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Show Metal, wooden outdoor furniture needs thorough cleaning before winter storage by DENNIS HINKAMP consumer information writer Utah State University Needless to say, you already have brought your outdoor furniture inside in-side for the winter. However, in case winter's first snow caught you by surprise and your furntiture still is on the back porch awaiting your attention, you should know how to clean and store it. Dr. Leona Windley, USU extension housing and interiors specialist, offers of-fers these suggestions : Aluminium: Although most aluminum furniture is guaranteed against discoloration for a specified period of time, it can become doll looking. You can brighten aluminum's surface sur-face by rubbing the metal with fipe steel wool ( )0000) dipped in kerosejie or vinegar. Avoid using ammonia or strong detergents that might dull the surface. When the surface is rinsed and dry, you can help protect it jy spraying it with a clear lacquer, acrylic or polyurethane. ; Color-coated aluminum can pe , simply washed with a mild ; detergent solution and then rinsed. 1 The same holds true for the syn- ? thetic webbing in aluminum furniture. Wrought iron: The biggest problem pro-blem with this type of furniture is rust. A light sanding seldom is bjenough to remove the rust and keep it from coming back, j.rfi Fpr the best results, start by rubbling rubb-ling .the rusty area with a stiff wire brush. Then sand with coarse steel j wool. You may have to use a metal file to remove rough ridges of rust, j When repainting, use a paint with a , rust inhibitor. Glossy enamel r finishes work and is best for shed-r shed-r ding dirt and excess moisture. . i Wood: Redwood is commonly used lyfor outdoor furniture because of its . durability. However, it still is wise to add one or two coats of preservative to keep out some of the moisture. Some preservatives also come with a stain that can help revitalize sun-bleached sun-bleached redwood. Wo en furniture: Wicker and rat-tan rat-tan furniture really are not designed for year-round outdoor use unless the furniture is kept on a sheltered porch. In general, you should try to keep" woven furniture dry, but you can scrub it with soap and water if you dry it off immediately afterwards. after-wards. Accessories:. Most cushions, umbrellas um-brellas and hammocks should be cleaned with soap and water and then stored inside for the winter. |