With the first day of spring officially here, many people are looking forward to dusting off their patio furniture and heading outside to enjoy the warmer weather that should be on its way.
Decks, patios and outdoor furniture often need a little more than a quick clean-up to get them ready for the season. Too often people turn to harsh chemicals that, when washed away, can end up leaching into the surrounding ground and potentially the water supply. There are more environmentally friendly options available to get outdoor items prepped for entertaining.
? Head into the kitchen Baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice are good cleansers to try on stubborn stains.
Baking soda mixed with a little vinegar will create a foaming action that can help break through stains. Vinegar on its own is a natural deodorizer and can clean chrome and glass without leaving behind streaks. Baking soda mixed with a little water can be used as a scouring paste applied with a stiff-bristled brush, and it has even been shown to remove rust stains on some metal surfaces. The acidity of lemon juice can help cut through oily messes and gummy substances.
? Add some pressure Pressure washers are ideal for cleaning off mold, mildew and even leaf and bug stains from many surfaces, including concrete. Set the power washer at an acceptable spray size because, if it's too concentrated, the spray can cause other damage.
? Steam it Steam is a popular and green method of cleaning indoor floors, counters and other surfaces. Steam can also be tried on resin furniture or other materials to loosen debris, enabling the dirt to be wiped off with a little elbow grease.
? Cover it
Consider the use of eco-friendly fabrics to cover patio furniture upholstery. In addition, look for green paints that can be used to go over metal and even plastic furniture for a new look.
