8 spring cleaning tips for your outdoor living areas
It’s easy to neglect our front and backyards 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. Eliminate cobwebs
Fighting spider webs outdoors can seem like a never-ending battle, and chances are you’ve been left behind after the busy holiday season. Do it again this spring and get rid of the cobwebs that have accumulated 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 the 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. Non-toxic glass cleaner and old newspaper can do wonders! If you’ve never cleaned windows with newspaper before, you’ll have to trust us. The newspaper helps the glass cleaner wipe off with a streak-free, crystal-clear clean, we promise.
3. Clean gutters of winter debris
In areas of low annual rainfall, homeowners rarely need to worry much about their gutters getting clogged. Still, it’s a good idea to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter to prevent problems or damage to your roof.
4. Organize your garage
Cleaning the garage ranks high on most homeowners’ “worst chores” list. But including your garage in your spring cleaning will pay off well into summer (and give you extra parking space, too).
The first step in organizing your garage is to break it down into parts. 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 will agree to part with!
5. Check your outdoor lighting
Scan your outdoor space to identify any bulbs or flickering lights that need to be replaced. Also check lighting along front doors and outside walkways.
Spring is a great time to update your outdoor lighting so you’re prepared for those warm summer nights spent entertaining outdoors!
6. Give outdoor furniture a facelift
If you have outdoor seating with cushions, pillows, and the like, 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 year-round and sometimes need a little TLC to get them looking good again. Identify 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 that you take the time to do it in the spring.
8. Outdoor paint touch-ups
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 through your house and make a list of everything that could use a new coat of paint, including fences, window frames, shutters, mailboxes, doors, etc.