If you are turning to your patio to cure your cabin fever, we don’t blame you! With the weather warming up and the need for fresh air increasing, your patio is probably becoming the most used area of your home. As you pull everything out, you may notice that winter was rough on your patio pieces. If you notice stains, spots, rips or tears, we have some tips for you:

1. Read the Care Guidelines – Different materials call for different methods of cleaning – make sure you know what they are before attempting to clean anything on your own.
2. Be Gentle – If you attempt to clean your patio pieces yourself, use a gentle cleaner like a combination of ¼ cup dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water, and scrub with a sponge or soft bristled brush. Do not use harsh cleaners or bleach or try to power wash.
3. Protect Your Furniture – Depending on the fabrics, you may want to cover your outdoor furniture or bring in cushions when not in use to protect it from pollen, the sun (which can fade fabrics) or mold/mildew as a result of rain.
4. Call in the professionals – Fabricare Cleaners has an entire HomeCare division that consists of a team of experts who know how to care for all different materials, so they can take care of any stubborn stains or tears, leaving your patio furniture looking good as new and ready for you to enjoy.

For more information, call HomeCare by Fabricare at 203-957-3838, email homecare@fabricarecleaners.net or visit homecarebyfabricare.net.