Your outdoor entertaining, whether it be on a 2 X 3 foot patio or in an expansive backyard wonderland, can be so much more enjoyable if you follow these few simple tips and steps to keeping things looking good.

Let's start with the patio furniture where you enjoy dinner with family and friends, read a book or just hang out. 

There are several ways to clean outdoor furniture cushions, but here's one way a friend of mine claims, "is the best way to go".  Here's the solution for: 

Patio Cushions

• In a spray bottle combine 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 teaspoon of borax per quart of warm water
• Spray this on the cushion on both sides and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
• Take the hose and, using a strong spray, rinse the solution and the dirt off the cushions.
• Put the cushions back on the chairs and set them OUT of the direct sun to dry.
• When the cushions are dried to JUST damp, apply a good coating of Scotcgard Fabric Protector (C) (available in most grocery stores and home centers) to protect the cushions and make cleaning the next time easier.
• Vacuum the cushions as needed to remove dust between cleanings.

Aluminum

Althought it doesn't rust, aluminum can become dull and pitted when left outdoors.  To clean and restore the shine,

•  scrub the frames with a plastic scrubber soaked in detergent or a soap-filled steel wool pad.
• Then rinse and dry.

Plastic

• Wash with good all-purpose cleaner and water.
• Rinse with water and dry.
• An alternative for white furniture is automatic dishwasher detergent and warm water (1 gallon warm water to 3 Tablespoons automatic dishwasher detergent).
• Wash and let solution sit on the furniture for 15 minutes or so.
• Rinse and dry.

Maintaining the Shine on Plastic, resin and metal furniture is easy, just apply a good-quality paste car wax just as you would when waxing a car (follow directions on lable).

All hands on deck, patio or porch! 

A certain amount of routine maintenance is required to keep your backyard deck structurally sound, safe and looking its best.

Though other types of lumber may have been used, chances are that your deck is built of cedar, redwood or pressure-treated yellow pine.  These are the most commonly used materials for decks because they are resistant to rot and insect damage.  When exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, any wood will show signs of weathering.  Even if the deck was originally treated with stain or preservative, this treatment eventually needs to be renewed.

Deck Cleaning

• The first thing you need to do once the weather turns nice is inspect the deck surfaces for any splintering, which you will need to sand.  Pay special attention to the railing.
• You'll find many stains and sealers designed for decks.  Several manufacturers now offer products called deck brighteners, which actually bleach the surface to remove stains and weathering on wood surfaces. 
  • Apply these products carefully, following the instructions.  Usually you will brush the product on with a stiff bristle brush.
  • Rinse off thoroughly prior to applying any finish coating.
• Sealers protect the deck from moisture and are available in clear or tinted varieties to act as a stain.  Sealers require periodic renewal to maintain protection.
• Look over the decking to be sure it is tight and in place, fixing whatever is required.

Quick Deck Cleaning

• To give the deck a quick cleaning during the use season, mix up a gallon of hot water and 1/4 cup of any good-quality household cleaner, or 1 gallon of hot water, 1 Tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 1/4 cup of borax.  Mop the deck down with one of these solutions and rinse well. 
  • While you're at it, give the lawn and plants a quick drink too!
• Tree Sap can be a problem on wood decks. To remove it, apply mineral spirits with an old rag, rub and wash off with dishwashing liquid and water (1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 1 quart of hot water).  Rinse well.

Best Grill in Town

Shrimp on the barbie will taste even better this summer if you follow this plan:

Prevent Sticking

Before you light the barbecue, spray the grill rack with non-stick cooking spray.  This works great on gas or charcoal grills.  Apply a liberal coat and food won't stick, making cooking and clean-up a breeze.

Cleaning the Grill

To clean the grill surface when it is heavily caked with baked-on food follow this procedure. 

• Simply wrap the rack in a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, dull side facing out.
• Heat the barbecue to high heat and place the rack over the coals or flame for approximately 10-12 minutes.
• When you remove the foil after it has cooled, all the burnt-on grease and food drippings will fall off and your rack will be spotless and ready to grill again.

Bring on the burgers or veggies to roast!

Grease Splatters

For cement or wood patios:

• keep a container of salt nearby when barbecuing. 
• Should grease splatter or drip, immediately cover with salt.
•  Sweep up and reapply until grease is absorbed.
• Scrub with dishwashing liquid and rinse.

                                        Source: Queen of Clean by Linda Cobb

"My daddy wears his supersuit and is cool."    Logan Aldrich, 2