Spring Home Maintenance: Revive Outdoor Spaces

Every week, sweep exterior floors with an outdoor push broom. Dust the windowsills, door frames, and ceiling-fan blades using a counter brush.



Every month, wash light-fixture covers. Because insects tend to collect in them, always remove covers to clean them. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing them.

Sweep away cobwebs and debris from walls and ceilings with a corn broom, and wash down the walls with a solution of all-purpose cleaner and water using a large polyester sponge.

 After thoroughly sweeping the floor with an outdoor push broom, scrub away grime with a long-handled deck brush and a solution of all-purpose cleaner and hot water.

You know the number one rule around pools: No running! Here's everything else you should know to avoid slippery falls and unexpected splashes including proper fencing, security measures, and life-saving equipment to keep on hand.

Your pool is a relaxing oasis from the sweltering heat, and to keep things going swimmingly, pool maintenance is key. Before you take the plunge, make sure you've checked everything off this list including balanced chemicals, checking your water levels, and cleaning tips.

If you notice an accumulation of mildew on the floor, scrub with a solution of one part oxygen bleach to three parts water using a deck brush. (Wear protective gloves and goggles.)

 Clean porch screens with warm water and a nonammoniated all-purpose cleaner using a scrub or utility brush, washing the mesh as well as the frame. Rinse the screens thoroughly with a garden hose, and allow them to air dry. Between deep cleanings, whisk away dust and dirt with a handheld vacuum or a soft counter brush.

 Wooden porch floors and steps look best and last longer if they are painted. Paints formulated specifically for porches and floors are latex or oil-based, self-priming, and durable enough to withstand the elements. Painting a porch floor is no different from painting any other surface; you must clean and sand first.

Every week, sweep deck floors and thresholds with an outdoor push broom (or more frequently, if necessary) to remove leaves and other debris. Dust railings and windowsills with a counter brush.

 Always shovel your deck after snowstorms. The weight of snow can damage the deck, and the excess moisture can harm untreated wood.

To wash a deck by hand, first sweep thoroughly and use an old saw blade or putty knife to remove any debris caught between the boards. Next, hose down the deck and scrub it with a long-handled deck brush and a solution of all-purpose cleaner and water, working in strokes that run parallel to the grain of the boards. For tough stains, use a commercial deck brightener or oxalic acid, which lighten dingy, gray wood.

 If you have a large deck or porch, a power washer saves time. This machine uses high-pressured water to blast away dirt, mildew, and some stains. However, power washers can open the pores in untreated wood surfaces, exposing the surface to the elements and decreasing the deck's life span.



Although driveways and walks are utilitarian, they are extensions of the home, and one of the first things people see when entering your property. Regular care of these areas will prevent them from becoming damaged or unsightly. Sweep weekly with an outdoor push or corn broom or rinse with a hose to keep surfaces clean.

Rinse regularly with a spray hose throughout the outdoor season. Allow the awning to air dry thoroughly after cleaning; always open awnings after rain to let them dry thoroughly.

For a deep cleaning, first rinse the awning, then use a long-handled brush to apply a solution of water and mild soap, such as Dr. Bronner's. Rinse again. Clean awnings thoroughly and let them dry completely before storing. Store awnings off the ground to lessen the chance that they will become winter homes for rodents.

Outdoor tables, chairs, and lawn chaises are built from materials that are generally tough enough to withstand sun, rain, and wind. Day to day, they require little more than frequent hosing off.