BY MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE
Knight Ridder News Service
If your patio furniture is looking less than its best, try these spruce-up ideas from Jennifer Litwin, author of Furniture Hot Spots and Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!

• Wood: Clean with a little dishwashing soap mixed with warm water. Avoid bleach, which can fade wood, and never clean in pool water.

• Iron and aluminum: Use an inexpensive car cleaner-wax to clean the furniture and smooth and brighten the finish.

• Sling chairs: Clean the vinyl fabric with a product called Casual Clean. Check outdoor-furniture retailers or online sources for the product.

• Strap chairs: Broken straps can be replaced. Online retailers are a good source for patio-furniture repair supplies.