Spring is finally here! The anticipation of sunny afternoons and cool summer nights is just as exciting as this same time last year. While you are busy decluttering your house and finishing the final touches of your spring cleaning, there is one more project to add to your list that will make your family barbeques and quiet nights that much more enjoyable.

That’s right, it is time to clean up your patio. A clean patio provides the perfect setting for family gatherings and is the perfect way to give the exterior of your house a makeover. This particular project might seem like a lot of work but following these easy tricks will get your outdoor living space ready for entertainment and relaxation in no time.

Tidy Up the Area

After a long winter, it is common for debris to pile up and accumulate in unique places. Dead leaves, branches, and trash can be blown in during winter storms. It is important to tidy up your patio area, get rid of clutter, and fully discard any debris that may have built up. Failure to do so will create unwanted mold that has the potential to provide housing for pests, give off unpleasant smells, and eat away at your patio or furniture.

What Cleaning Products to Use

When cleaning up your patio, you should consider using eco-friendly products. The safest products to use outdoors are natural products, ahem... MamaSuds Castile Soap or the All-Purpose Cleaner will work perfectly. These environmentally friendly cleaning supplies do not release harmful toxins into the air which have the potential to poison nearby plants, animals, pests, and even humans.

If you are struggling to know where to start, water is an excellent way to begin the cleaning process. Power washing your patio is a very effective, environmentally friendly, and easy way to get the area clean more quickly. After you have power-washed your patio, you will be surprised by how much of a difference your efforts have already made.

Clean Your Outdoor Furniture

Environmental elements can be tough on furniture. That is why there are different types to withstand different environmental factors. Depending on the type of furniture you have, you should frequently clean and protect it to promote longer use. Metal furniture has the propensity to rust and must be dried off from any moisture like a storm or after the sprinklers have been running. Direct sunlight can often damage wood furniture.

It is best to keep your furniture in a shaded area, provide protective coverings, and plan on refinishing it from time to time. Properly maintaining your outside furniture will limit the need to replace it, providing an excellent atmosphere for your family and friends to gather.

Repel Pests

There are a variety of ways to repel pests, including spraying frequently and keeping the area free from food and garbage. Some people do not wish to use commercial-grade chemicals to keep out unwanted creatures. There are many other natural ways to repel insects. Methods include using essential oils, planting plants that repel pests, and installing fans in the area. Whichever strategy you use, you will find your summer evenings much more enjoyable when you are not swatting away bugs every few minutes.

Wasp Traps

In addition to repelling pests, you should prevent wasps from burrowing in your patio area. When cleaning, look for any wasp nests and dispose of them safely. Early morning or evening is the best time to discard a nest. Keep an eye on areas like wood furniture or places with small tunnels, that is where they are most likely to build a nest. You might also choose to place wasp nests around the area for added safety and enjoyment. Keep in mind, it is much easier to catch the wasps early on rather than figure out a way to combat a large nest.

Bird Feeders

Now that you have successfully created a boundary to keep all of the unwanted pests, you should think about preparing a space for the wildlife you do want. Bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses are an excellent way to bring harmless wildlife into your backyard. It is easy to identify the common species in your area and their preferences online. By creating a place for birds to come to visit, you can spend hours watching the little creatures enjoy themselves.

Seal Your Patio

Most experts recommend you seal your patio every two to three years. Frequency depends on the type of stone or wood and how porous it is. Water and small debris that sneak into the cracks can cause damage to your patio. Especially after the melting and freezing temperatures throughout the winter. Taking the time to seal or refinish your patio will extend its life and keep your backyard looking fresh and inviting.

Fresh Paint

Because your porch is exposed to the outside elements, it is more likely that you will need to add a fresh coat of paint every once in a while. Porch floors, walls, and furniture look best and last longer when they are painted. Committing to paint any worn areas during the spring will help the paint dry more even without freezing or being exposed to too much heat. When selecting paint, be sure to select paint specifically formulated for the outdoors to withstand your environment.

Spring cleaning can be a daunting process. Start by tidying up the area, cleaning and sanitizing your furniture, fix and touch up areas as needed, and finally create a safe place for you and your loved ones to gather. During this process, you will find the fresh air and effort to refresh and encourage you.

Know that every patio is an outdoor expression of who you are and what you enjoy. Whatever your style, a clean patio will help you soak in the sun and experience peaceful relaxation from the comfort of your own home.

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