Fed up with having to clean your outdoor living area every time you entertain? Uncover the best strategies for maintaining the cleanliness of your patio just like your indoor spaces. We’re here to assist you in transforming your exterior space into a gleaming haven that requires minimal upkeep. Prepare to be surprised by the simplicity of it all, following just a handful of straightforward measures!
Table of Contents
Start with a deep clean
Start your maintaining routine with deep cleaning and ensuring that all hard surfaces are neat and orderly. Power washing decks and concrete, the exterior of your home, and outdoor furniture to remove dirt, dust, mud and other debris left behind from wintertime activities is an effective way to begin tackling chores. This can help with the removal of mold spores, mildew, cobwebs and more.
Sweep up any wood chips or leaves as well as other organic material that’s collected due to spring temperatures. Pay extra attention to any decks or walkways that require staining or durable paint for continued protection from the elements in order to maintain it effectively. Cleaning all glass surfaces including patio doors or landscape lighting elements is also a great way to add a new sparkle to your outdoor living space.
- Power wash decks and concrete, exterior of home, and outdoor furniture to remove dirt, dust, mud, and other debris.
- Sweep up any wood chips or leaves as well as other organic material.
- Stain or paint decks and walkways for continued protection.
- Clean glass surfaces including patio doors and landscape lighting elements.
Invest in outdoor furniture covers
Investing in protective furniture covers is a great way to keep your outdoor living space as clean as the inside of your home. Covers are especially helpful if you live in areas that experience winter weather or climates that cause mold and mildew. The covers will offer protection from UV rays, rain, snow and other elements while keeping the furniture cleaning looking and free of debris.
Additionally, purchasing furniture with rust-resistant properties is also beneficial. This can help reduce the need for regular maintenance during harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it’s important to keep up on general maintenance such as wiping down surfaces with damp cloths or using an all-purpose cleaner after each use.
When positioning furniture outdoors, it’s important to consider the placement of items so that they are not directly exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can cause fading and other discolorations over time. If possible, select an area thats shaded from much of the suns rays during peak hours or store furniture indoors during bad weather periods.
Create designated storage spaces
Creating designated storage spaces outside is a great way to keep outdoor areas neat and clutter-free. Make sure to use waterproof containers or furniture that will make your outdoor living space as inviting as possible.
Store larger items such as wooden chairs, umbrellas, tables and other furniture in a shed or garage whenever possible. This will free up the ground space in your yard for more enjoyable activities.
Smaller items such as blankets, throw pillows, toys and play equipment should be kept in sturdy storage bins or on shelves. Storing these items in the garage or shed can help protect them from inclement weather and keep them out of sight when they are not needed.
To further organize items, place labels on each container so you know what goes where at a glance.
Sweep or hose down outdoor surfaces regularly
Sweeping or hosing down outdoor surfaces such as your patio, deck, driveways, and sidewalks is important for maintaining their beauty and structural integrity. Regular sweeping or hosing will help to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate on these surfaces over times. This can help to preserve them from staining, mildewing, rotting, cracking and other negative effects of weather exposure. Taking the time to do this every one to two weeks will make a noticeable difference in the condition of your outdoor living spaces.
In addition to regular sweeping/hosing down hard surfaces, it is also important to keep grassy areas properly manicured and mowed on a regular basis so that they are pleasant to look at. Keeping the lawn regularly trimmed (if you have one) can also help reduce the amount of debris you need to sweep/hose away. Making sure any surrounding trees are taken care of (removing dead branches or trimming back limbs if necessary) can also help keep clutter away from your property lines as well as improve views around your yard area.
Use natural repellents to deter pests
When enjoying your outdoor living space, the last thing you want to deal with is pests. While insecticides and chemical repellents can be an effective way to keep these critters at bay, there are also natural repellents that are safer for your family, pets and environment. Consider using plants and herbs as a first line of defense against unwanted pests in your outdoor living space.
Some of the most common herbs and plants used to repel nuisance insects include lavender, marigold, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, bay leaf and peppermint. These natural repellents can be placed on counters or around the perimeter of a garden or patio area in order to keep insects away without having to resort to harsh chemicals.
It’s also important to ensure any standing water is removed or not allowed in areas where pests could gather. Stagnant pools of water can become breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects so it’s best to make sure no areas have the opportunity for them to take up residence near your living space. Additionally plants that attract pollinators such as butterflies should be kept away from seating areas because they will naturally draw in more insects including bees which could pose a hazard if someone is allergic.
Keep a designated cleaning kit nearby
Keeping a designated cleaning kit for your outdoor areas is just as important as having one for your inside living spaces. Have a utility bucket filled with all the items you need to tackle any mess. Some items to include in the kit may be:
- A broom and dustpan
- Stiff scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Latex gloves
- Dust mask
- Razor scraper/blade
- An extension cord with power plug-in
Keeping all these items together in one spot will make it easier to maintain an outdoor space that looks just like you’d expect your indoor area to look.
Set up a routine for upkeep
Setting up a routine for upkeep of your outdoor living space is essential to maintaining a clean, enjoyable area. Begin by deciding how often you need to clean and when the best time to do it is. Depending on the amount of use your outdoor living space gets, it likely needs some care on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s important that you stay consistent with this routine in order to keep your space looking neat and tidy.
