Woven Furniture

1. To clean woven furniture, get into and around those intricate weaves by using a variety of brushes – a new toothbrush (stiffer bristles), a small paintbrush with bristles cut down by half etc.
2. Pick out bits of dirt and debris by using the wooden skewers (used to make shish kebab) or simply using a sharpened dowel.
3. After you’ve gotten the gunk and grime out of the weaves, vacuum it thoroughly using a hand vacuum.
4. Then, wash it using minimal amounts of a solution that includes ammonia and water.
5. If you want to take it a step further and not just clean it, then sand and repaint it as well (as per the manufacturer’s suggestions).

Aluminium Furniture

1. Use a plastic scrub brush along with dish washing detergent – scrub then rinse thoroughly, then let dry. For coated-aluminum furniture, use full-strength dish washing detergent, but use a sponge instead of a brush.
2. Next, rinse completely, then dry with a soft cloth, then polish using car wax – avoid the fabric as you do so. If you happen to get wax on the fabric, clean it off quickly.
3. Buff the metal after it dries.

Plastic Furniture

1. Take a good look at it an determine whether or not it makes sense to keep it for another year.
2. If you’re keeping them, wash the pieces with a mixture of powdered laundry detergent (or oxygenated bleach such as OxiClean) and warm water. A scrub brush will work just fine, but avoid stiff bristle brushes (which can scratch or gouge the plastic surface).
3. Let the solution soak in for a few minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry.
4. For the cushions or seat webbing, check the manufacturer’s directions. If they are washable, use warm, soapy water or a foam cleaner – apply with a sponge, rinse and dry quickly.

Wrought-iron Furniture

1. If it has started to rust (corrosion for e.g. from being left outdoors the previous winter), use a wire brush on the metal lightly, to remove the rust but not the paint.
2. Naval jelly is a good way to dissolve rust.
3. Rust stains can also be removed using fine steel wool dipped in kerosene.
4. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses as you do this in the open and away from any fires.
5. To get into the joints, disassemble the furniture.

Patio Umbrellas

1. If you have a mildewed patio umbrella, simply open it and lay it on its side, then clean with oxygenated bleach in warm water (but first check the manufacturer’s care suggestions). Note though, chlorine bleach tends to fade acrylics.
2. Next, use a soft-bristle brush on each section, then rinse with clean water and let dry.

All done! Enjoy your summer lounging on the patios!