8 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Outdoor Living Areas
It’s easy to neglect our front and back yards during the colder winter months, and come spring, there are a few things we can do to bring our outdoor spaces back to life.
Here are some cleaning tips to get your outdoor living areas ready for spring.
1. Remove cobwebs
Fighting cobwebs outdoors can seem like a never-ending battle, and you’ve likely been left behind after the busy holiday season. Do it again this spring and get rid of cobwebs that have collected in exterior eaves, cracks, and crevices. No special tools needed here – this is a super simple task that only requires a duster with a long pole or even a broom.
2. Scrub windows, inside and out
This is something that is often overlooked, but it can make a world of difference! Your window exteriors take quite a few beatings, even in sunny climates where the elements are mild. However, you’d be surprised at how much dirt, grime, and water can collect on your windows.
When it comes to window washing products, keep it simple. A non-toxic window cleaner and an old newspaper can work wonders! If you have never cleaned windows with newspaper, you will have to trust us. Newspaper helps your window cleaner clean crystal clear and streak-free, we promise.
3. Clear gutters of winter debris
In areas of low annual rainfall, homeowners rarely need to worry too much about clogging their gutters. Still, it’s a good idea to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter to prevent problems or damage to your roof.
4. Organize your garage
Cleaning the garage is high on most homeowners’ “worst tasks” list. But including your garage in your spring cleaning will pay off well into summer (and also give you extra parking space).
The first step in organizing your garage is to break it down. Segment your garage into quadrants and tackle it section by section. Create separate piles for items you will sell, donate, or throw away. Be realistic and honest with yourself about what items you really need and what you will agree to part with!
5. Check your outdoor lighting
Scan your outdoor space to identify any flickering bulbs or lights that need to be replaced. Also check the lighting along the front doors and outside hallways.
Spring is a great time to update your outdoor lighting so you’re prepared for those warm summer nights spent entertaining outside!
6. Give outdoor furniture a scrub
If you have outdoor seating with cushions, pillows, and similar accessories, it’s time to clean it up. Many outdoor seating collections allow you to remove the covers so you can throw them in the washer and dryer.
Remove cushions and pillow covers and hose down furniture frames. If you have a pressure washer, that’s the best option for removing built-up dirt and grime. If not, a hose with a decent nozzle will still work just fine. Dust off your outdoor seating and you’ll be ready for spring and summer outdoor entertaining!
7. Show your fence some love
Wood fences are exposed to the elements all year long and sometimes need a little TLC to get them looking good again. Identify any loose planks or rotten wood, and consider applying new paint or perhaps a weather sealant. If it’s been a few years since you treated your wood fence, we recommend taking the time to do it in the spring.
8. Paint touch-ups outdoors
Touching up outdoor areas where paint has chipped or is fading is a quick and easy task to bring your home’s exterior to life. Walk around your house and make a list of everything that could use a fresh coat of paint, including fences, window frames, blinds, mailboxes, doors, etc.
