Detergent cleans a wood deck

Last update: August 13, 2008 - 5:59 PM

Q How can I clean a wood deck?

A Hose it off. For grease stains, try scrubbing with a household detergent solution, then rinse well. Place a hard rubber door mat under the grill to keep the deck free of stains. If grease does spill on the deck, wash with the household detergent solution. Cabot, maker of wood stain and care products, suggests cleaning your deck every one to two years and restaining every two to four years. There are products for removing mold and algae, cleaning and restaining.

Chinese insecticide

Q When was insecticide first used?

A The Chinese made the first insecticide in the first century B.C., using dried, powdered chrysanthemums to kill fleas, according to "The World Almanac Book of Inventions," by Val'erie-Anne Giscard d'Estaing. This insecticide, called pyrethrum, gained popularity in Europe in the 18th century and is widely used today in dust and spray forms because it rapidly kills flying insects with little effect on humans and domestic animals.

New York Times

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.