How To Remove 5 Summer Stains From Outdoor Furniture
It was a fun summer lots of barbecues, children romping through the yard, birds and butterflies flitting by the stuff memories are made of. But now Labor Day has passed, you may be feeling some less enchanting aftereffects. Eeww! How did the porch table and chairs get so gunky? And whats that green splotch on the upholstery? Time to clean the stains summer left behind on your furniture.
General Tips
Try to mop up spills immediately to prevent severe staining. Do not pressure wash outdoor furniture. The sprays force is much too powerful and can tear, mildew, or shorten the lifespan of your furnishings. Shower them with your garden hose instead just make sure theyre waterproof before you try this method. Some upholstered cushions have removable covers that may be put in the washing machine. Use a delicate, cold water cycle, followed by line drying, to prevent shrinkage.
1. Rust
If summer thundershowers have left rust spots on your mesh chairs and loungers, wipe or vacuum off any surface dirt. Then soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the rusted part. Leave in place for 5-10 minutes, followed by a thorough rinsing with your garden hose. Repeat if necessary. Dry thoroughly. Some folks like to mix baking soda with the vinegar for a boost in cleaning power however, this results in a gritty paste that can be difficult to remove completely.
2. Avocado
3. Mud
4. Bird Droppings
5. Ice Cream
Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.
How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass
Also known as limescale, mineral build-up or hard water deposits on the glass when water containing minerals evaporate on the surface of the glass. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals like magnesium and calcium. With time, the minerals dissolve, leaving behind spots on the glass and it gets quite difficult to remove hard water stains from shower door.The cloudy spots are usually stubborn and cannot be removed using regular glass cleaning products. However, this does not mean that you cannot get rid of stubborn stains. There are natural products you use daily at home, perfect for the job.
The Right Tools & A Little Elbow Grease
The best approach to keeping your patio furniture looking good is regular cleaning with an appropriate cleanser this will prevent the build-up of difficult to remove grime and stains and make it easier to keep your furniture looking new. Keep in mind that no matter what your patio furniture is made from, you should avoid harsh chemical cleansers. You should also avoid rough scrub brushes except in the case of rusty iron furniture. And if the finish on your metal furniture seems too far gone, then consider having it refinished by a professional.
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How To Wash Outdoor Cushions
For items that can go in the washer, once the pretreating is complete, use a heavy-duty detergent and cold or warm water . Do not place the fabric in a hot dryer because that may cause shrinkage. Allow the pieces to air dry. Use a cool to medium iron to smooth wrinkles if needed.
For items like large pillows or umbrella covers that cannot be placed in a washer, choose a sunny, warm day to do the cleaning. Spread the piece out on a patio or plastic tarp and get ready to apply some elbow grease.
Mix a solution of heavy-duty detergent and warm water. Using a soft scrub brush, work from the top to the bottom of a piece scrubbing a small section at a time. Rinse away soil after each section is cleaned. Do not allow the detergent solution to dry on the fabric. When the entire piece is cleaned, rinse well.
Spread the fabric or pillows in the sun to dry. If possible, hang from a clothesline to allow the water to drip and drain away. It may take a couple of days for thick items to dry so plan for hot, sunny weather to avoid mildew problems.
Tips For Metal Patio Furniture
Patio furniture is often made of metals like stainless steel, wrought iron, aluminum and tubular steel. These common materials are used due to their durability and strength, says Mark Feldman, chief home officer at online home furnishings retailer Riverbend Home. Of these, only aluminum wont rust. But its so light it might get blown around the deck on a windy day.
- To restore metal furniture to its prime condition, Feldman recommends washing it with soap and water, then drying it with a cloth. If you see any wear, scratches, or chips in the painted finishes, use some steel wool to remove any rust or oxidation and repaint the furniture as needed, he says.
- If your metal furniture has a powder-coat finish and you notice scratches in the hard gloss surface, a touch-up pen will cover those flaws.
- Unfinished aluminum furniture should be washed and dried. To buff out scratches and restore shine, polish it with metal polish and a microfiber cloth.
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Of : For Tougher Spots
Get Rid Of Grease Stains Using Cat Litter And Dish Soap
If you want to try something different, consider using cat litter and dish soap. This is another great option for removing grease stains from outdoor surfaces like pavers or patio stones.
Just sprinkle some cat litter over the stain until its completely covered, then spray down the area with warm water.
Dish soap can be added if necessary but remember that too much may cause damage to your stone!
Next, let this sit overnight, so the chemicals in both products have time to loosen up any oil on your surface before scrubbing away with a brush or broom.
