Removing Summer Stains

July 16, 2013

The kids are home from school and the age old family tradition of the backyard barbecue is in full swing. Along with the barbecues comes the likelihood that someone will leave behind a little mustard, ketchup or red wine stain on your beloved patio cushions. Chances are also good that your favorite songbird might leave behind a little gift of their own. It has happened to all of us at one time or another. This month we wanted to share with you some cleaning solutions for those pesty stains from the good folks at Sunbrella.

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleaning is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

Bird droppings: Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water, or try Goo Gone Grease Cutter (a hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, or Clean Rite Purple Power (available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.)

Ketchup or Mustard: Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water

Mildew: Bleach (1 cup) / Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water

Suntan Lotion: Pine Power® or pine oil detergent / water (mix as directed)

Wine:  Dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water / ammonia (4-8 oz.) / white vinegar (3 oz.)

Check back with us soon at www.patioandyards.com/  for more tips on cleaning those summer stains.