Take a good look at your existing outdoor furniture and accessories to determine what needs to be cleaned, as well as what needs to be repaired or refurbished. Consider the fact that a repair could cost more than replacing the item altogether. Once you have a game plan, gather your cleaning supplies and clear the deck.

If you like an all-natural clean, make your own soapy solution that gets the job done and smells great. To clean outdoor furniture, you need a mixture that can cut through grease and grime. Drop one tablespoon of unscented mild soap, several drops of lavender oil and a tablespoon of sodium borate into a 16-ounce squirt bottle, then top off with hot water. You can also do your own variation of this in a two-gallon bucket of hot water for scrubbing the deck. Bonus: Bugs don’t like lavender!

Proper preparation is essential before you repaint outdoor items, and that includes a thorough cleaning with solutions appropriate for the finish or material. Most real wicker can be cleaned with a mild soap and water mixture. Lightly scrub any stubborn stains, then rinse with fresh water and allow to fully dry. You may also want to give any rough or peeling areas a light sanding with extra fine-grit paper, then wipe clean with a damp cloth prior to spray painting.