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.
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!!
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.