Quick Tip List: Patio & Deck Cleaning

< Back to Helpful Tips

Spring is here, which means you’ll spend more time in the backyard during the next few months. After a long winter, you’re probably ready for reading a book on the patio with a cool drink, or enjoying some snacks with friends around the fire pit.

Your patio is an extension of your home, so it is important to keep it well-maintained. Taking time now to freshen up your outdoor space will help you be prepared for your first backyard BBQ of the summer! Breaking the cleaning schedule into smaller jobs is also a great way to get the most done in less time.

Get ready for patio season with these 6 task tips:

1. Clean off your patio or deck. Using a wide broom or a handheld leaf blower, remove leaves, dust and debris that has built up over the winter. Clear off smaller debris with a hose. If there are stains and oily spots, using a power washer loaded with cleaning solution will help get rid of any major stains and marks for a refreshed surface. If you have a ceiling fan over your patio, use a broom or a duster to clean the ceiling fan blades. Wipe down your patio furniture with a damp towel or a microfiber cloth.

2. Inspect your space, structures and furniture. Look to see if anything needs staining, painting or filling, or any repairs are needed to any wood structures, like a pergola or wooden deck. If you didn’t shelter your patio cushions for winter, check for tears or stains.

3. Evaluate shade & lighting. An umbrella can give some welcome shade for afternoon gatherings or while relaxing. Hanging strands of string lights or placing solar lights along the perimeter of your patio can help enhance your evenings. If you feel like making bigger changes, we have some suggestions for creating a relaxing but functional environment outdoors.

4. Choose your upgrades. Maybe you have outgrown your old seating arrangement and need a larger dining set or want to add something for entertaining, like a fire pit. If you noticed a lot of clutter throughout last summer, deck boxes will really help your space look tidier.

5. Accessorize. Your patio is an extension of your home. Adding colorful pillows, pottery and even an outdoor rug are economical ways to renew the look of your outdoor living space. Classic Tiki torches can give a tropical vibe, but also help reduce bugs wanting to crash your party.

6. Clean the grill. Wipe down the exterior surfaces of your grill and use hot soapy water and a grill brush to get the leftover mess off your grill grates. Vacuum all the debris that has fallen from the firebox with a shop vacuum. If you have a gas grill, make sure to clean the burners as well. Remove any cobwebs and dust. Then check the connections to make sure they are in good shape. Chef Jason has a step-by-step video you can watch to learn how to do it correctly.

Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy a clean, welcoming outdoor space all summer long.