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Budget Friendly Backyard Cleanup #ChurchandDwight

We are hot on the heels of the first long weekend of the summer. That means backyard time and relaxing by the pool. If all goes well and the pool company gets here in time to hook up the new heater it means relaxing IN the pool actually. FINGERS crossed. But before any fun can happen the backyard cleanup has to take place.

Last week, on Mother’s Day, I asked my family to help get the lawn furniture out of storage. That was really all I wanted for Mother’s Day. They took me out for dinner afterwards and bought me flowers and a treat. But mostly I wanted the patio organized. In the summer months, my patio is my outdoor office. My yard is my oasis.

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 Backyard Basics: Budget-friendly Backyard Cleanup

If you’ve visited your local home and garden store in the last few weeks, you have probably noticed that it’s SPRING!!  BBQs, patio furniture and flowers are for sale all over! And spring is pretty much just an opening act for summer here. But, before the summer fun starts you need to kick off the dust and the cobwebs and do a little backyard cleanup.

My daughter and I both lifted several of the lounge chairs and the patio set onto the deck. And my husband retrieved most of the pieces from the shed, where they were stored over the winter. Although everything was out of the cold snowy and wet weather, it most definitely needed a cleaning. The table was so dusty!!

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Unless you are made of money, or your patio gear is broken and really old, there’s really no need to replace the patio gear. Most of your patio gear is probably in decent shape. It just needs a little love and a spit shine so to speak. So, if you haven’t done so yet, it’s time for backyard cleanup.

Here are a few simple, budget-friendly tips and tricks will help to make everything old look new again.

1.      Make old, new again. There’s nothing worse than removing your patio furniture cushions from storage and realizing they’re all stained. Before you think about tossing them, give them a clean. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water and let the cushion covers soak for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. Wash as normal and your cushions should come out stain-free and looking brand new.

2.      Win the weeding war. Did you know that watering your weeds makes it easier to pull them out? If it hasn’t rained in a few days, water your weeds before yanking them. Fun fact: If the soil is moist, you are also less likely to disturb any plants nearby.

3.      Save with a little scrubbing. There’s a simple solution for removing dirt, grime and stains from patio furniture and even your deck. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water (following the instructions on the package) and apply the solution to almost anywhere. Let stand for a few minutes and scrub as needed. It will leave everything looking neat and clean again.

4.      Wheel your way to wonderful. Re-arranging rather than replacing is also a good way to give new life to your backyard. Move planters and patio furniture to different spots within your space to give it a wonderful new look and feel. Wheels your furniture around, if it has wheels. It doesn’t eliminate all the hard work, but will put less strain on your back.

Don’t Suffer After Backyard Cleanup is Done

After a weekend of weeding and wheeling, your back, arms, legs might be aching with pain. Take a warm bath after the work is done. Before going to bed, rub and soothe your sore muscles (all of them!) with Rub A535 Extra Strength Heating Cream. This product works fast and is non-greasy so you can put it on right before going to bed and it won’t stain sheets.

I often boost my yoga and fitness classes this time of year, especially if my back gets sore from things like backyard cleanup. Extra stretching time helps as well.

Have you started prepping your backyard for summer?

I am a Church and Dwight ambassador and as such I am compensated. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

15 Comments

  • Monica Parlee

    We dug our patio furniture out a week or two ago, and like yours, it all needed a good wipe down. I swear by OxiClean products and ALWAYS have them on hand!

  • Laura

    I didn’t know that pulling weeds was easier to do if they’re watered, great tip. We’ve done all the Spring yard maintenance and we’re waiting for it to warm up so we can start on the garden and re-staining the deck.

  • Melanie

    I did have cleaned up my back yard for the summer. I discovered that I needed a new cover for my patio gazebo. I ordered one and hopefully it will be here soon. That is all that i need to complete sprucing up the back yard.

  • Jenn @ EngineerMommy

    OUr backyard looked like a mess after a long and messy winter. We needed to really scrub down all our patio furniture. Our table and chairs were covered in dirt, debris and pollen. These are great tips for restoring everything to a like-new condition.

  • lisa

    We need to dig out our patio stuff and revamp our whole backyard. The weather has done a job on our backyard, I’m going to grab me some OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover and try and clean my cushions, boy do they need it I’m sure!

  • gingermommy

    We spend a lot of time outdoors. Every year we buy a new piece but try to keep our old stuff in good shape so it lasts. OxiClean has brought new life to my patio furniture. I think the family will be working in the yard this weekend. If I feel up to it, I may do some gardening

  • Olivia

    Lol, my wish for Mother’s Day was to have the house cleaned up! (Great minds and all that.) I need another occasion to ask for my yard to get set up too.

  • Tina Butler

    We have teens that can help, so we are not on our own like it used to be. We just gave our patio furniture a face lift by painting it. A hot bath is always a must after yard work. Oh goodness the next day is always a sore one. I will have to look into the healing cream.

  • Censie Sawyer

    It looks so nice! I am really ready to get our backyard and deck ready for our summer celebrations but it is SNOWING here in Denver now. UGH! We are ready to get cleaning!! Love your yard space. So nice!

  • Roch

    It’s nice that the Rub A535 Extra Strength Heating Cream. is not greasy. I hate it when the cream or any healing solution gets into my shirt and in some cases, put a mark on it that’s hard to wash off.

  • Erinn Sluka

    We just did a major backyard cleanup as we are moving in June so wanted to leave it i great shape for the new tenants. I love refreshing the outdoor space.