How to Clean LuxCraft Furniture and Restore Faded Polywood Furniture
Short answer: To clean LuxCraft furniture, brush off dirt and debris, rinse with a hose, and for tougher stains scrub gently with mild soap and water and rinse well. LuxCraft says to avoid strong cleaners and harsh chemicals. As for how to restore faded POLYWOOD furniture: neither LuxCraft nor POLYWOOD publishes a method that reverses sun fading on poly lumber. What you can do is clean off the dirt film that makes the color look dull, then protect the furniture from further sun.
How to clean LuxCraft furniture
LuxCraft's high-density poly lumber is made from high-density polyethylene that contains 90% recycled content by weight, according to LuxCraft. It calls the material non-porous and says it resists staining, fading and moisture absorption. Its care instructions for this plastic patio furniture are short:
- Brush away dirt and debris and rinse with a hose.
- For tougher stains, use a mix of mild soap and water, scrub gently, and rinse well.
- Avoid strong cleaners and harsh chemicals. LuxCraft says harsh chemicals can damage surfaces, strip color and leave residues that attract more dirt.
LuxCraft also makes a cleanser for its poly furniture. The Poly Brite cleaner comes in a 32 oz. spray bottle, and the Poly Brite Cleaning Kit adds a scrub brush, a scrubby, two microfiber cloths and a 2-gallon bucket. LuxCraft says the cleanser is safe across its whole furniture line and works on frames and on Sunbrella cushion fabrics.
How to restore faded polywood furniture
Both brands say sun can fade poly lumber. LuxCraft's warranty says its poly material has UV stabilizers compounded into it, making it resistant but not impervious to fading, and it does not cover color change from sunlight. POLYWOOD says prolonged sun exposure can cause some fading in any material.
Neither brand's care pages describe a way to restore faded lumber, so we do not recommend a spray, wax or dye. What the makers do describe:
- Clean it first. LuxCraft says tree sap, bird droppings, pollen and other pollutants can build up into a dull film that masks the furniture's true look, and that its cleaning kit leaves colors appearing brighter. Some of what looks like fading may be grime.
- Skip abrasive pads. POLYWOOD says to avoid abrasive cleaning or polishing scrubbers, such as eraser pads, on its lumber.
- Don't paint or sand POLYWOOD. POLYWOOD says it does not recommend painting and that its lumber should not be sanded, because both will void the warranty.
- Limit sun exposure. POLYWOOD advises storing furniture when it is not in use or using protective covers.
How to clean mold off of polywood
LuxCraft's pages do not give a mold procedure. POLYWOOD publishes one for its own lumber: mix dish soap with warm water in a bucket, add bleach only if you want to sanitize (1 part bleach to 2 parts water), wipe on with a washcloth, let it sit a few minutes, scrub with a soft-bristle brush, rinse with clean water and let it air-dry. It suggests chemical-resistant gloves if you use bleach, and white vinegar and baking soda as a natural alternative.
Because LuxCraft warns against harsh chemicals, use POLYWOOD's bleach step on LuxCraft only after checking with LuxCraft. Soap and water, or the Poly Brite cleaner, are the maker-backed options.
How to clean outdoor patio furniture with a pressure washer
LuxCraft does not publish pressure-washing guidance. POLYWOOD says its lumber can be washed with a pressure washer rated no higher than 1,500 psi with a 40-degree fan tip, held about 8 inches from the surface. It says to keep the wand moving, because spraying one spot can cause gouges. This applies to POLYWOOD lumber only.
LuxCraft vs POLYWOOD: does care differ?
Both make poly lumber from HDPE with recycled content, and both recommend soap and water for routine cleaning. The differences are in the details above: LuxCraft points to its Poly Brite cleanser and warns off harsh chemicals, while POLYWOOD publishes a bleach option and pressure-washer limits. For warranty, materials and where each is made, see our LuxCraft vs POLYWOOD comparison, or browse the LuxCraft collection.
How to clean wood furniture properly
LuxCraft furniture is poly, not wood, so this section is general guidance from the Canadian Conservation Institute for wooden furniture. It says one of the best ways to clean wood is to dust regularly with a slightly dampened cloth, then buff with a dry, soft cloth. Unfinished wood should not be wet-cleaned, and some furniture polishes leave residues that build up and can affect finishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean LuxCraft furniture?
Brush off debris, rinse with a hose, and use mild soap and water with a gentle scrub for tougher stains. Rinse well and avoid harsh chemicals.
How do I restore faded POLYWOOD furniture?
The makers publish no restoration method. Clean the surface, avoid abrasive pads, and keep it covered or stored when not in use. POLYWOOD says not to paint or sand.
Does POLYWOOD fade in the sun?
POLYWOOD says prolonged sun exposure can cause some fading in any material, and that its color is made with UV inhibitors and stabilizers to keep it vibrant for years.
Can polywood be painted?
POLYWOOD says its color runs through the lumber so no painting is required, and that it does not recommend painting because it voids the warranty.
Is there a polywood restorer?
The care pages from LuxCraft and POLYWOOD that we checked do not recommend a restorer product, so we don't either. LuxCraft sells the Poly Brite cleaner for cleaning.
Can I use vinegar on LuxCraft?
LuxCraft does not list vinegar. POLYWOOD lists white vinegar and baking soda as a natural bleach alternative for its own lumber.
What is the best way to clean outdoor furniture cushions?
LuxCraft says its cleanser works on Sunbrella cushion fabrics.
Questions? Call or text (916) 262-7257 or email support@archicfurniture.com.
