With the warmer weather here, we cannot help but fantasize about summer barbeques, al fresco lunches and lounging on our decks and patios. But before we can enjoy the weather, the dreaded task of outdoor cleaning must be completed! I know that most of us hate cleaning (or have a penchant for not doing it), but ultimately love the feeling of a clean home – whether it’s an indoor or outdoor space. With a few basic cleaning recipes and tools you likely already have at home, cleaning the furniture can be a breeze (now that patio season is in full swing). Here is a quick how-to guide that will have your patio furniture looking spiffy in a jiffy. To start, you’ll need double-sided non-scratch scrub sponges and a scrub brush. The recipes involve vinegar, castile soap and water. These ingredients keep the yard safer for the “users” of your lawn (small insects, birds household pets), and it won’t discolor or rust your furniture like certain chemicals can. Read more about using food scraps to help your garden thrive

½ cup of castile soap 1 cup of vinegar 2 gallons of warm water Mix these ingredients together in a large bucket and fill a clean spray bottle with the solution. Prior to applying the solution, use a scrub brush to loosen dirt or debris by gently brushing off anything easy to remove from the surface (it will mean less scrubbing later on). Remove any cushions - these will be cleaned separately. Spray the solution liberally onto each piece. Let the mixture sit on the furniture for a few moments (5-10 minutes). If the solution has dried, re-spray the area. For woven pieces such as resin wicker, use the scrub brush to 'brush out' the dirt. Rinse the sponge often so that dirt is not re-distributed back onto the furniture. Hose the pieces down until all suds are gone to avoid any lingering residue on the furniture. Then, let the sun do the rest and air-dry them beautifully for you. 1 tablespoon of castile soap 1 gallon of warm water For teak and wicker furniture, try a gentler method.

Use a dry scrub brush to quickly dust off any loose debris. Then, dip the clean scrub brush into the bucket and gently scrub away the dirt and debris, being especially careful not to scrub too hard on the wicker (or else it can lose its shape). Hanging Mirror Without NailsHose the surface off when done to remove all bubbles and residue. Cats Musical Costumes For SaleOnly apply oil to teak if the manufacturer's instructions call for it. Hot Tub Bubbles Not WorkingUsually to maintain the amber glow it needs to be re-oiled about twice annually; if not, it becomes weathered and silvery. First, brush any debris off with the dry scrub brush. solution onto the cushions liberally and allow it to sit for 15This will allow the product to saturate the material and break

Wipe soiled areas well with the non-scratch sponge to agitate and lift the dirt up. Use a cellulose sponge so that it can lift the dirt up without ruining the fabric of the cushions (a scouring padEnsure both sides have been cleaned this way. have passed, hose down both sides of the piece and lay it flat to dryFlip the cushions over when the top is dry so that the bottom side can dry as well. If the covers cannot be washed down for whatever reason, take a shop-vac out and vacuum up debris to keep itWhen necessary, stains can be spot cleaned with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth. These can be cleaned twice a season. Remove slipcovers and place in the wash with regular laundry detergent on a regular cycle. slipcovers come out of the wash (i.e. do not place in the dryer), place them back onto the cushions to re-shape and stretch the covers out. This is an important step to ensure that the cushion covers maintain These pillows and cushions can be cleaned annually, usually at the

beginning of the season. Most are machine washable (if they fit intoLaunder on a gentle cycle and tumble dry onToss a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to help beat out the excess moisture and promote quick drying. If you notice mildew on the umbrella, act fast and clean it well toThe simple way to accomplish this is to brush off as much mildew as possible using a scrub brush and then spray the umbrella with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water onLeave it for 30 minutes to soak. Take a clean scrub brush and remove the remaining mildew from the umbrella byHose it down when done to remove the solution andRe-spray the area with the vinegar and water solution to protect against mildew build up and repeat this monthly. is a safe solution that can be sprayed on all outdoor furniture to keep If no mildew is present, clean the umbrella at the beginning of the season by brushing off any loose debris, spraying the interior and exterior well with the solution, soaking it for 15 minutes and then

Leave it open to dry for at least a (sunny) day. Read more about chemical-free household cleaners you can make at home For regular maintenance, nothing more than a quick spray from the garden hose once a week is all that is needed to maintain the furnitureKeep your furniture, your lawn, and your own little ecosystem clean by employing these simple patio furnitureOutdoor furniture is made from a variety of natural and manufactured materials. Most buyers are looking for patio furniture that is built to last, looks fresh and new for years to come, stays attractive despite exposure to the elements, and is easy to maintain. Some materials are more durable than others and some withstand exposure to the elements better. In order to make the best purchasing decision when buying outdoor or patio furniture, one should investigate the characteristics of each type of material, paying close attention to the pros and cons of each. Some may be more resistant to wind or rain, while others will last longer in sunshine or heat.

One should also consider factors like available indoor storage space, maneuverability and weight, the amount of maintenance needed to keep the furniture looking good, and the look one wants for the patio when choosing a material for one's patio furniture. One can buy patio furniture from furniture or home and garden stores or online. For more general info on patio furniture, check out this video: The four main types of materials used in the manufacture of patio furniture include plastic, wood, wicker, and metal. Plastic is usually the least expensive option. Plastic furniture is highly portable, can be made from recycled materials, and chairs can be stacked for storage. Unfortunately plastic is not always the best looking option and may not last as long as other materials if one buys flimsy furniture. More sturdy plastic furniture is available that is weather resistant and durable. One should store plastic inside to prevent pitting and fading, although higher end pieces tend to last longer without showing wear.

