How to Clean Oxidized White Plastic
Oxidation is a naturally occurring process that occurs when a solid, such as a plastic or metal, comes into contact with oxygen for long periods of time. Although oxidation is most common in metal, it can occur with plastic. It can make clear plastic look cloudy or leave behind a white, powder-like coating on white and colored plastics. Typically, it only occurs in items that have been left outside for prolonged periods of time, such as plastic outdoor chairs and children's outdoor toys. Because plastic is a durable, easy-to-clean product, removing oxidation is a simple process.
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Fill a small bucket with warm water.
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Sprinkle baking soda over the oxidized plastic.
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Dip a sponge in the warm water. Scrub the baking soda into the plastic. The baking soda is slightly abrasive, allowing it to clean the surface of the plastic and remove oxidization. Continue cleaning until all oxidization is removed.
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Rinse the item under cool running water. If the plastic item is large, such as a plastic slide or outdoor playhouse, rinse the item with a house.
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Combine one part bleach to four parts water in a spray bottle. Coat the surface of the oxidized white plastic with the mixture. Not only does this ensure all oxidation is removed, it also removes and prevents mildew and mold. Only use this mixture on clear and white plastic. It can discolor colored plastic. For colored plastic, replace the bleach with vinegar. Allow the mixture to soak into the plastic for 10 to 20 minutes.
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Rinse the item under cool water or with a hose.
References
Writer Bio
Kallie Johnson began her writing career in 2009, contributing to various online publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She enjoys writing home and garden topics and considers herself an expert on do-it-yourself home improvement topics.
Photo Credits
- plastic chairs in the amphitheatre image by Ivan Hafizov from Fotolia.com
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