Patio Ponds and Gardens

Clean up the patio

Didn’t bring the outdoor furniture inside or even cover it for the winter . Now, the chairs and patio table and umbrella look ugly. No need to panic. Pressure washers and leaf blowers are your friends..

Blow the worst of the leaves and dead plants out of the cracks and crevices. Then wash using minimum amounts of a solution of two tablespoons of ammonia to two gallons of water. Clean in sections, and let air dry.

For regular aluminum chairs, grab a plastic scrub brush and dishwashing detergent at full strength and then scrub. Rinse thoroughly, then let dry. For coated-aluminum pieces, experts also recommend full-strength dishwashing detergent, using a sponge instead. Rinse, dry with a soft cloth and then rub on car wax to polish, avoiding the fabric. To clean woven wicker furniture, you’ll need to get into and around those intricate weaves. And that requires a variety of brushes - a new toothbrush (stiffer bristles); a small paintbrush with bristles cut down by half, to make them stiffer; and a bristle brush with medium bristles. After you’ve gotten the gunk and grime out of the weaves, vacuum a wicker piece thoroughly and cleanse the cushions. Check the label for the manufacturer’s suggestions. If cushions or seat webbing are washable, use warm, soapy water or a foam cleaner. Apply with a sponge, rinse and dry quickly.

To repair rust on wrought-iron furniture, lightly use a wire brush or Naval jelly available at hardware stores, to remove the rust but not the paint. Rust stains can be removed with fine steel wool dipped in kerosene. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses and apply in the open, away from fire.

Remove mildew: Got a mildewed seat or cover, or umbrella? Open it and lay it on its side, then clean each section using a soft bristle brush and oxygenated bleach in warm water - be sure to check the manufacturer’s care suggestions (chlorine bleach will fade acrylics).

Is your old plastic furniture worth keeping another year? Not if the chairs cost $2 each 10 years ago; you can find nicer ones for less today. First hit them with the pressure washer, then if you opt to keep them, wash the pieces with three tablespoons of OxyClean mixed in a gallon of warm water.