Kortec Connect incorporates a molder’s existing injection molding machine using the Mold-Masters E-Multi secondary injection unit in combination with a Kortec co-injection hot runner.

Be aware that bleach can discolor stained wood. If you opt to use bleach, test it on an inconspicuous spot first to see how it affects the finish. If your furniture passes the bleach test, follow the basic bleach, soap, and water method noted above.

Some outdoor cushions come with removable covers that can be laundered in your washing machine. Spot-treat as needed before washing according to the furniture manufacturer's instructions.

A note on safety: Wear gloves and a mask while you clean, and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not mix cleaners, and follow all the manufacturer's instructions on any products you use.

Milacron’s co-injection engineers work hand-in-hand with customers to customize the Kortec Connect solution for their specific applications.

Kortec Connect allows customers to invest in co-injection at a lower capital cost and provides the added flexibility of being able to move co-injection technology throughout their facility, eliminating the need for a dedicated co-injection work cell, the company said. Kortec Connect offers “plug-and-play” conversion, with all of the software algorithms and setup contained in the Kortec Connect controller.

Although chlorine bleach effectively removes the stains caused by mold, it doesn't actually kill the mold. To effectively wipe mold out, turn to an enzyme cleaner, says Doug Hoffman, CEO of the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI). "Mold and mildew on outdoor furniture (and anywhere in the home) is a particularly tricky problem and can become a health hazard," Hoffman says. "Certified mold assessors and remediators are trained to assess the presence of mold and treat the problem effectively, and with professional-grade cleaning products."

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Bleach can etch white plastic outdoor furniture. If you have colored plastic furniture, test bleach on a hidden spot to ensure it won't discolor or harm the material. Once you've performed a successful patch test, apply the bleach mixture noted above.

Mix bleach and water according to the bleach manufacturer's instructions. Spray onto the fabric surface, or use a cloth to wipe the mixture onto the fabric. Let the bleach stand on the fabric for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid water rings, clean the entire surface area of the fabric.

Outdoor cushions bring indoor comfort to outdoor spaces, but there's a downside: These materials can be prone to mold and mildew. It's important to invest in cushions and fabric that are not just easy to clean but are engineered to resist water, mold, and mildew from the start, says Sarah Dooley, marketing director of upholstery at Sunbrella.

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

To tackle mold and mildew on plastic patio furniture, use a cleaning product designed for removing mold, or use vinegar and water. Take care when using bleach, and test on an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness.

It's disconcerting when your outdoor furniture starts to look, well, funky. Don't be alarmed, though: Mold and mildew are to be expected over time, as the surfaces are exposed to moisture from precipitation and humidity. It will take more than just a light cleaning to tackle the problem, but with a little know-how and the right tools and cleaners, you'll be able to refresh your patio set. Visit the manufacturer's website for any specific instructions, then read our materials guide below.

Once your furniture is clean, preventive measures, including regular cleaning, can help keep mold at bay. If your furniture doesn't get enough sunlight to dry it, move it into the sun or make a habit of drying your patio furniture with towels to remove standing water.

Mild cases of mold can be scrubbed off of most outdoor furniture with a mixture of water, soap, and a little bleach, says James Conner, former vice president at Molly Maid.

Mold removers specifically made for removing mold stains from outdoor wood surfaces can be purchased at big box and hardware stores. Read the specifications on the label to ensure the cleaner is formulated to work on your type of wood furniture and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

If you are working near your garden, landscaping, or grass, take precautions to ensure your cleaners don't end up on any plants. Before you start scrubbing, hose down and completely saturate all vegetation in the immediate area with clean water, says David Flax, president at Window Genie, a home service company that specializes in window cleaning. Bleach runoff can severely damage or even kill plants and grass, but if the vegetation is wet, the bleach will be diluted upon accidental contact, reducing the odds of damage.

According to Morris, Kortec Connect can be used on any qualified brand of injection molding machine, provided it has the required performance. “The Kortec Connect offering has been used successfully in molding coffee cups, caps, closures, personal care items, thin-wall and medical parts, and it can also be added to a PET monolayer system, introducing the ability to mold barrier preforms at a fraction of the cost while avoiding an investment in a dedicated PET co-injection machine,” he stated.

Check the fabric or cushion manufacturer's website for recommendations specific to their product. Bleach will harm the color of some fabrics, but others, like Sunbrella fabrics, are engineered not to discolor. Test the underside of a cushion before cleaning to determine if bleach is safe for use.

You can also turn to vinegar to clean mold off of plastic outdoor furniture. Spray white distilled vinegar onto the mold, then let it sit for an hour. Rinse with warm clean water before following up with a second application of vinegar. Let the vinegar dry without rinsing it away.

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Processors may be familiar with Kortec Complete co-injection technology from Milacron (Cincinnati, OH), which comprises a co-injection molding machine, Kortec hot runner and on-demand engineering support. Now Milacron is introducing Kortec Connect in response to customer requests for a way to upgrade their current injection molding machines with co-injection capabilities.

Spray the mixture onto the furniture surface and agitate the area with a nylon-bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid using a brush with metal bristles, as it can scratch surfaces like wood, glass tabletops, painted surfaces, and more.

To tackle mildew on plastic patio furniture, use a product designed for removing mold, such as Concrobium Liquid Mold Remover. Read the label to ensure the product you selected is safe for use on plastic; follow all application instructions and safety guidelines.

Steve Morris, President of Milacron Systems, explained: “We have perfected the plastics industry’s first and only co-injection retrofit offering. We’ve combined the 30-plus years of experience from our Kortec co-injection melt delivery technology and utilized the highly successful Mold-Masters E-Multi secondary injection unit to offer customers a cost-effective entry into the high growth co-injection molding market.”