How to Prep Your Outdoor Spaces for Summer: Expert Tips from the 'Queen of Clean'

In an article published on May 14, 2024, Sam Wylie-Harris shares expert advice from Lynsey Crombie, a home expert and author dubbed the ‘Queen of Clean’, on how to prepare your outdoor spaces for summer. Crombie offers detailed tips for cleaning various outdoor areas and items, including patios, garden furniture, and windows.

For cleaning patios or decking, Crombie suggests starting with a stiff bristle broom to sweep away debris. She recommends treating stubborn stains with specific cleaning products or washing-up liquid, followed by washing with a jet wash or stiff brush with warm soapy water. Once cleaned, the area should be rinsed and allowed to dry.

Garden tools should be inspected, cleaned of any mud, and checked for functionality. Garden gloves and knee boards should be hand washed in warm soapy water.

For garden furniture, Crombie advises sweeping off cobwebs and leaves and washing surfaces with warm soapy water and white vinegar. Stains from bird droppings should be pre-treated with bird poo remover or white vinegar. Rust stains on metal furniture can be treated with tomato ketchup or a rust cleaner, followed by polishing with metal polish or wax. Wooden furniture should be cleaned and treated with orange oil or a wood sealer to nourish and protect the surface.

Garden cushions should be checked for washing instructions; most can be machine washed without bleach or fabric softener and should be air-dried to avoid shrinkage.

For cleaning windows, Crombie recommends doing so on cloudy days to prevent streaking caused by rapid drying in the sun. A cleaning solution of warm soapy water mixed with white vinegar can enhance cleaning effectiveness and achieve a streak-free shine.

Overall, these tips aim to help homeowners prepare and maintain their outdoor living spaces for the summer season.