Patio Ideas
UmbrellasUmbrellas attract a lot of dirt and debris, so you’ll want to clean them off on a regular basis. Start by removing the umbrella and frame from the stand. If it is easy to take the umbrella on and off the frame, you may want to do that to make it easier. You can keep it in place, but it will be bulkier to deal with. In either case, you’ll need to work in sections. Once you’ve brushed or vacuumed off debris, rinse off the umbrella. Mix a solution of ¼ cup laundry detergent to a gallon of warm water and apply it to the umbrella material with a soft brush. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes, then spray off the solution. Treat both sides of the umbrella. Let the fabric dry. If you’re facing mildew stains, combine equal parts white vinegar with warm water and apply to the stains. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse off.
Outdoor RugsLike their indoor counterparts, these attract dirt and grime. To get rid of whatever debris might be accumulated, approach them as you would your interior floor coverings. Start by picking up the rug (you may need a helper for a larger one or need to drape it over a piece of furniture, fence or railing). Move to a grassy or out-of-the-way area where you don’t mind dirt settling and giving it several good shakes. Brush off any remaining debris with a brush or broom. Follow up by vacuuming the rug on both sides to remove any fine dirt or debris still clinging to the fibers. You can use anything from a handheld vacuum or an indoor vacuum to a heavy-duty wet-dry model if the rug is tightly woven. The more powerful the vacuum, the more dirt you’ll remove. Most outdoor rugs are washable, but check to be sure. Set the rug on a flat surface (one that is slightly inclined helps with water runoff) and lightly hose it off. You can then give it a gentle wash, applying a cleaning solution, building up a lather and scrubbing with a soft brush. Check the care instructions to be sure that your cleaning solution won’t damage the fibers. Use warm water with a few drops of non-detergent ...
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