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 life back to our outdoor spaces.
Here are a few cleaning tips to get your outdoor living areas ready for Spring.
1. Clear Away the Cobwebs
Combating outdoor cobwebs can seem like a never-ending battle, and it’s likely that you’ve fallen behind after the busy holiday season. Get back at it this Spring and get rid of cobwebs that have accumulated in your outdoor eaves, cracks, and crevices. No special tools necessary 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 so often overlooked, but can make a huge difference! The exteriors of your windows take quite a beating, even in sunny climates where the elements are mild. However, you’d be surprised at how much dirt, grime, and water can build up on your windows.
When it comes to window washing products, keep it simple. A non-toxic glass cleaner and an old newspaper can work wonders! If you’ve never cleaned glass with newspaper, you’re just going to have to trust us. Newspaper helps glass cleaner wipe crystal clear and void of streaks – we promise.
3. Clear Gutters of Winter Debris
In areas of low annual rainfall, homeowners rarely need to worry much about their gutters becoming backed up. Still, it’s a good idea to remove any leaves, sticks, and other debris that has built up over the winter to avoid any issues or roofing damage.
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 dividends long into Summer (and give you extra parking space, too).
The first step to organizing your garage is to handle it in chunks. Segment your garage into quadrants and tackle it section by section. Create separate piles for items that you’ll sell, donate, or throw in the trash. Be realistic and honest with yourself about the items you really need and the ones that you will be okay to part with!
5. Check Your Outdoor Lighting
Scan your outdoor living space to identify any flickering bulbs or lights that need to be replaced. Check lighting along major doorways and outdoor walkways as well.
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 Washing
If you have outdoor seating with cushions, pillows and similar accessories, it’s time to give them a scrub. Many outdoor seating collections allow you to remove covers so you can throw them in the washer and dryer.
Remove cushions and pillowcases and hose down your furniture frames. If you have a pressure washer, that’s the best option for blasting away 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 all set for spring and summer outdoor entertaining!
7. Show Your Fence Some Love
Wood fences are exposed to the elements year-round, and sometimes they need some TLC to get them looking great again. Identify any loose planks or wood rot, and consider applying some new paint or perhaps a weather sealant. If it’s been a few years since you’ve treated your wooden fence, we recommend taking the time to do that in the Spring.
8. Outdoor Paint Touch Ups
Touching up outdoor areas where paint has chipped away or is fading is a quick, easy task to liven up your home’s exterior. Walk around your house and make a list of anything that could use a fresh coat of paint, including fencing, windowsills, shutters, mailboxes, doors, etc.