Get It Done: Clean and Prep the Patio
Haul out the hose and bid cobwebs farewell. It's time to renew your outdoor room for relaxing, dining and entertaining
As I look outside today I'm noticing that everything is coated in bright yellowish green, and I'm looking forward to the day that the pollen count dips below 4,000 so I can start cleaning it up and enjoying my outdoor space. If your pollen count is lower than ours here in Atlanta, and you are not still experiencing winter weather, this could be a great weekend to get the patio prepped for spring, summer and fall. Here's a task list to keep you on track.
Clean the ceiling and fan. First get your patio furniture and accessories out of the way. If you have a covered patio with a fan, get out the long duster with the extender and sweep out all of the dust and crud that collect up there. Do the same with your ceiling. Do this first, so you won't have to clean the floor twice.
Get your watering system ready. Whether you use a watering can or bring out the hose and turn the water back on for your outdoor faucets, your plants are going to need maintenance during the hot months.
Note: Store watering cans underneath a piece of furniture or overhang and make sure they are empty when not in use. This prevents creating a mosquito breeding ground.
Note: Store watering cans underneath a piece of furniture or overhang and make sure they are empty when not in use. This prevents creating a mosquito breeding ground.
Hose things down. Now that the hose is out, hose everything down with the nozzle on full blast.
If your patio is gravel, give it a good raking to straighten things out and remove debris. I refuse to recommend using a leaf blower, as the constant cacophony of them around my neighborhood is the bane of my existence, but blow if you must. For cleaner air opt for an electrical one versus gas.
Banish weeds. If you have a loose flagstone patio, do weed control between the stones. Pull weeds up by the roots or douse them with boiling water. If you have loose gravel between stones, clean it up and put the renegades back in their places.
Clean up surrounding plants. Trim any ornamental trees, hedges and other plants that are overstepping their bounds.
Prep the furniture.
- Remove cushions and give everything a good dusting; sweep and wipe down your furniture before assessing its state.
- If it's painted and starting to peel, give it a sanding and a fresh coat of paint.
- If it's wicker, use spray paint.
- If it's metal, you may need a wire brush and special paint made for metal furniture, like Rust-Oleum.
- If it's wood, determine if it needs staining or another protective wood finish.
Launder your cushions. Wash or spot clean upholstery. Remove slipcovers and wash them or send them to the dry cleaner, depending on the care instructions.
If the fabric still looks bad, it's time to pull out the sewing machine or call the seamstress and have fresh covers made in a weatherproof fabric. While the inserts are naked, give them a good inspection; if they have become moldy, it's time to replace those as well.
If the fabric still looks bad, it's time to pull out the sewing machine or call the seamstress and have fresh covers made in a weatherproof fabric. While the inserts are naked, give them a good inspection; if they have become moldy, it's time to replace those as well.
Get out the glass cleaner. If you have glass-top tables, give them a thorough wipe-down, on the top and bottom of the table.
Tip: Do one round with a duster or rag to get up the loose grime, then finish it off with window cleaner and newspaper to reduce streaks.
Tip: Do one round with a duster or rag to get up the loose grime, then finish it off with window cleaner and newspaper to reduce streaks.
Get ready to warm up evenings outside. If you have a wood-burning outdoor fireplace, clean it out. Please never ever ever throw out ashes unless you thoroughly wet them down or have not burned anything in there for months.
Get your woodpile neat and organized. The pile itself can add rustic texture to the patio, so think about it as a design element.
Get your woodpile neat and organized. The pile itself can add rustic texture to the patio, so think about it as a design element.
Organize your patio items. Whether you have a storage bench or an adjacent potting bench, clean it out, donate unused items and organize everything.
Wash your patio umbrella. Spread it out and clear any cobwebs. Wipe it down with a dry rag, then use a combination of a mild detergent, like dish detergent, and water to clean it. For tougher mildew spots, add a little vinegar and gently work on them with a brush, then rinse with water. Make sure the umbrella has completely air dried before folding it back up.
If you have shade sails, it's time to put them up.
Get ready for grilling. You're on a cleaning roll; get that grill cleaned out and clean and organize the barbecue tools so you'll have them close at hand.
Hit the nursery. Pick up seeds, plants and soil for your pots. Have fun mixing different species; check out the tags for flower colors and heights when planning your planters and pots.
Get the no-fail formula for grouping plants in pots
Get the no-fail formula for grouping plants in pots
Pay attention to sun and shade requirements and plan the pot placement accordingly.
Bring out the candles. Clean out the glass hurricanes, check your candle stock, grab some new citronellas if your patio is buggy and hit Ikea to buy tea lights in bulk.
Add other accessories. Treat your patio as you would a room indoors and bring out vases, artwork and sculpture for added style.
You got it done! Now reward yourself. Open up that bottle of wine, light up the fire pit and put your feet up. Your patio is ready for outdoor living.
Approximate time: One weekend
Materials needed: Hose, window cleaner, dish detergent, duster, paper towels, rags, sponge, newspaper, broom, painting supplies for furniture (if necessary), plants and soil for pots, clippers