Get It Done: Prep and Clean the Patio
As I look outside now I’m discovering that what is coated in bright yellow green, and I’m excited about the day that the pollen count dips below 4,000 so I will start cleaning it up and appreciating my outside space. If your pollen count is lower than ours here in Atlanta, and you are not still undergoing winter weather, this might be a great weekend to get the patio prepped for spring, summer and fall. Here’s a task list to keep you on track.
Westover Landscape Design, Inc..
Ways to Receive Your Own Patio Ready for Warm Weather
Approximate time: One weekend
Materials needed: Hose, window cleaner, dish detergent, duster, paper towels, rags, sponge, paper, broom, painting materials for furniture (if necessary), plants and dirt for baskets, clippers
Black + Vernooy Architects
Clean the ceiling and fan. First get your patio accessories and furniture from the way. If you have a covered patio with a lover, get out the extended duster using the extender and sweep out all the dust and crud that accumulate up there. Do the same. Do this first, which means you won’t have to wash the floor.
Glenna Partridge Garden Design
Obtain your watering system ready. Whether you use a watering can or pull the hose out and then turn the water back on for your outside faucets, your plants will need maintenance during the hot months.
Note: Shop watering cans under a piece of furniture or overhang and make sure they are empty when not in use. This prevents creating a mosquito breeding ground.
Utah Landscaping
Hose things down. Now that the hose is outside, hose down everything with the nozzle full blast.
Scot Eckley, Inc..
If your patio is gravel, then give it a good raking to straighten things out and eliminate debris. I refuse to recommend using a leaf blower, as the continuous cacophony of them around my area is the bane of my existence, but blow if you must. For cleaner air elect for a electric one versus petrol.
450 Architects, Inc..
Banish weeds. If you have a loose flagstone terrace, then do weed control between the stones. Pull up weeds from the roots or douse them with water. If you have loose gravel between stones, wash it up and place the renegades back into their places.
Clinton & Associates, PC Landscape Architects
Clean up encompassing plants. Trim any ornamental trees, hedges and other plants that are overstepping their bounds.
Cathy Carr, APLD
Prep the furniture.
Remove cushions and provide a good dusting; sweep and wash down your furniture prior to checking its state.If it is painted and starting to peel, then give it a sanding and a fresh coat of paint. If it’s wicker, use spray paint.If it is metal, you may require a wire brush and special paint designed for metal furniture, like Rust-Oleum. If it’s wood, determine whether it needs staining or another protective wood finish.
Denise McGaha Interiors
Launder your own cushions. Wash or place clean upholstery. Remove slipcovers and wash them or send them into the dry cleaner, based on the care directions.
If the fabric still looks bad, it is time to pull out the sewing machine or call the seamstress and also have fresh covers created in a weatherproof fabric. While the inserts are nude, provide them a good inspection; if they have become moldy, it is time to replace these as well.
Symmetry Architects
Get out the glass cleaner. If you have glass-top tables, give them a detailed wipe-down, towards the upper and bottom of this table.
Tip: Do one around using a duster or rag for up the loose dirt, then finish it off with window cleaner and paper to reduce streaks.
Prepare to heat up evenings outside. If you have a wood-burning exterior fireplace, then wash it out. Please never ever ever throw out ashes unless you wet them down or haven’t burnt anything in there for months.
Make your woodpile organized and neat. The pile itself can add rustic feel to the patio, so think about it as a layout component.
Faith Sheridan
Organize your patio things. Whether you have a storage chair or an adjoining potting bench, wash it out, donate fresh items and arrange everything.
Spinnaker Development
Wash your patio umbrella. Spread it out and clean any cobwebs. Wipe it with a dry rag, then use a mixture of a mild detergent, like dish detergent, and warm water to wash it. For tougher mildew spots, add a little vinegar and lightly work on them using a brush, then rinse with water. Be sure that the umbrella has completely air dried prior to folding it back up.
markdesign, llc
If you have shade sails, it is time to put them up.
Mark pinkerton – vi360 photography
Prepare for grilling. You are on a cleaning roll; make that grill cleaned out and wash and arrange the barbecue tools so you are going to have them close at hand.
Westover Landscape Design, Inc..
Hit on the nursery. Pick up seeds plants and dirt for your pots. Have fun mixing different species; test out the labels for flower colors and peaks when planning your planters and pots.
Get the no-fail formulation for grouping plants in baskets
Scott Brinitzer Design Associates
Pay attention to sun and shade requirements and strategy the pot placement accordingly.
The Refined Group
Bring the candles out. Clean the glass out hurricanes, assess your candle stock, catch some fresh citronellas if your patio is buggy and hit on Ikea to buy tea lights in bulk.
CAROLE MEYER
Add other accessories. Treat your patio as you would a room inside and bring out vases, art and sculpture for added style.
Elevation Architectural Studios
You got it done! Now reward yourself. Open up that bottle of wine, light up the flame pit and put your feet up. Your patio is ready for outside living.