Thursday, July 23, 2015

How to Remove Mildew and Stains on Outdoor Umbrellas

Maybe now, your outdoor umbrella might look awful and then you feel a little worried. Looking at it, you wonder if it can get better and bring back its best look. But don’t get frustrated, usually it is just a little problem that can be solved with cleaning. The unsightly spots are mildew and stains caused by tree sap and some bird droppings.

There are many solutions on how to remove mildew and stains. Quick fix and strong cleaning solutions are available in the market these days. But above all of the systematic and fancy ways, let’s talk about the basics. Simple and easy solution works most of the time so let’s get to it first.

Begin by simply washing thoroughly using some mild soap and water. Doing so will help you determine where the mildew and hard stains are. Then proceed to removing mildew and stains by the following procedure.

Mildew and stains from tree sap and sometimes bird bombs are hard to eliminate. This tough job needs a strong cleaning agent, basically chlorine bleach does the job in most situation at home.


  • First, move the umbrella away from your patio or garden, wash it in a safe place where no other objects and live things get harmed.
  • In a bucket, mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup detergent soap, and a gallon of lukewarm water. I you need more solution, increase the volume with the same ratio.
  • Apply the mixture all over covering the entire umbrella fabric surface using a garden sprayer or a soft brush. Wear protective gloves.
  • Let the solution soak into the fabric for about 10 minutes.
  • Scrub the fabric with soft bristled brush especially the mildew and stains.
  • Then rinse thoroughly and let it dry.


That’s it, your patio umbrella is returned to its best look. Clean and great looking umbrella gets you shaded sitting pretty in your favorite patio furniture, in your poolside, or at the beach.

Monday, July 6, 2015

How to Take Care of Wrought Iron Furniture

A wrought iron furniture is a popular addition to an outdoor room and garden. Aside from its durability, this type of outdoor furniture has its natural beauty that fits perfectly to an outdoor setup. These qualities can be preserved for a long time if you give it proper care and maintenance which is not that hard anyway.

Cleaning
Cleaning is the most basic routine to keep your wrought iron patio furniture looking good. True to all things, it is the dust and dirt that make the look old and dull. The fine finish and beautiful texture can only be revealed when a layer of dust and dirt are eliminated.

Daily Cleaning
Cleaning your patio furniture frequently is a must to keep them tidy and looking great.

Here’s how to do day to day cleaning:

  • You just need a cloth and it should be soft  and non abrasive so that it won't damage the finish of your furniture.
  • Use a cleaning wax recommended by the manufacturer or just mix water with mild soap and use it to soften dirt.
  • Then wipe out dirt and dust clean.


Thorough Cleaning
For sometime, outdoor furniture can accumulate stubborn stain and dirt accumulates on hard to reach areas that wiping simply cannot help. The best you can do is wash the furniture whole.

Here’s how:

  • remove the cushions
  • spray the furniture wet
  • mix a mild dish soap with water
  • apply the soapy water using sponge or soft cloth
  • use a really soft brush and gently scrub the surface
  • use a toothbrush of tight areas
  • then rinse the furniture using garden hose spray, better if you can get a power spray


Quick Fix
A sturdy wrought iron furniture somehow gets rust and paint problems. Chipped paint and rust are minor problems that have the same easy and quick fix. It is important to perform the solution immediately to avoid the issue getting worst.

Here’s how:

  • buy a touch up paint kit for your wrought iron furniture (You can ask your manufacturer or your local hardware for the right type.)
  • lightly sand the affected area
  • wipe out the dust and dirt, a damp cloth will do and let it dry
  • then apply the paint following the instructions


Protection
Protecting your patio furniture will prevent problems that causes it to look awful. It also helps prolong its lifespan.

Here are the things you can do:

  • Keep it in dry place.
  • Put it under a shade or under the cover of a patio umbrella.
  • Provide a protective cover when not in use, or
  • Bring it inside during wet seasons