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How To Clean Outdoor Furniture
No matter how careful you are, something is bound to spill on your patio furniture. Maybe someone drops guacamole on the cushions of your sectional deck sofa or tips over a glass wine onto the dining table in your screened-in porch. Suntan lotion is bound to get wiped onto poolside sunloungers at some point, and those are just of few of the ways people can muck up your pristine outdoor setting. Mother nature has plenty of tactics too. Wind, rain, sun, trees, bugs, birds, critters and many more things can dirty up and damage your furniture if you dont take preventative steps and clean it regularly. But woods, metals and plastics all need to be attended to a little differently.
How To Clean Glass Patio Furniture
Keep glass patio tables sparkling with a few simple cleaning steps. First, remove any stuck-on debris with a glass-safe, nonabrasive material. Many scrub brushes will scratch glass, so opt for one designed to tackle tough cleanup jobs without marking your furniture.
Dish detergent and home cleaning solutions are the most effective cleaners. After an initial cleaning, spray white vinegar or glass cleaner on the surface and wipe away with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Wipe down the underside of a glass table at least once a month to prevent irreversible grime. Clean frames of glass tables according to their material type.
To keep glass outdoor furniture clean, you should cover your glass table when it’s not in use. Fix small scratches and chips in the glass with a glass repair kit.
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Is Cuprinol Garden Shades Any Good
Cuprinol Garden Shade offers one of the best finishes of any outdoor paint. One of the reasons for this is the unique matt finish, which provides a smooth surface that doesnt have any sheen or gloss. Its understated and very modern looking, providing homeowners with something different than the usual outdoor paint.
Wash The Affected Area
Use your garden hose to carefully spray the affected area. Pressurized water often works its way into the concretes air holes to help remove stubborn paint.
6. Repeat
After the affected area has dried, assess the damage. If there is still paint that needs to be removed, repeat steps two through four. You may continue to reapply the paint stripper until all the paint has been removed.
7. Clean the Concrete
Always finish this process by cleaning the affected area with water. Paint strippers contain a toxic chemical substance called methylene chloride. Exposure to methylene chloride may result in chemical burns or other health problems.
If the paint you are removing was crafted prior to 1978, it may even generate hazardous fumes containing lead. As such, you should always wear gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask, or respirator, when utilizing paint stripper.
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How To Remove Oil Stains From Pavers
by Team San Diego Pavers | Nov 19, 2019 | Paver Cleaning Tips
Whether its grease from a car repair gone awry, cooking oil from your last barbecue or oil from a leaking vehicle, the chances are you will someday have to face an unwanted stain on your driveway or patio paving. Accidents happen and it helps if you know how to remove stains from pavers.
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How To Clean Canvas Patio Furniture And Pillows So They Look Brand New
And even remove stubborn mildew stains.
The weather was finally nice enough to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the patio, but then I took a look at the fabric cushions on my furniture. They were dusty, dingy, and had some muddy paw prints and the droppings of errant birds. Luckily for me, cleanup required just a few supplies, a bit of elbow grease, and a breeze to dry the fabric before I could settle down for a glass of iced tea and a good book. Follow these steps to clean your canvas patio furniture and pillows so they’re ready for the relaxing warm-weather evenings ahead.
Note: If the covers on your pillows and cushions are removable, cleaning is even easier. Pretreat any stains with a dab of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent, work it in with a soft-bristled brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, and toss the covers in the washing machine. Wash in cold or warm water and hang the covers to air-dry before you put them back on the cushions. Most small canvas throw pillows can also be machine-washed and air-dried.
- Garden hose
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Minimizing Mildew And Mold Risks
One of the most common concerns related to patio cushions has to do with mildew and mold. If youve pulled out your cushions for the first time this spring and noticed a musky smell, thats a clear indication of potential mold or mildew buildup. The key to remember is that the outer surfaces of most products are waterproof or water-resistant. However, the inside materials may not be.
Even on outer surfaces, such as the fabrics of these cushions, there is a risk of developing mold and mildew if these products are left in damp conditions. For example, after a rain, pick up the cushions and remove excessive water. Dont allow them to sit in a pool of water on the deck. These contacts with water can lead to problems later.
To avoid mildew and mold, follow these tips:
- During very wet conditions or over winter, store patio cushions inside, away from moisture in a dry and cool area.
- Avoid allowing water to pool on the surface. Let them dry in the sun after it rains.
- When you see mildew or mold growth, use a mild soap to wash it off if possible. Sometimes, this can leave a residue that doesnt go away. For tougher stains, consider using Borax.
