HOUSEKEEPING
Resin Wicker
Our resourceful research editor, Mary Levitski, explains how to spruce up your weatherproof woven furniture and keep it pristine.
( handy helpers ( Preserve grass and other plants by using a natural all-purpose spray to clean up spills.
HOW-TO 1 PREPARE Remove all cushions, which should be laundered separately as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove and clean any glass panes (such as tabletops) with a specialty spray.
OLD TIMER J.R. Watkins has made things the oldfashioned way since 1868. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER in Lemon, $6, J.R. Watkins, jrwatkins.com.
2 CLEAN Using the jet setting, hose the furniture off with water to remove loose dirt, dust and water marks. Though weatherresistant synthetic wicker is significantly sturdier than its natural-fibre counterpart, its textured surface poses the same cleaning challenge. Get into the nooks and crannies by scrubbing the surface with a nylon-bristled brush dipped in soapy water (use one part mild dish soap to eight parts water). If you live in a very wet climate, add one part white vinegar to the solution to ward off mildew. Rinse the furniture with the hose and leave it out in the sun to dry.
At the end of the season, move the furniture to a covered area like a garage or shed, and drape it with cotton canvas sheeting to combat dust. If you’re unable to take it indoors, wrap the furniture tightly in waterproof tarps.
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STYLEATHOME.COM MAY 2015
Method ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER in Sunset Beach, $5, Well.ca.
tried & true tip When nestled into a verdant yard, your outdoor furniture can get into a sticky situation: Sap drippings from surrounding trees can be tricky to remove. Begin by scraping off any dry sap using a dull blade. Next, rub the remainder using a clean cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Wash the alcohol off with mild dish soap and rinse with water. The sap will be gone without a trace. S @H
Find all our housekeeping tips and tricks at STYLEATHOME.COM/HOUSEKEEPING.
FAMILY LORE Developed by a Torontonian based on her grandmother’s recipe. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER in Lime & Ginger, $10, C Is for Clean, cisforclean.com.
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIRGINIA MACDONALD (DECK)
3 PRESERVE
LIMITED EDITION Get this naturally derived summery scent while you can!
