The official start of summer may be next week, but in the Valley it feels like we’ve been sweatin’ it out for ages. Already, we’re peering at our patio furniture and thinking: must make over. Here are three quick ways to spruce things up, courtesy of the studied neat freaks at maids.com:


1. Sure, plastic patio furniture is durable and sun-proof, but you’ve still got to wash it. Give it a scrub with mild dish soap, rinse with water, and wipe dry to prevent water spots.

2. Give that dirty patio umbrella some thought, specifically this thought: The neighbors can see it, in all its grimy glory, from their backyard. Clean it up by opening the umbrella and attacking with a spray cleanser such as 409 and a sponge. Wash inside and out. Rinse off with a hose. Let the umbrella dry opened fully in the sun for about two days to stave off mildew.
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3. Make the most of the summer sun by cleaning windows to let in the light. Use a solution of 50 percent vinegar to 50 percent water, and spray onto windows. Wipe clean with a sheet of newspaper, which makes for an extra shiny finish.

– The Arizona Republic