Give an ordinary plastic patio set a 15-second makeover!

After a long winter indoors, we can’t wait to get outside to entertain friends, or relax with a cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. Is your patio ready? Here’s a little help with how to get it in shape for the sunny seasons to come.

PATIO FURNITURE
Step 1: Remove the covers from any furniture on your patio. Bring stored pieces out to review.

Step 2: Note any pieces that need repair, and dispose of any that have reached the end of their useful life.

Step 3: Make a list of items that need to be replaced (e.g., chairs, cushions, planters, etc.)

Step 4: Clean the furniture you’re keeping.

Metal
For metal pieces, remove any oxidation with a car-rubbing compound, then apply a clear car wax (not Turtle Wax-it’s green).

Wrought Iron
First, remove any rust by lightly sanding and wiping thoroughly. Then, touch up with paint. It’s best if you can get matching paint from the manufacturer. Once furniture is rust free, wash with a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and water, then hose down.

Wicker
Clean with a soft scrub brush and a mild oil-based soap.

Tip: Since inclement weather wears on wicker, consider replacing severely weathered pieces with resin All-Weather Wicker.

Wood
Use a soft scrub brush and a mild oil-based soap, and then rinse with the hose. If you have teak and want to maintain the reddish-brown color, treat with a water-based teak protector at least once a year.

Vinyl
Clean with a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and water, or a white vinegar and water mix (half cup of vinegar to one gallon of water), and then rinse.

Tip: Remove scuff marks with a soft damp cloth and a small amount of Soft Scrub®, and then hose down.

Plastic
Clean with a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and water, or a white vinegar and water mix (half cup of vinegar to one gallon of water), and then rinse.

Tip: Fix scuffs and stains with touch-up paint – no sanding or priming necessary.

Tip: Hose down several times a month to prevent dirt buildup.

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DECK
Step 1: Sweep the deck with a good, strong broom designed for outdoor use.

Step 2: Pull weeds from cracks, between planking and in crevices. (Weeds can disrupt deck integrity, especially patio tiles.)

Step 3: Clean embedded dirt, fungus stains and gray surface wood.

Tip: If you can’t remove planters from the deck, protect them by covering them during deck prep and cleaning.

Tip: Consider a cold-water pressure washer. These operate at a maximum of 2,500 psi (a garden hose offers only 15 to 60 psi).

Tip: Consult your local hardware store to ensure that any chemicals you wish to use are safe for vegetation. (Ask about an oxalic acid solution.)

Tip: Check with the rental agency for what is the safest pressure setting and best washer tip to use for your deck. (A nozzle with a vertical slit is preferred to a circular opening.)

Step 4: Strip any flaking or unwanted finish.

Tip: Even new decks can require the removal of unseen barriers like mill glaze (on cedar) or excess wax (on pressure-treated wood).

Step 5: Seal with a protective water-repellent finish.

Tip: Choose a water repellent that contains a mildewcide.

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GRILL

Step 1: Spread newspapers over your work area.

Step 2: Make sure the gas connection is safe.

Tip: Brush a 50/50 mixture of liquid soap and water onto the connection between the valve, regulator, hose and tank, including the welds around the tank, tank valve and bottom ring of the tank. Turn on the gas at the tank only. If bubbles form, you have a leak and need to replace the damaged piece.

Step 3: Check the igniter.

Tip: If no spark, try cleaning the tip of the electrode with rubbing alcohol and let dry. If there’s still no spark, replace it.

Step 4: Turn off gas at both the control knobs and the tank or natural gas source.

Step 5: Clean the grill with hot, soapy water or a degreaser. Tip: If too difficult, try cleaning cooking grates while the grill is hot.

Tip: Make cleaning easier next time by spraying cooking grates with nonstick cooking spray.

Tip: For really dirty, greasy porcelain cooking grates, put them in a plastic bag with a cup of ammonia and let sit in the sun for a day. Then, clean with soap and water.

Step 6: Clean the rocks or tiles with a wire brush, or replace them.

Step 7: Clear and clean the tubes leading to the burners.

Step 8: Use soap and water to clean the outside of the grill.

Tip: If your grill shows white spots or corrosion, scrub gently with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.

Tip: A light coating of cooking oil can help restore the grill’s original color.

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PLANTERS

Step 1: Remove dead foliage, weeds and branches.

Step 2: Pull out last year’s annuals and trim the perennials.

Step 3: Decide if you want to eliminate any plants this spring.

Tip: Replant them elsewhere in your garden, or give to a friend.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Some other ideas if you’re feeling energetic:

• Wash windows and screens.
• Rake, mow and edge yard.
• Replace damaged planks in deck.
• Clean downspouts and gutters.
• Clean out window wells.
• Address insect/pest situation.
• Clean outside walls and siding.
• Paint exterior.
• Replace/fix broken play equipment.

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