Dear Glenn: We recently bought a newer model house that has a couple of large synthetic decks. There are a few barbecue stains, darker in color, like grease on the deck, and I was wondering what is the best cleaner to get rid of the stains without harming the deck? I have tried dish soap and bathroom cleaner but wasn't successful in my quest for stain removal. Do you have any ideas?

Jay, via e-mail

Dear Jay: Spray Remove-It by Dewitt Products, (800) 962-8599, www.dewittproducts.com, full-strength. Scrub it into the deck, mist with water, scrub again. Rinse the deck off with a garden hose set on a strong stream, no need for power washing.

If this method does not satisfy everyone involved, using Pour-N-Restore, (800) 508-7939, www.pournrestore.com, is your next choice. This is a heavy liquid that you pour on and leave to soak until the product becomes a powder. Then just sweep it up.