Outdoor Furniture

Disinvite dirt and grime from cookouts, pool hangs, and patio parties.

- ERICA FINAMORE, AMANDA LAUREN

Teak

To clean this durable wood, make a solution of one gallon of warm water and a quarter cup of liquid dish soap. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub gently in the direction of the grain. Rinse with water, then dry the wood with a towel ASAP-don't leave droplets just chilling there, because they can make rings. The wood will naturally turn more silvery gray with age, but if you want to maintain that original honey color, apply teak oil (see right) once or twice a year.

Rattan