Spruce Up For Spring!

Well it is that time of year again!  The warm weather is here and we need to get out and clean up our yards, porches, decks, patios, outdoor furniture etc, etc!  And since it seems to ALREADY be midsummer(umm, 89 degrees?),  I regret having to inform y'all that you are already behind...so, I thought I would share some tips to help get you started.

1. Maintain/Clean patio and porch furniture-  Most types of furniture can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a large soft brush, then rinsed with a hose.  For wicker and teak furniture, you can use a soft scrub brush and Murphy Oil Soap, then rinse with water. The use of harsh detergents or bleach can actually damage some types of furniture over time.  And you should always hose down your furniture once a week, if possible, to maintain furniture.

modern patio design by new york architect Dufner Heighes Inc
2. Clean out your flower and plant beds- I like to wait until it rains to weed my yard.  We should all do a "once over" in the yard, and pull as many weeds by hand as possible.  This also gives us the opportunity to check out our beds and see where we are starting to get good regrowth from our perennials! It also gives us a chance to turnover the soil in the beds.

traditional landscape design by portland landscape architect Samuel H. Williamson Associates
3. Clean out your gutters- This task can be tough for is those with 2 or more floors!  But for those with homes on all one level, it would be wise to get up there and see what is going on and clean out any major clogs or problem areas!
4. Clean your deck-  If you have one, go ahead and get it done!  you will be happy that you tackled it and you can move forward with the grilling and relaxing!  Olympic Premium deck cleaner will work well and let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.

modern patio design by san francisco architect Fulcrum Structural Engineering
5. Declutter your garage- Now this can be a big one, depending on the condition of your garage.  If you can take on the garage and clean it out and sweep the floors, Go For It!  If not, then you can take on the areas that you use the most or the areas that may be cluttering the entrance to your home.  By tackling these targeted areas, it is not as overwhelming, but it will make a big difference when you pass by it everyday!

traditional exterior design by minneapolis architect Murphy & Co. Design
6. Clean your windows! I plan on taking off my screens, cleaning my windows and then leaving my screens off! I want pretty shiny windows for awhile thank you very much!  Use a squeegee and a homeade solution and you will be shocked at the results. Try this: One gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 tsp dish detergent.  You can also add a squirt of lemon, if you have it.  Make sure you wash windows in the shade, as well.

traditional bedroom design by new york architect Crisp Architects
7. Wash away the winter grime- sweep your sidewalk and driveway and use a pressure washer, if you have one.  If not, hose them down and scrub any specific areas that need it and move on!

traditional exterior design by other metros design-build Witt Construction
8. Scrub your grill- soak grill grates in warm soapy water. scrape inside the hood and clean the sides with a grill brush.  Hose off the grates and scrub them.

modern patio design by boston appliances Clarke

If you are able, then purchase a new inexpensive door mat and a flowering shrub or plant to place next to your main entry!  Now it is time to start the grilling!  If you have any special cleaners or methods that you would like to share, please let us know!

traditional entry design by san francisco architect ACANTHUS Architecture & Design, San Francisco, CA