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With the spring season setting in, now is the perfect time to start thinking about giving your home a good deep clean – inside and out! While you may be focused on sprucing up your interior living space, don’t forget about the exterior of your home. Here are six spring cleaning tips to help you get started on your outdoor space:

Outdoor furniture spruce

Remove any protective covers from your outdoor furniture and give them a good rinse. Hang them over a fence or clothesline and hose them off with the garden hose. Let them dry out in the sun while you tackle the rest of the cleaning.

Remove cushion covers from sofas and chairs. Be sure to consult the care tag or manufacturer on how to clean them. Most quality cushion covers can be thrown in the wash on a cool setting. Let them air dry.

Wash all pillows. Again, check care labels for washing instructions. Most can be machine-washed on a gentle or delicate cycle with mild detergent and air-dried.

Wooden Furniture Care

Wooden outdoor furniture needs regular maintenance. Once a year, clean your wood furniture with a good quality cleaner or water and vinegar mixture. You can do this by spraying it on and then wiping it off with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to rinse the area afterward with plain water to avoid damaging the finish. Caring for teak outdoor furniture is slightly different so be sure to research and consult with the manufacturer should you have teak pieces.

Metal Furniture Care

If you have metal pieces in your patio set, be sure to also clean them with a mild soap and water solution. You can also use a product specifically designed for metal outdoor furniture. Always rinse off the solution and dry the metal completely with a clean rag to avoid rusting.

Wicker Furniture Care

To clean wicker outdoor furniture, mix one-part bleach with four parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge to apply the mixture to the wicker and be sure to rinse it off completely with plain water afterward. As always, be sure to first consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care.

Deck & Patio Cleaning Tips

Mildew, algae, and moss can quickly overtake your deck if you live in a damp or shady area. To keep your deck or patio looking its best, sweep to remove dirt and debris. Be sure to rinse off any soap or cleaning solutions completely to avoid damaging the finish on your deck or patio furniture.

For a deeper clean, use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to lightly power wash your deck. Be sure to only use a hose and not power washer for real wood so it doesn’t damage the wood.

For hard surface decks such as cement or pavers, use a power washer to remove the tough dirt and grime. Be sure to position the sprayer far enough away so that it doesn’t damage the surface.

Clean Patio Umbrellas

To clean patio umbrellas, mix one-part bleach (if white) with four parts water in a bucket and use a sponge to apply the mixture to the umbrella. If your umbrella is not white, use a mild laundry detergent.

Weed and Mulch

Weeding and mulching flower beds is a great way to give them an instant facelift and improve the curb appeal. Use a gardening tool or your hands to pull out any weeds from the root. Once the weeds are gone, spread a layer of fresh mulch. This will help keep weeds away by preventing seeds from taking root and stifling any sunlight from reaching the weeds. Unless you have a truck you will probably want to use a mulch delivery service.

Window Cleaning

Clean windows are important for curb appeal. Hiring a professional window cleaner is usually affordable and worth it for second-story windows. If you’re interested in doing it yourself, clean them is by using a vinegar and water solution. Fill a bucket with equal parts vinegar and water, then use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the windows. Use an old toothbrush to gently remove debris from the corners of the frame. Rinse with the hose and squeegee dry. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter your house feels.

Clean the gutters

Gutters that are full of leaves and debris can cause water to back up and seep into your home. This can lead to serious damage to your foundation. To avoid this, clean out your gutters at least once a year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.

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