As winter goes back into hibernation, it’s time to freshen up our home with a little spring cleaning. One of the most important spots we need to clean up for the coming weather is our outdoor patio, where we’ll soon be sipping mojitos in the summer sun.
Here are some tips for how to clean your patio and get it ready for the warmer days ahead.
RELATED: Outdoor Spring Cleaning: 7 Ways To Make Your Yard Safe & Fun for Your Kids
1. Sweep it up.
Start by moving all your patio furniture out of the way so you can get your patio surface nice and clean. Sweep the patio clean of any debris and dirt. Next, you’ll want to clear away any weeds that have sprung up between the cracks of your brick, cement, or wood. Try to dig them up so you get rid of the roots, but a simple weed killer will do the trick as well.
2. Scrub it down.
Now that your patio area is clear of debris, you can give it a thorough scrubbing. If you have the right materials, you can just use a power washer to rinse the whole area clean. If you prefer to do it by hand, you can scrub it clean with a stiff-handled brush. Get a push broom that will work both as a broom and a scrubber to make the job easier. Mix a solution of bleach and water and clean your whole patio with it, and then rinse with the hose. The bleach will help kill any mold or mildew that has developed over the winter.
3. Clean the furniture.
Before you put all your furniture back in place, you will want to clean it all off as well. If your patio chairs have cushions, start by removing them and fluffing out any dust and dirt. Then scrub the cushion surfaces clean with your favorite household cleaner. You can spray the rest of the furniture down with the hose and then wipe down all of the surfaces with household cleaner as well. Once it is all shiny and clean again, you can put it all back in place.
4. Upgrade your gear.
While you’re getting everything clean, it’s the perfect time to assess your patio and see what might make it more pleasant in the summer months ahead. Do you have an outdoor bar cart yet? Because you should totally have one. Be sure to give your grill a thorough cleaning and check your patio umbrella for cracks and discoloration. You’ll want to keep your family cool in the shade.
With spring on the horizon, it’s almost time to take advantage of the patio and invite the neighborhood over for dinner and drinks al fresco.
More Outdoor Spring Ideas:
