Savvy Consumer: Spring cleaning moves outside

"Dirt can collect on outdoor surfaces, so each spring, spend an afternoon cleaning the outdoor flooring areas and furniture," said Nathaniel Benforado, product analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Throughout the year, sweep regularly to help prevent mildew and mold from growing and wipe down surfaces, especially tables."

Good Housekeeping Institute experts offer some cleanup product suggestions and tips to help keep your outdoor oasis looking its best. For more cleaning advice, visit www.goodhousekeeping.com

Decks and patios

Rain, snow and sun can discolor any outdoor surface. The new OxiClean Miracle Foam ($4.99 for a 24-ounce bottle; www.oxiclean.com, 800-781-7529) brightens wood, concrete, stone and brick. To use, drench all surrounding plants with water to dilute any chemical runoff. Then wet down your patio or deck, sprinkle on the powder, and scrub with a stiff-bristle nylon brush. Rinse well with a hose.

Grease stains are particularly tough to remove. If the mess is on wood, spray it with oven cleaner, wait several minutes, then rinse, said Patrick Occhino of Pro Deck Doctor in Park City, Utah.

If on concrete, soak up any liquid immediately; concrete is quite porous, so the longer you wait, the deeper the stain will set. Apply a generous amount of mineral spirits (available at paint and hardware stores) to the spot. Let it seep in for a few minutes to break down the stain, then cover the soiled area overnight with clay-based kitty litter to absorb the stain.

To keep stains at bay, raise planters 2 to 3 inches off the surface by placing plastic "feet" (available at garden centers) beneath the pot. Otherwise, moisture will get trapped underneath, causing dark patches.

Outdoor furniture

Try cleaning plastic, wicker, wrought iron or wood with CLR Outdoor Furniture Cleaner ($3.99 for a 26-ounce bottle; www.jelmar.com, 800-323-5497). Just spray, wipe and rinse. For cushion covers, apply with a sponge, then wipe with a damp cloth.

Protect and add shine to smooth, non-porous surfaces such as metal, resin and glass by coating them with an automotive wax such as Turtle Wax Super Hard Shell Liquid Wax ($3 to $4 for a 16-ounce bottle; www.turtlewax.com, 800-887-8539).

Preservation tip: Store pine, oak and cedar inside for the winter; teak is strong enough to stay outdoors. Cover all outdoor furniture when not in use.

Grills

Dirty units create excess smoke. Remove debris from inside the grill, then lightly scrub interior surfaces with a soapy, fine steel-wool pad.

Remove baked-on food and grease by spraying the mess with oven cleaner or Dawn Power Dissolver ($2.49 for a 12.8-ounce bottle; www.dawn-dish.com, 800-725-3296). Wait the recommended amount of time (usually it's about 30 to 60 minutes), then clean with a wire brush.

Tip: Keep food from sticking by coating clean grates with cooking spray before you grill.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate.

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