What to Clean Before the Summer Fun Begins

Summer is almost here, and that means it’s nearly time for the summer fun to start. Before you can enjoy the warm, delightful time outdoors, you’ve got some cleaning to do! Cleaning up your outdoor spaces makes the joy of spending time outside even more rewarding, so roll up your sleeves, break out the cleaning products, and get started!

Grill and Fire Pits

Fire up your grill to high heat, and run the grill for about 15 minutes. This helps burn off any food and debris that may have been stuck to the grills. Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean away any remaining debris on your grill.

Uncover the fire pit, then scoop up ashes, chunks of charcoal, and other bits of debris. Are there benches nearby? Clear off the benches and check to ensure they’re in good condition to use.

Pool (If You Have One)

If you’re a pool owner, you know that opening your pool for the season is a process. Fill the pool with water, insert the plugs, clean all filters, shock the water with chlorine, clean your pool cover and put it away. If you typically hire a pool cleaning service to do this for you, get them on the schedule now.

Patio and Outdoor Furniture

Patio and outdoor furniture left outside for the season need to be cleaned up before they can be used. Tighten any loose screws on metal furniture. Scrub down your furniture to remove any stains or debris from the water. Melamine sponges and multi-purpose cleaner works well for plastic furniture.

If your furniture was in the garage for the winter, check it inside and out for cobwebs. Dust and clean with a multi-purpose cleaner. Wash any cushions, following the washing instructions included on the tag.

Windows and Screens

Use commercial window cleaner to clean your windows inside and out. Take out the screens and wash them with a hose. Use a sponge with mild soapy water to clean any dirt and debris from the screens, then rinse and allow to dry before putting the screens back in place.

Refrigerator(s)

Kids are home for the summer. You’ll probably be doing more cooking and potentially hosting guests, so clean your refrigerators (all of them!). Take out all food and drawers, and clean all surfaces with antibacterial cleaner. Dry the surfaces before replacing food in the fridge.