It can be cleaned with soapy water and a scrubbing brush (if needed), making it easy to care for and maintain. Plastic can be shaped, molded, and colored into just about any design, making it a good choice for those who want something different. Patio furniture comes in a wide variety of wood types that can be used if one wants a warmer, more casual and natural look. Popular wood types include teak, pine, cedar, eucalyptus, and redwood. Hardwoods tend to be more durable and long-lasting, with teak, jarrah, and shorea lasting up to 50 years, and redwood and roble lasting up to 25 years. Treating wood with special oils and sealants will increase its lifespan significantly. Softwoods like cedar and pressure treated pine, although not as durable as hardwoods, do last for years outdoors. Pressure treated pine is treated to resist rot and water and will last up to 20 years. However, untreated pine has low resistance to rot and it is recommended that it be painted or sealed and stored indoors during winter months.

Another advantage of wood is that it does not hold the sun's heat like plastic and metal do. Wicker can be natural or synthetic and gives an outdoor area a cozy or rustic look. This woven wood is durable, but lightweight. Wicker furniture can be made from cane, rattan, bamboo, or a number of other materials. Outdoor sets are usually made from synthetics in order to increase weather resistance and durability. Wicker furniture can be bulky and costly, but the use of synthetics has led to lower costs. Weather-resistant wicker can be hosed off and is designed to last outdoors. Some sets come with up to a 20-year guarantee. Garden and patio furniture is made from a variety of metals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Wrought iron looks best in a formal or classic setting. It is a strong, durable material, and furniture designs range from traditional to contemporary. It is very heavy and will not tip over or blow away easily, making it a great choice for windy environments.

This type of metal does require some care to prevent rust and increase corrosion resistance. It can be painted to both create a different look and to improve its resistance to corrosion. Some disadvantages of iron furniture include iron's tendency to heat up and burn when left in direct sunlight. It can also be very cold on cooler days. Without cushions, iron is not the most comfortable choice, and using cushions with wrought iron furniture solves the problems caused by heat and cold. More robust fabrics should be used outdoors, and cushions should be put away after use. Wrought iron furniture can be left outdoors year-round, provided it is cared for properly. Aluminum will not fade or rust, especially if it has been coated with a powder-coat finish. This metal is usually used in contemporary, streamlined designs. It requires less maintenance than steel or wrought iron and is significantly lighter and easier to move. It also remains cooler in the sun. Aluminum patio sets can be cleaned with soapy water, and applying a layer of car wax will help to keep aluminum look as good as new.

Unfortunately this is a more expensive material and high-end sets can be pricey. However, aluminum is corrosion resistant and can survive outside for extended periods. One can find less pricey folding chairs for an inexpensive seating solution, but these should be stowed during bad weather. Costlier, heavier-grade pieces can be left outside. All patio furniture is designed for outdoor use and to withstand the elements to some degree. Nevertheless, some materials are more weather resistant than others. Weather-resistant plastic patio furniture can last for years and is an attractive option for those who are more budget conscious. Some types of wood are more resistant to rot, water, and sun damage than others, and if one chooses the right type of wood, furniture can last for up to 50 years. However, wood requires more maintenance than manufactured materials. Synthetic wicker is a popular choice as it is fairly weather-resistant, but it is light enough to be unsuitable for windy climates.

Wicker furniture made from natural fibers may not be as hardy as synthetics. Metal is the longest-lasting and most durable material for patio furniture. While they do require care, wrought iron pieces can last for decades. Similarly, treated aluminum is exceptionally weather resistant. The Patio & Garden Furniture category is listed in eBay's Home & Garden department, in the Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living section. Browse the selection available, narrowing your search by clicking on the subcategories, or perform a search for specific items. For example, typing "teak patio furniture" in the search box will show all the listings for teak patio furniture. You can use the advanced search feature to control the number of listings shown. Additional listings can be found in the eBay Stores section. Don't forget to check these for more great deals. Buying online can seem daunting to first timers, but eBay makes it easy to know your seller through the seller feedback function. Buyers are encouraged to leave feedback for sellers after all completed transactions.

This way new buyers know what to expect from sellers. You should always take the number of completed sales and the types of products sold into account when viewing this information. To access it, click on the number next to the seller's username. Take a few minutes to read the seller's terms and conditions of sale. Here you'll find information about shipping and handling fees, and any returns policies or customer satisfaction guarantees. If the seller does not offer free shipping, add the shipping fees to the selling price to calculate the item's final cost. Also, check the seller's accepted payment methods to ensure that the transaction will run smoothly. Never use Western Union or similar instant transfer methods to pay for items on eBay. If you want to know more about a listing, use the "Ask a Question" link to contact the seller. Patio furniture is manufactured from a range of manmade and natural materials. Buyers are usually looking for furniture that is sturdy and durable, that ages well and looks good despite coming into contact with a variety of weather conditions, and is easy to care for.

Of course, some materials are stronger than others and last longer when used outside. To choose the right patio furniture, one should take a closer look at each of the available materials, weighing up their advantages and disadvantages. Some materials, like wood and metal, have different strengths and weaknesses in different types. For example, teak is more resistant to rain and rot than untreated pine, and aluminum is lighter and less likely to absorb heat and cold than cast iron. When choosing the more weather-resistant material for one's patio furniture, one should think of the climate, both in summer and winter. Some furniture, like wrought iron pieces, can be left outside year round. Others, like furniture made of natural wicker, will not survive cold, wet conditions. In addition, lighter furniture could blow away and cause damage in windy conditions. Treating furniture with wax, oil, sealant, or a corrosion-resistant finish could significantly increase its lifespan. eBay sellers offer a wide range of patio furniture, in a variety of weather-resistant materials.