Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips

As the groundhog predicted on February 2, spring is arriving early. Early spring will be a relief to folks in the Midwest and the East Coast, as they have endured blizzards and snowstorms. Though the first day of spring may be weeks away, it is never too late to clean up the cobwebs and debris in the backyard. This article will provide a few tips and suggestions on preparing your yard for spring and summer entertaining.

Make Repairs to Gazebo Metal Frame

Before you can fully enjoy the warmth and sunshine of the outdoors, and before you dust off the Garden Winds replacement canopy from your storage box in the garage, check your gazebo frame for any signs of damage to the metal. Check the corner supports for rust or wear. Second, check the perimeter of your frame, where the canopy attaches, for any differences in the structure. You may want to purchase a can of rust inhibitor, such as Rust-oleum. Before spraying, remove any rust that’s developed on the frame with a wire brush or sandpaper. Clean the area with soap and water, rinse, and let it dry. Apply Rust-oleum by spraying an even coating onto the clean area on the metal frame. Wipe off the excess with a clean, dry cloth, and reapply every 6 months, if needed.

Clean the Deck

With wind, rain, and snow storms, a lot of dirt and gunk, such as grime, pollen, fungus, and mildew, can accumulate on the surface of a patio deck. Use either a deck cleanser that can be purchased from a local hardware store, or create your own homemade cleaning formula: add a cup of laundry detergent to one gallon of hot water. To kill the growth of moss or mildew on the deck, you can add a half cup of chlorine bleach. Use a bristled brush, and in a circular motion, work on the area that needs cleaning. After, hose off the entire deck and allow to dry completely.

If that sounds like too much work, you can also rent a pressure washer. The water that emits from the top of the wand mechanically disturbs the area or surface it touches. That is how the pressure washer cleans. Though it may clean the surface of a deck faster, one of the disadvantages of using a pressure washer is that it will most likely destroy the surface of the wood.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

The plants and trees endure harsh winds, heavy rain and heavy snow. This is evident by the leaves and twigs, and branches strewn throughout the yard. Do check shrubs, plants, and trees for any signs of winter damage and prune accordingly. The key is to remove the unwanted or broken branch while protecting the stem or trunk of the tree or shrub. Make sure to remove any branches that have fallen on the floor, including the removal of deadwood.

Wash the Windows

The aftermath of winter weather leaves your outdoor windows dirty and gloomy, that you are not able to look outside. This nasty residue makes your windows look gross. If screens accompany the windows, make sure to clean those first. Remove the screens from the window frame and gently clean it by scrubbing it with soap and water, and then gently hosing it off. Allow the screen to dry before placing it back onto the window frame.

For the windows, you may want to use a cloth or sponge with mild soap and water when cleaning the outside part. Rinse with water from the house. You may want to repeat the first step again, just in case you were not able to remove the dirt from the first scrubbing.

Garden Winds has a growing selection of home and gardening needs for your home. Whether it is a replacement canopy, solar lights, or gardening tools, count on us to help you make your outdoor space a fun and exciting one. Visit us today!