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 when spring rolls around, there are a few things we can do to bring our outdoor spaces back to life.
Here are some cleaning tips to prepare your outdoor living areas for spring.
1. Clear the cobwebs
Fighting cobwebs outdoors can seem like a never-ending battle, and you’ve likely been left behind after the busy Christmas season. Do it again this spring and remove any cobwebs that have accumulated in your eaves, cracks and crevices outdoors. No Special Tools Needed Here – This is a super simple task that only requires a duster with a long stick or even a broom.
2. Clean windows, inside and out
This is something that is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference! The exterior of your windows takes a heavy beating, even in sunny climates where the elements are mild. However, you will be surprised at the amount of dirt, grime, and water that can accumulate on your windows.
When it comes to window washing products, keep it simple. A non-toxic glass cleaner and an old newspaper can do wonders! If you’ve never cleaned glass with newspaper, you just have to trust us. Newspaper helps the glass cleaner clean the glass in a transparent and streak-free way, we promise.
3. Clean winter debris gutters
In areas with little annual rainfall, homeowners rarely have to worry much about clogging their gutters. Still, it’s a good idea to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter to avoid problems or damage to the roof.
4. Organize your garage
Cleaning the garage ranks high on most homeowners’ “worst tasks” list. But including your garage in your spring cleaning will pay dividends during the summer (and it will also give you additional parking space).
The first step in organizing your garage is to handle it in chunks. Divide your garage into quadrants and approach it section by section. Create separate piles for items that you will sell, donate, or throw away. Be realistic and honest with yourself about what items you really need and what it will be okay to part with.
5. Check your exterior lighting
Scan your outdoor living space to identify any flashing 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 be prepared for those warm summer nights having fun outside.
6. Give your outdoor furniture a wash
If you have outdoor seating with cushions, pillows, and similar accessories, it’s time to give them a wash. Many outdoor seating collections allow you to remove the covers so you can put them in the washer and dryer.
Remove the cushions and pillowcases and wash the furniture frames with a hose. If you have a pressure washer, that’s the best option for removing built-up dirt and grime. Otherwise, a hose with a decent nozzle will do just fine. Dust off your outdoor seating and you’ll be ready for spring and summer outdoor entertainment!
7. Show your fence some love
Wooden fences are exposed to the elements year-round and sometimes need a little caring to make them look great again. Identify loose planks or rotting wood and consider applying some new paint or perhaps a weather sealer. If it has 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 spice up your home’s exterior. Walk around your house and make a list of everything that might need a fresh coat of paint, including fences, window sills, shutters, mailboxes, doors, etc.