In addition to setting up a schedule for regular maintenance, there are specific cleaning tasks that you can do at certain times throughout the season. For example:
- Sweeping away leaves and other debris every week is important for keeping dirt from getting tracked inside or leaving messes in planters and furniture cushions.
- Washing down hard surfaces with a mild detergent mixed with warm water once or twice a month can help prevent mold growth due to humidity or rain.
- Once winter has passed and spring arrives, scrub cement patios and decks with commercial-grade deck cleaner in order to remove any residue left behind from ice melt used during colder months.
Keeping up with these tasks will ensure that your outdoor living space remains as clean as it was when it was first created!
Utilize outdoor rugs or mats
Rugs and mats are key elements to keeping your outdoor living space clean and inviting. Not only do they provide a pleasant visual effect that can bring any outdoor oasis to life, but they also collect dirt, debris, and moisture that can settle in or on surfaces of furniture or floors.
Strategically positioned rugs or mats allow guests to comfortably access living areas without bringing unwanted dirt in. Creating pathways with decorative floor coverings adds an aesthetically pleasing decor element and serves to vastly reduce the amount of dirt that would otherwise stay outside from entering your space. Additionally, it would be wise to opt for a waterproof or water-resistant rug since it will remain vulnerable rain and spores.
It is helpful to have an appropriate mat for an entry point so guests can wipe their feet before entering.
Consider adding outdoor waste bins
Adding outdoor waste bins can be a great way to ensure that your outdoor living space remains as clean and safe as your indoor living space. Even if animals and insects are not an issue in your area, excluding littering humans, having an additional source of waste collection can be very helpful in reducing messes in your yard.
Ideally, you should consider purchasing two garbage bins – one for general garbage and another for recyclable materials – with lids on both to prevent pests from getting inside. With the addition of these containers outdoors, you can avoid leaving opened bags of trash that were intended for inside the house but were left outside due to lack of a container or bin.
Furthermore, adding bins that specifically label what they are intended to hold can help people make responsible choices when disposing their waste materials outside. For example, if you have labeled one bin for recycling and another for general garbage disposal it will encourage people to make use of the correct bin instead of potentially putting recycle material in a general garbage bin or vice versa.
In addition to helping keep your outdoor living space clean by preventing messes from visitors or family members, it is also beneficial for keeping pests at bay which is an essential part of keeping any backyard safe and comfortable throughout the year.
Encourage guests to follow guidelines for a clean outdoor space
Creating a welcoming outdoor living space is great for entertaining guests, but it’s important to maintain a clean and organized area in order to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience. You can help keep your outdoor living space as clean as inside by implementing some simple guidelines and having your guests help keep it tidy while they enjoy themselves.
- Encourage guests to take care of their own trash: Set up cans throughout the area where people can easily dispose of used plates, cups, or any food waste. This helps eliminate clutter and keeps animals away.
- Keep communal items neat and organized: People naturally set down things when they visit so it’s important to provide plenty of surfaces for seating and holding objects. Make sure these surfaces are lightweight yet durable so that people can quickly move them around if needed.
- Utilize outdoor rugs: Use rugs that can be easily picked up, shaken off outside, and hung up indoors if necessary during high-traffic periods or bad weather. This will minimize dirt track-in from outside and help keep the area much cleaner in between guest visits.
Hire a professional cleaning company
Hiring a reliable and experienced professional cleaning company is one of the best ways to ensure that your outdoor living space is as clean and comfortable as possible. Professional cleaners can use specialized equipment to handle a wide range of jobs, making them ideal for deep-cleaning patios and decks, power washing siding, cleaning furniture and even maintaining pools. They are also well-versed on the latest techniques, products, and safety precautions to avoid any damage or accidents.
Additionally, they can provide advice on how to keep all outdoor spaces tidy in the future. Trusting an experienced professional cleaner not only saves you time but also ensures that your outdoor living area is always refreshed and looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for keeping outdoor living spaces clean?
Some tips for keeping outdoor living spaces clean include regularly sweeping or vacuuming hard surfaces, using a power washer to clean outdoor furniture and surfaces, and cleaning up spills and messes as soon as they occur. Additionally, it’s important to keep outdoor spaces free of clutter, as it can attract dirt and dust.
How often should outdoor furniture be washed?
Outdoor furniture should be washed at least once a month, or more frequently if it is in an area that receives a lot of sun or rain. Power washing is the best way to make sure all areas of the furniture are clean.
What is the best way to clean up spills in an outdoor living space?
Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Depending on the type of spill, you may need to use a combination of soap, water, and an absorbent material such as paper towels to clean it up. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a specialized cleaning product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing and sticking to a cleaning routine for your outdoor living space will help you enjoy it throughout the year. Start by choosing an area such as cleaning furniture and accessories before moving on to other areas. Be sure to clean any items that are used frequently or stored in the outdoors, such as grills, hammocks, birdbaths, and lawnmowers.
Make sure you regularly remove any dirt or debris that accumulates in your outdoor space. Ensuring your area is properly swept, vacuumed or hosed down can not only help you keep up with its freshness but can also provide a safer environment for family and pets.
Lastly, don’t forget to take precautions against pests; use traps in wood or material-based furniture such as cedar chests that are located outside. Doing all these things will lead to a cleaner outdoor living space that will last for years of enjoyment.
