Now that winter is done and dusted for another year, it’s time to start getting your outdoor area ready for spring. After months of enduring damp weather and less frequent use, your patio or deck may be looking a little worse for wear – but giving it a quick makeover doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here’s how to make spring-cleaning your outdoor area as painless as possible.
De-Grime the Floor
Dust and dirt can build up in your outdoor spaces over winter, especially if you live near the beach or in a busy urban area. Getting rid of this layer of grime as soon as the weather starts warming up is essential to making the most of your patio during spring. Begin by clearing all your outdoor furniture out of the way. Sweep up any dead leaves and neglected pot plants, and then mop the floor using a gentle detergent. You might need to bring in a gurney to get rid of the worst of the grime. Make sure the cleaning products you’re planning to use won’t damage your patio’s flooring materials by checking labels and spot-testing prior to use.
Wash Wooden Furniture
Scrubbing wooden furniture with a soft brush and mild soap can remove any mildew that may have set in over winter (add bleach or vinegar to shift stubborn stains). Once you’re done, wiping a generous layer of wood polish over each piece of furniture can help add extra shine. To prevent your hard work from going to waste, make sure you allow the wood polish to dry completely before placing it outdoors again.
Freshen Up Outdoor Cushions
Forgot to bring your cushions indoors during winter? Everyone loves a good cushion in their outdoor area, but these decorative features don’t fare so well in cold and damp conditions. To banish the last of those drab winter tones, putting any mouldy cushions through the wash can make a huge difference to the appearance of your patio. If winter has done serious damage to your cushions and they’re too far gone to save, give your patio an instant makeover by buying some new ones. Scattering cushions with pretty patterns and bright colours around your outdoor area is a great way to welcome the arrival of spring.
Make Time for Repairs
Whether your patio came off second best in a bad winter storm or is simply starting to show signs of wear and tear, this is the perfect time of year to do repairs. From minor adjustments to complete structural overhauls, repairing faults can make sure your space is both comfortable to entertain in and strong enough to withstand the upcoming storm season. Now that you know how to prepare your patio for the arrival of alfresco living season, check out our gardening tips for spring.
