Now that the weather is warming up here in Southern California, we are preparing for summer. We like to spend time outdoors and every spring, our backyard needs some attention because of all the rain and wind we get here in Orange County. Today I' sharing my summer cleaning tips. These are the things I do to prepare our house and yard for summer time.
It is important to take care of furniture, grills and other backyard components so that they last a long time and provide lots of years of good use. It is easy to let some things go, but in my experience, things lasted longer when they are well-maintained and cleaned.
Summer Cleaning Tips for the Outdoors
Outdoor Seating - We have some outdoor cushions that get dirty from the moisture and leaves that blow around the area. I have found that the best way to clean these is to spot clean with a delicate cleaner and then wash with a hose. Be sure to check the fabric directions before you do this. I also like to spray my cushions with fabric protector once the fabric dries.
Concrete - Our backyard is the home to some bird nests and although I absolutely love hearing the birds chirp in the morning, they leave quite a mess on our concrete. They come every year and build mud nests that eventually come down with the rain in winter. I use just a little dish soap with water and a good brush to clean the area where they left their droppings. I use a towel to soak up the cleaning water, then finish off with a powerwash.
Barbeque Grill - Our BBQ grill is cleaned after each use, but before summer we like to really clean the outside and grates. A wire brush is best for the grill to get all the residue off. Oven cleaners work great for grills once they are removed. Be sure to check your grill's manufacturer directions and ensure that the grill is off and cool before attempting to clean it. Similar cleaning techniques also work for firepits and fire features.
Rain gutters - This is the time to get all of the leaves and such out of the gutters so that they are ready for the next season. While we did not get a lot of rain last year, the Santa Ana winds blew quite a bit. It is amazing how many leaves and twigs get caught in the gutters.
Outdoor Light Fixtures - Since we will be spending time outdoors in the evening, I like to clean out any little critters that may have made these their home during fall and winter. The glass panels are easier to clean if you clean them regularly.
Water Features - We have a fountain in our backyard and this is another area that collects leaves and branches. If you have a pool or spa, you are probably on top of the maintenance. Now is the time to stock up on extra chemicals that you might need this summer.
Pest Control - If you have some pest strips or old citronella candles from last year, replace them with new ones for the upcoming season. Be sure to place in safe areas away from pets and children.
Ceiling Fans - Now is the perfect time to dust off those ceiling fans before all the dust that lands on them get blown all over the place. I find that dusting with feather dusters is effective, but to really get the dust off, they need to be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Air Filters - These should be changed more often than once a year, but in case you have gotten behind schedule, this is a great time to do it. Before the air conditioner starts running, cleaning the filters will allow for more productive airflow and a healthier environment.
Door Tracks - With all the traffic going in and out of the back door, this is a great time to clean the door track. Talk about gross, it amazes me how dirty these tracks can get. I use a spray cleaner for these. They never get quite as clean as I would like.
We hope you found these summer cleaning tips helpful. Are any of these items on your summer cleaning list? How do you clean for summer?
Karen
can you come clean my outside? LOL. if it wasn't for spiders and bugs, I would be okay cleaning out there.
Organizedisland
He he! I am sure that could be arranged. Yes, I do not like spiders either Karen! Hope you are doing well!
Nicole
Great tips and reminders! It is so easy to forget these things if you don't plan to get them done. Then they get forgotten, and things get nasty and mildewed...gross!
I'd love to have you share this on my blog party going on right now. We are chatting about home improvements: the DIY homemaker kind! This would be a great resource for my readers! http://nicoleslifeafter20.blogspot.com/2013/06/home-improvement-diy-homemakers-edition.html
Thanks, hope to see you over there! =)
Organizedisland
Hi Nicole! Gross is right - better to be proactive. Than you for stopping by! I will check out your blog.
Stephanie @ Diary of a Debutante
These are ALL of my summer cleaning list... ugh! Great list, though! Just a depressing reminder of all the things I need to do this weekend. Found you from the SITS Sharefest, and I'd love for you to drop by and visit my blog if you get the chance. Have a fabulous weekend!
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.stephanieziajka.blogspot.com
Organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! Hope your weekend is going great too!
Andrea
Birds have completely massacred my outdoor seating. I think I'll ask the hubby to hose it down next week. Thanks for the tip! #sitssharefest Andrea @ be-quoted.com
Organizedisland
Yes, those birds sure can make a big mess! Thanks for stopping by!
Tanya Schroeder
Thank you for this! We moved 8 months ago and this house is in serious need of a good scrubbing! Thanks for this!
Organizedisland
Congrats on your recent move Tanya! That is always such a big job.
Susan
What a great reminder, especially about remember to clean the outdoor lights (I never remember them). Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.
Organizedisland
Thanks for stopping by Susan! Love your blog 🙂
Natasha in Oz
I'll have to come back and revisit this post when summer arrives Down Under!
Thank you for linking up to Say G’Day Saturday. This weekend’s party has just started so I hope you can join in again!
Best wishes for a great weekend,
Natasha in Oz
Organizedisland
Thank you Natasha! Hope you have a great weekend too!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes
Great list! Thanks so much for sharing at All my Bloggy Friends - I can't wait to see what you share this week!
Tamara
what a smart post. Most of these things just get on my nerves with disrepair. Summer cleaning is as important as spring cleaning! All that outdoor living!
Akaleistar
These are great tips for when the weather warms up!
Raquel
Thanks Ashley!
Darryl Swenson
Thanks Raquel! I've always been trying to find a way to effectively clean my outdoor cushions on my patio... They always get so dirty haha. Upholstery cleaning is essential summer cleaning.
Raquel
Than you Darryl!