Tips on cleaning outdoor play equipment

[maslex]

Since yard sale season is almost here, I'm on the hunt for outdoor play equipment for my 3 youngest grandchildren (16 month grandson and 17 month twin granddaughters).

Think Little Tykes, Step 2 (hard plastic stuff). I just got a Cozy Coupe car free from a girl at work and it's in good shape but FILTHY. Like it's been sitting outside for a couple years and is caked with leaves and dirt and mud etc. Which is completely understandable. My plan is to use the power washer to get all of the gunk off and then use a cleaner to clean it up a bit. Any suggestions? Bleach? Simple Green? Any other suggestions? And I know, no matter what I use it won't clean it to original condition but I'd like to clean it up as best as can be. Thanks!

 

[Her Dotness]

Taking it to a self-serve car wash might be simplest.

Those detergents are heavy-duty, and you've an easy means of rinsing.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Whatever you do, I would soak it first to loosen everything up.

Once everything’s off I’d use Lysol cleaning spray.

You might be able to find some restorative cloths that make faded things look better on Amazon.

 

[Dcgc28]

Dawn power wash and 30 second outdoor cleaner are both good and safe. Just let the things dry well and make sure to rinse well

 

[Disneybuckeye]

The power washer is probably your best bet. We use it on our kayaks and poly wood furniture and it cleans them very well.

 

[firefly_ris]

Spray Nine. It's great at getting old grunge off textured plastics and vinyl.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Spray-Nine-32-oz-All-Purpose-Cleaner-and-Disinfectant-26832/204766608

After that a good power wash.

 

[mumto3girls]

Power washing seems like a good plan. I’d add that a magic eraser is good for scuff marks on plastic once you get the major dirt/mud off.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I would start simple and use soap (a degreaser one) and water, soak it for a while and then maybe a kitchen brush see if that can get stuff in the grooves. I probably wouldn't power wash first in case there's deterioration to the items. The power washing is very harsh so I'd try to make sure it could stand up to soak with some brushing first.

I'd probably not put in too much effort to outdoor play stuff and just get it as clean as you can be with the soap and water.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

One restore wipes option maybe worth a try.

https://www.amazon.com/Rejuvenate-P...0042503&sprefix=resin+restore,aps,105&sr=8-11

 

[_19disnA]

If it is only some plastic toys, the car wash pressure spray mentioned earlier is a good idea. If you use any strong cleaning products I would make sure to rinse thoroughly since these are toys children will use.

 

[RoseColored97]

Try taking it to a car wash. It should get most of the dirt off, but also try using a Mr Clean Magic Eraser when it's mostly clean. The Mr Clean is excellent for getting off stains.

If there is water trapped inside the plastic, you may need to poke a hole through and let it drain.