With summer fast approaching, it’s time to head outside and begin preparing your yard and patio for a fun season of grilling and gathering. These fresh garden patio ideas will help you clean out the clutter and get your home ready for the season ahead.
All Hands on Deck: Pressure Washing Tips
A pressure washer is the best way to clean your deck or outdoor patio. Clear off your outdoor space so you have unobstructed access to the nooks and crannies. You can rent a pressure washer from most home improvement stores. Begin on a low setting, and leave plenty of space between yourself and the part of the deck that you’re targeting. At full power and close range, this tool will do more damage than good. If you work cautiously, though, you can efficiently wash away a year’s worth of dirt and grime for a fresh start to summer.
Tidy Up the Lawn
Comb through the lawn looking for loose items like fallen branches or forgotten toys. Pick up any obstacles, and get your lawnmower roaring to life for a fresh new cut to welcome the summer. The ideal summer schedule for lawn care is a quick trim twice a week. If you’ve kept your lawn mower in proper storage, your machine will be ready to go as soon as spring sets in.
After mowing, trim up your edges using long-handled edging shears for the perfect angle. Pull weeds, tidy up borders, and trim hedges to keep your borders and flowerbeds looking neat. Add colorful pops of vegetation around your outdoor space for a charming finishing touch. Whether you plant riotous flowerbeds overflowing with blooms or you place a few simple planters around your space, a careful selection of flowers and other plants will brighten your patio and yard.
Get Ready to Grill
After a season out of use, your grill will need someto be in working order again. Preheat the grill to loosen baked-on bits. When it’s slightly warm, turn it off again and get to work. Scrub the grates thoroughly with a grill brush, then remove them from the grill and soak them in hot water with a squirt of dish soap. Remove the drip pan and drop it in this bucket as well.
Cover the heating elements, so they don’t suffer from the fallout, then scrub out the underside of the hood and inside walls of the grill with your grill brush. Uncover the heating elements and gently sweep them off with your brush. Remove the drip pan and grates from the bucket, scrub off any lingering residue, and rinse thoroughly. Reassemble your grill and go over everything with a stainless steel wipe for a sparkling finish.
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Check On Your Lighting
Outdoor lighting can transform your space in an instant. The most eco-friendly option for your yard and patio is a selection of solar lights. These will pull their energy right from the sun, so you never have to rack up your utility bills to keep things bright.
If you have traditional lighting, check each fixture and replace the bulbs as needed. Remove light covers and rinse out leaves, dirt, dust, and bugs. Place thoughtful lighting around walkways so guests don’t trip. Add functional outdoor lights to seating and dining spaces where you entertain. Finally, tuck some whimsical garden lights in among your plants for a charming finishing touch.
Scrub Down Surfaces
Your outdoor surfaces don’t usually get as much love as those inside the house. Get an outdoor cleaner and some tough sponges to tackle these easily neglected areas. Wipe down tables, chairs, outdoor toys, storage boxes, coolers, and anything else that sits outside.
To clean outdoor cushions, remove zippered covers and throw them in the wash. If your cushions don’t have removable covers, vacuum them with a brush attachment to pull out loose dust and dirt. Scrub the surface of the cushions with a mixture of warm water and a splash of dishwashing liquid. Add borax to the solution for extra cleaning power if your cushions have stubborn stains.
Perk Up the Patio
Add a few creative finishing touches to your outdoor space to create a welcoming area that’s ready for a summer of entertaining. Consider upcycling items you already have to make whimsical outdoor accents. You can turn an old set of drawers into a tiered planter, or hang an assortment of unused metal items together to make a wind chime. These fun patio ideas will make a big difference in pulling your outdoor space together.
Don’t leave your outdoor spaces looking untidy or forgotten this summer. Put items you don’t need into storage and create a bright open space with plenty of room for outdoor dining, games, and lounging in the yard. A well-maintained space will beckon everyone outdoors to soak up the sun and enjoy the long, refreshing days of summer.