- Dont place these cushions into a washing machine or dryer.
- Bleach can cause discoloration and generally should not be used.
If the interior of the cushions has damage, such as through seeping in of moisture, it becomes critical to seek out more advanced treatment. Professional cleaning services may help.
How To Clean Cast Iron Patio Furniture
The heavy, durable nature of cast iron has made it a favorite material for patio furniture. Cast iron patio furniture tends to be more expensive than aluminum or plastic furniture because it often lasts much longer than its counterparts.
To help prevent rust and retain the durability of the furniture, you want to clean it on a regular basis, particularly if the pieces are regularly exposed to weather and temperature extremes.
It takes very little time to clean cast iron furniture properly, and you dont have to purchase any expensive materials. To help you maintain your cast iron patio furniture, follow the steps below so you can enjoy it for years to come. Follow these recommendations for how cleaning cast iron works.
Cast Iron Furniture Cleaning Recipe
- 1/4 cup mild detergent
- 1 gallon of lukewarm water
Pour mild detergent and lukewarm water into a bucket and mix thoroughly. Use the cleaning solution to dampen the sponge, shaking out any excess water. Beginning at the top of the furniture and working your way down, wipe the entire surface of the furniture.
To get into the intricate detailing and crevices of the furniture, use an up and down motion when wiping. Continue to wet the sponge as needed, shaking out the excess water to keep it from dripping.
With a bucket of cold, clear water, use a very wet sponge to work from the top to the bottom of the furniture, making sure to wipe away all the cleaning solution so no residue is left behind.
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Use A Pressure Washer
If theres a lot of fresh grease or oil on your patio pavers, you can use high water pressure to get rid of the stain easily. A lot of professional cleaners use a pressure washer to spray stains and dirt from patio pavers efficiently.
If you have a pressure washer laying around the house, you can utilize it to get the job done fast. If you donât have one, you can get one fairly cheap at your local hardware store or online.
Just take extra precautions when using a pressure washer by adjusting the water pressure to a minimum to avoid causing damage to your pavers.
If you donât have access to a pressure washer, you can use a garden hose with a nozzle to adjust water pressure to spray the grease off of your pavers. You can also use this method to wash off the soap that you scrubbed on the pavers.
How Can I Make My Patio Cushions Look New
Refresh faded cushions withwait for itspray paint. Yes! You absolutely can. If you just cant find new cushions you like, or if you dont want to invest in new ones, you can extend the life of your current fabric with nothing more than regular spray paint right off the rack of your local hardware store.
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Cleaning Outdoor Plastic Furniture
Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners on plastic: chlorine and bleach may get rid of stains, but they can eat away at your furniture in the process. Abrasive cleaners are problematic as well, because they will scratch away the plastic, leaving unsightly marks and lead to more problems. If your furniture has lost its shine, try spraying it with WD-40 and wiping it dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Instead of using harsh cleaners, opt for a mild cleanser for your furniture. If you have colored plastic, you can use a mixture of 1 quart warm water with ¼ cup of vinegar. For white or very light-colored plastic furniture, try 1 gallon of warm water with 3 tablespoons of automatic dishwasher detergent. The dishwater detergent contains a very mild bleach which enables it to do a good job of removing stains.
Shaving cream can also work well to clean plastic: spray it on let it set for a few minutes scrub lightly with an old, soft toothbrush then wipe off. If stains remain, you have two options: with a wet sponge, use white distilled vinegar or baking soda. After cleaning, you can apply a coat of automotive wax for added protection.
Plastics Taking Care Of Synthetic Deck Furniture
Plastic is lightweight, fade-resistant and can take on many different shapes, textures and styles. It also does not require paint or sealants used by other materials. That makes this synthetic polymer easy to maintain and a great inexpensive option for outdoor furniture. Cleaning and caring for plastic furniture is really dependent on the form it takes.
Sticky spills and drips like tree sap may require commercial products , but rubbing alcohol will suffice in many cases. Regardless of the solution you choose, its important that you immediately rinse these agents away once youve cleaned the problem areas. Extended exposure to the chemicals in some products can fade plastic and shorten the aesthetic lifespan of your patio furniture.
All-Weather Wicker Cleaning woven resin furniture
In the past, natural or painted white wicker furniture was used primarily for indoor or porch seating where there was at least some protection from the elements. That was needed because organic materials were used to make the weave. Contemporary synthetic wicker, however, provides all of the aesthetic qualities of a natural weave without the vulnerability to rain, sleet and snow . Cleaning the nooks and crannies in intricate resin wicker patio furniture does take a little effort though.
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