The views from back yards and balconies in the Florida Panhandle can seem like a dream.


But take a look at your barely-used-this-winter patio furniture and you might have nightmares. Stains, mold, mildew and rust could overshadow your hopes of enjoying beautiful sunsets and summertime cookouts while relaxing in your outdoor furniture. But there are a few things you can do to bring your outdoor cushions and pillows back to life. And it may be easier than you think!
Hose it down
Never underestimate a little preventative maintenance. “Even though it might not be visible, dirt collects on the ture,” said Susan Kiley, owner of Bay Breeze Patio in Sande “Mold and mildew grows on top of dirt.” An occasional spray with a garden hose will keep dirt, m dew and pollen from latching on to fabric on your outdoor f “All the newer products claim they have mildew resistan in,” said Milt Resch, floor manager at Furniture Resources Esther. “But in our area it doesn’t do any good.” Resch said he personally uses a power sprayer on his ou furniture. And he said it’s best to turn cushions on their en rather than laying them flat. “It tends to dry faster and the water drains better,” Resc

Scrub-a-dub-dub
For spots that don’t disappear with water and pressure fro hose, a little elbow grease may do the trick. Kiley recommends Ivory liquid soap or Dawn dishwashing gent coupled with a soft scrub brush. “A lot of times people will think something is ruined. But if ric is a higher grade it can be brought back,” Kiley said. But be careful. Fabrics that are painted instead of dyed co aged with too much abrasion. “Material that feels like cotton is the hardest to clean,” Re
The ‘b’ wor
“We try not to give our customers the ‘b’ word,” Kiley lau For tougher stains such as wine or mystery spots, dilute You’ll want to spot test an area of fabric to make sure it d stain.
“After years of not cleaning,” Kiley cautioned, “you’ll pro What to use on which spots
ble dirt: Spray with garden hose
y cleaning: warm water, soft brush, mild soap or detergent
ld and tree sap on synthetic wicker and aluminum: water/bleach
shion and sling fabrics: Follow manufacturer specifics
ution-dyed acrylic fabrics: may use water/bleach solution
nted acrylics or polyesters: Mild detergent is strongest recommended
fins: very diluted bleach solution
ven blends: soap or mild detergent with warm water. Use bleach solution ugh stains.
ng” fabrics: warm water mixed with bleach and mild laundry detergent brush
tan oil stains: fabric spot removers
od, ink, grease, marker: Use a stain remover and follow package ns.