In fact, WD-40 can be used to remove scuff marks from your floors, add a winterproof layer to your boots or shoes, remove tough glue, degrease your hands, and even help to get rid of wax build-up on your snowboard or skis.

But, one way that you probably haven't thought about using the lubricant to revive your sun-faded patio furniture. How can you use this multi-purpose spray to bring a luscious luster back to your plastic furniture, you ask? Fortunately, there are just a few simple steps you need to take to make your patio furniture sparkle again this season.

Over time patio furniture may show signs of aging, especially after spending long days in the sun. This drab look is not a good vibe especially when you're trying to enjoy your outdoor space with family and friends. But, before tossing out your furniture and spending money on a whole new set, there is a way you can bring life to that dull plastic facade. With the help of WD-40, you can bring back the shine to your patio set in a few easy steps.

According to the WD-40 website, first, take the plastic furniture outdoors and give it a thorough dusting to remove any dirt or other particles. Then, with a mixture of warm water and soap, wash the surface with a cloth or sponge. Once the furniture is dried, take the can of WD-40 and spray liberally all over the surface of your patio furniture and then rub it in with a clean dry cloth. Make sure you are performing this last step outdoors so that the harmful fumes cannot hurt your lungs — it is also wise to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection for added safety. The non-corrosive lubricant will act to restore the look of your plastic patio furniture without eating away at the material. 

As well as revitalizing the color of your plastic patio set, WD-40 also works to protect your furniture before you store it away for the winter. The lubricant can be sprayed on your plastic furniture just before you put it into storage. This protective layer aids in removing any oil or grease stains and protects any metal parts from rusting. If you find that your table and chairs have suffered some damage due to untreated rust, then a little WD-40 can go a long way. 

Rust is devastating to metal furniture and can continue to eat away at the material if not properly taken care of. Carefully brush away the existing rust with a wire brush then spray the furniture with WD-40 and work the product in with a clean dry cloth. Afterward, allow the furniture to dry fully before using the set again. This method not only gets rid of existing rust on the items but also protects the problem from recurring.