A plastic playhouse, whether it's a plastic wendy house or a more elaborate plastic outdoor playhouse, can be a delightful centrepiece in your garden, sparking endless hours of play for children. However, to keep these play spaces safe, vibrant, and welcoming, regular maintenance is crucial.
This guide covers essential tips for keeping your child’s playhouse in great condition, from regular cleaning to removing tough stains. Whether simple or feature-packed, these tips ensure your playhouse stays safe, clean, and ready for fun.
1. Regular Cleaning for Plastic Playhouses
Regular cleaning is the cornerstone of maintaining any plastic playhouse. Dust, dirt, and outdoor grime can accumulate quickly, especially in the UK’s varied weather conditions. Here’s how to maintain a plastic outdoor playhouse:
- Dusting and Rinsing: Start by removing loose dirt and debris. Use a soft brush or a dry cloth to dust off the surfaces. Once the majority of dirt is removed, give the playhouse a good rinse with a garden hose. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate.
- Cleaning Solution: Mix a mild detergent with warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. This solution is safe for most plastic wendy houses and won’t damage the colour or texture of the plastic. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can degrade the plastic over time.
- Wiping Down Surfaces: Using a soft sponge or cloth, dip it into the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the entire playhouse. Pay extra attention to areas that are touched frequently, such as door handles, window frames, and any attached toys or accessories.
- Rinsing and Drying: After cleaning, rinse off the soap with clean water. Make sure to dry the playhouse thoroughly to prevent water spots or mould, especially if the playhouse is stored in a shaded area.
2. How to Clean Plastic Playhouse Stubborn Stains
Even with regular cleaning, you may encounter stubborn stains that don’t come off easily. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: For organic stains like grass, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. This natural method is both effective and eco-friendly.
- Magic Erasers: For tougher stains, consider using a magic eraser. These cleaning tools are excellent for removing crayon marks, scuffs, and other persistent stains without damaging the plastic surface.
- Commercial Cleaners: If the above methods don’t work, you may need to use a commercial plastic cleaner. Choose a product that’s safe for children’s toys and specifically designed for plastics. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour or damage the playhouse.
3. How to Restore a Faded Plastic Playhouse
Has your plastic playhouse faded in the sun? With the right products, here’s how to restore plastic playhouse colours and add a protective layer to keep it looking vibrant for longer:
- Plastic Restorers: These are products designed to restore the colour and shine to faded plastics. Apply the restorer as per the instructions, usually by rubbing it into the plastic with a cloth. This can significantly improve the appearance of sun-bleached areas.
- Paint: For a more dramatic restoration, you can use a spray paint designed for plastic. Make sure the play house is clean and dry before you begin. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This method not only restores colour but also adds a protective layer to the plastic.
- Waxing: After restoring the colour, consider applying a layer of plastic-friendly wax. This will protect the playhouse from future sun damage and make it easier to clean.
4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance Tips
In addition to regular cleaning, it’s important to conduct regular inspections to ensure the playhouse remains safe and functional:
- Check for Cracks and Splits: Regularly inspect the playhouse for any cracks or splits in the plastic. Small cracks can often be repaired with a strong adhesive designed for plastics, but larger damage may require the replacement of the affected parts.
- Tighten Loose Screws: Over time, the screws and fittings that hold the playhouse together can loosen. Regularly check these and tighten them as needed to maintain the structural integrity of the playhouse.
- Inspect for Mould: Particularly in shaded or damp areas, plastic wendy houses can develop mould. If you notice any, clean it immediately using a vinegar solution or a mild bleach mixture. Ensure that the playhouse is thoroughly dried afterwards to prevent a recurrence.
5. Seasonal Care Tips for Outdoor Playhouses
Your plastic outdoor playhouse requires different care depending on the season:
- Spring and Summer: During the warmer months, children will likely use the playhouse more frequently. Increase the frequency of regular cleaning and inspections. Make sure to keep the playhouse cool and well-ventilated to avoid it becoming too hot to play in.
- Autumn: As the weather cools, leaves and other debris can accumulate around and inside the playhouse. Keep it clean and dry to prevent staining and mould growth.
- Winter: If possible, store the playhouse indoors or cover it with a waterproof tarp to protect it from the harsh winter weather. If storing indoors isn’t an option, ensure it is placed on a well-drained surface to avoid standing water around the base.
6. Additional Tips for Maintaining Different Types of Playhouses
While this article focuses on plastic playhouses, many of the tips apply to other types, such as wooden playhouses. However, wooden playhouses require additional care, such as treating the wood to prevent rot and pests. For playhouses with slides, make sure to clean the slide separately and check it for safety issues like cracks or sharp edges.
