There is no reason to use toxic cleaners for cleaning outdoor furniture and your favorite grill.  Placement and storage is a key factor.  The best way to keep your outdoor furniture clean is preventing it from getting dirty in the first place.  When arranging your furniture, take note of the environmental conditions that can cause dirt and deterioration, including:  overhead trees, too much direct sun, too much shade and rain.  Provide furniture protection from the elements whenever possible.  Periodically rotate furniture from protected to unprotected areas and don't avoid the mundane tasks of covering and storing your outdoor furniture and grill.

Plastic Furniture-  Wipe down with a green all-purpose cleaner.  For tough stains, add a tablespoon of baking soda.  Let it sit for 10 minutes and then scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

Wicker Furniture-  Wipe down with warm water and a mild liquid soap and rinse.  Wash wicker furniture on a warm day so it dries quickly.

Wooden Furniture-  Lightly wipe (don't soak) with warm water and a green all-purpose cleaner.  For mildew, add borax and rinse.  To protect the wood, use a non-toxic zero VOC wood sealer or wax.

Aluminum and Wrought Iron Furniture-  Wipe down with warm water and a liquid soap. (Don't use baking soda because it can potentially discolor aluminum) and rinse.  Be careful with brushes, which may scratch the surface.  Wiping with a solution of one part vinegar and one part water will help restore aluminum's shine.  Carefully sand off any rust stains.

Outdoor Fabric-  Brush of umbrellas, awnings and furniture cushions frequently to prevent dirt and grime from collecting.  Regular washing removes the dirt and oil that encourages mold and discoloration.  For spring and fall cleaning, rinse; dowse with water and a mild liquid soap and then rinse again.  Any outdoor furniture that's covered with fabric can receive the same treatment.  Be sure to set the fabric out in the sun afterward so that it dries thoroughly.



Like outdoor furniture, grills will become unattractive  and eventually unusable if they aren't protected from the elements.  Grill covers are the no-work solution.  Many manufacturers provide a cover when you buy a grill.  If your grill doesn't come with a cover, invest in a heavy-duty vinyl cover with a nylon lining.  You don't want you cover blown off on a windy day, so get one with adjustable tabs, snap closures, zippers or a draw-string to ensure a snug fit.

Grill Cleaning-  To remove dirt and bird droppings from the surface, simply wash with the a green all-purpose cleaner and warm water.  Cleaning grill grates often involves nothing but heat and a grill brush.  The heat of the grill does the work for you, incinerating alot of what's left inside.  After each use, when the coals have died down but the grill is still warm, scrub the grate with a stiff wire brush.  Oil the grate lightly with olive oil.  If the grill is dirty before you begin cooking, turn it on, close the lid and wait 10 minutes then scrub the grate and wipe with olive oil.

Grate cleaning tips-  use a salted lemon half to soften built-up grease from the grates, the grill can be warm or cool.  After rubbing the grate thoroughly with the salted lemon, wait several minutes before scrubbing.  For yearly cleaning, soak the grates in a tub of warm water and baking soda, overnight if necassary.  Scrub the grate with a mesh pad and wash with a liquid soap and water.