Make a clean sweep with patio

Ugh. The thought of getting out that disgusting patio set and putting it on your freshly stained deck makes you queasy. With the right supplies, you can make that patio set gleam once again. Here’s how:

•Aluminum. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a pail of warm water and sponge off the aluminum. Rinse and let it air dry. Coat the aluminum with a clear wax to protect it from the sun. Don’t use green wax. It will discolor the metal.

• Canvas. Throw removable canvas into the washing machine. Clean non-removable canvas with a scrub brush and some water and strong soap. Rinse off the canvas and hang it up to air dry.

• Hardwood. Grab a pail of warm, soapy water (mild dishwashing liquid works best) and scrub down the hardwood with a coarse cloth. Let it dry completely and then brush or spray on a coat of teak oil or a similar finish. After the oil has soaked in, apply a second coat, allow it to penetrate and then wipe away any excess oil. Let the hardwood dry.

• Plastic. As with hardwood, a pail of warm water with a few squirts of mild dishwashing liquid will do. Wipe away the dirt with a soft cloth. For stubborn spots, use steel wool. Rinse off the plastic and let it air dry. To brighten white plastic, add a few drops of bleach to your soapy water.

•Resin. Fill a pail with warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Wipe off the resin with a soft cloth, rinse and let it air dry.

•Softwood. Wash the softwood with a coarse cloth and some water and mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse and let it air dry. Spray or brush on a coat of preservative stain.

•Steel. Touch up any rust spots and clean the steel with warm water and some mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse and let it air dry. Oil hinges and pivots for easy movement.

•Vinyl. Grab a pail of warm water, add a few squirts of mild dishwashing liquid and rub away the dirt and grime from the vinyl with a soft cloth. Don’t use stiff brushes or bleach. You will damage the vinyl.

•Weather-Resistant Cushions. Pour a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, a teaspoon of borax and a quart of warm water into a large spray bottle. Stir the mixture well and spray it onto your cushions. Let the cushions sit for 15 minutes, rinse well and let them air dry.

•Wicker. Clean the crevices with a toothbrush and some wood oil soap. Wash the wicker with some warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse well. Dry the wicker with a hair dryer.

• Wrought Iron. Remove any peeling paint with steel wool and touch up the areas with a rust-resistant primer and paint. After the wrought iron dries, sponge it off with some warm, soapy water (mild dishwashing liquid works best), rinse and let it air dry.