Ah, the great outdoors! There's no place like it for invigorating activity and rejuvenating fresh air. Whether you're planting, weeding, mulching or raking, there are things that your laundry and fabric care products and tools can do for you. And you thought laundry products were relegated only to the laundry room!

The great outdoors-what to do when you wear it!

Outdoor activity means tough new stain challenges, such as:

• Dirt or mud
• Flower pollen
• Grass
• Plant fertilizer
• Red clay
• Tree sap

To remove these and other outdoor stains, visit the Tide Fabric Advisor. And then get back out there—it's too nice to stay inside!

How fabric care "works" outside

While we're not experts in gardening or home care, we've dug up a few outdoor clean-up tips that may save you time and trouble:

• Use a plastic laundry basket to carry weeds and gardening tools. It slides easily over most surfaces, holds a large amount and is easier than carrying items separately or in heavier containers. (Use a basket just for this purpose. You can also store your tools here.)
• Use an old bed sheet to collect grass clippings, leaves and weeds. Then fold the sheet over and drag away to the garbage or compost pile. Your back will thank you!
• Protect your stored patio umbrella from wind, mold and nesting pests by using old pantyhose. Stretch one leg over the umbrella and tie the other leg around the handle to hold in place.
• Remove annoying tree sap from garden-tool blades by simply wiping with a little rubbing alcohol.
• Use liquid laundry detergent (such as Tide Liquid) and a brush to scrub clean canvas awnings. Hose down well.
• Wash your car over the lawn rather than on the driveway or street. The grass will use the phosphate in the detergent as fertilizer!

For quicker clean-ups

Before digging in the dirt, dig fingernails into a bar of mild soap (such as Ivory™). The soap discourages dirt from lodging under fingernails and makes cleaning nails easier.

Remove ground-in dirt from hands and knees by scrubbing with a mixture of mild dish soap (such as Dawn) and a little sugar. Rinse well. This mixture works well on tough flower pollen stains too!