Patio Furniture Cleanup

Tips for cleaning patio furniture with everyday household items.

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A small pool is a handy helper when cleaning patio furniture.

A small pool is a handy helper when cleaning patio furniture.

Gardening expert Marianne Binetti shares some tips for making patio furniture cleanup easy and effective:

• Shaving cream is a nontoxic solvent and cleaner — perfect for use on plastic patio furniture. Spray furniture liberally and let the cream set a few minutes before scrubbing it off with an old toothbrush.

• To restore weather-beaten wood furniture, sprinkle on dry dishwashing detergent and rub the wood with a soft brush. This will clean the wood. Next condition the wood by rubbing in vegetable oil.

• When furniture is beyond cleaning, try hiding the ugly truth with these incredibly simple, no-sew cushions

Materials and Tools:

tablecloth
stacks of newspaper
duct tape
oil cloth

Steps:

1. Create a stack of newspapers the height you want your cushion to be and band the stack with a strip of tape to keep them together.

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2. Put the papers in the middle of a piece of oilcloth, cut to size, and wrap it like you would a gift.

3. Use clear duct tape to seal.

4. Use oil cloth for other accessories like outdoor pillows and plant holders.

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