1 minute read
HOUSEKEEPING
from sbtuurxbussv
HOUSEKEEPING Resin Wicker
Our resourceful research editor, Mary Levitski, explains how to spruce up your weatherproof woven furniture and keep it pristine.
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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.
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.
3 PRESERVE
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.
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.
handy helpers
Preserve grass and other plants by using a natural all-purpose spray to clean up spills.
OLD TIMER J.R. Watkins has made things the old- fashioned way since 1868.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER in Lemon, $6, J.R. Watkins, jrwatkins.com.
LIMITED EDITION Get this naturally derived summery scent while you can!
Method ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER in Sunset Beach, $5, Well.ca.
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.
