Spring Cleaning Outdoor Spaces

Once the spring weather stops its roller coaster ride of temperatures, you might want to start cleaning up your outdoor spaces. In New England, March brought us record-breaking 80 degree days, and snow at the end of the month. Soon spring will settle in and we can spend more time outdoors. We’ll be ready for sunny Saturday afternoons and extended daylight hours.

Clear the deck – Your home’s deck becomes your outdoor living space in the spring and summer months. Ready it for your family and friends.

* Sweep the deck or use a light blower to clean off leaves, twigs or pine needles.

* Check for any loose railings, boards, screws or nails and tighten or replace as needed.

* Sand any rough spots

* Pressure wash the deck, or use a garden hose.

Patio Table, umbrella and chairs – Replace the dining room table as your family’s gathering space with a patio table large enough to accommodate everyone.

* Bring out the table frame first if the tabletop is separate. Wipe down the rim and the legs and position the table where you want it.

* Solicit help to bring out a big or heavy table top and set it in place. Use glass cleaner to wipe it down. Keep it covered with a thick outdoor tablecloth to protect the surface. Keep a second tablecloth on hand to use when it’s time to eat.

* Set the umbrella in place and uncrank it to clean off any debris.

* Wipe down the chairs including the arm rests and the legs. Clean chairs with a mild soap and water, or a pressure washer. For chairs with removable cushions, consider replacing them if they’re no longer comfortable.

Gas grill – There’s no need to wait until summer to fire up the grill.

* Disconnect the gas tank and wipe it down. Make a note to have it refilled or purchase a back up tank for those extended holiday weekends.

* Clean the grates with a brass brush. If they have caked on dirt, soak them in hot soapy water and scrub them with steel wool. If the grates are rusty, measure them and buy new ones.

* If you have a drip pan located on the underside of the grill body, clean that, too.

* Wipe out any debris from the inside of the grill before replacing the grates.

* Clean off the outside and place a grill cover on the grill before leaving it outside.

* Designate a can of cooking spray to use on a cooled grill after each grilling and cleaning, to minimize grease accumulation.

Sources

Personal Experience