With spring coming into full bloom, you may be wondering how to prepare your patio and modern outdoor furniture for springtime. As the final bout of cold or snowy weather comes to a close, prepping your patio for the rain and sunshine that comes with the spring season will save you time and money in the long run. Additionally, you will want your patio to be ready for you and your loved ones as soon as the weather warms up. In this article, you will find 9 easy steps to make sure your patio is weather-proofed and ready for those sunny afternoons with your friends and family.
Pressure Wash Your Patio
One of the best ways to prepare your patio for the springtime is to pressure wash the cement patio and walkways. Since your outdoor patio furniture is still covered, you will have ample room to wash away any salt stains or dirt that has accumulated over the wintertime, giving your patio a fresh and clean look. As an extra step, you can pressure wash your siding for an extra bright look.
Clean Your Outdoor Furniture Set
Even if you’ve made the wise decision to cover your outdoor furniture during the winter season, giving your furniture a good wipe down will ensure that it’s free of any dust that may have gathered underneath the covers. Use a rag soaked in some mild detergent and lukewarm water to wipe down the legs and arms of your chairs, tables, and other furniture. You can rinse off any soapy residue with a hose, but be sure to use a gentle setting so not to ruin any of the material.
Wash Your Outdoor Furniture Cushions
If you’ve stored your cushions away in the shed or tucked them under the furniture covers, it may be a good idea to run them through a gentle cycle in the washing machine. First, make sure the material is washing-machine-safe, then use mild laundry detergent on the gentle cycle. Let the cushions air dry or throw them in the dryer at a low or medium temperature.
Plant Flowers
Beautiful gardens start in the late springtime. With the April showers, your seeds will be sure to receive plenty of watering, making mid to late springtime an ideal time to plant them (make sure your region is frost-free around this time!) Use a rake or trowel to prepare the soil for the seeds. Be sure to rip out any deep roots as this will disrupt the growth of your flowers. Planting instructions are specific to the type of flower, so make sure you are following the correct directions. Depending on your region, some of the best flowers to plant during this time can include:
- Perennials – hostas, daylilies, chrysanthemum, & more
- Azaleas & Camellias
- Tulips
- Forget-me-nots
- Wallflowers
- Wildflowers
- Trees & shrubs
Refresh Your Mulch
This simple step can make such a difference for your landscaping. Shovel out any old, faded mulch into yard waste bins. Pin down or repair any loose weed barrier fabric and pour down some fresh, new mulch. This will make your recently pressured-washed patio truly pop against the bright, new mulch. Make sure not to bury any of your recently planted seeds!
Clean Your Barbeque & Buy Propane
Having a BBQ cook-out is a staple of the warmer months and a good way to spend time with friends and loved ones. Prepping your barbeque is a simple process. As a first step, make sure to scrape off any leftover residue on the grill and clean any other debris that may have collected over time. Wipe down the inside and outside of the barbeque with a wet rag. Additionally, as a precaution, make sure the propane valve is free of damage before hooking up the new tank of propane.
Consider Purchasing Outdoor Furniture Covers for Rainy Days
With the spring season, come spring showers! Investing in weather-proof and rain-resistant covers for your outdoor furniture and barbeque will protect your patio set in the long run. Rainwater can be very acidic and ruin various materials – protect your investments with durable covers. Many regions can be affected by hail, as well. Is your table safe from hail? Covers can prevent damage and make prepping for next spring easier and more efficient than ever.
Spray Your Lawn for Weeds & Bugs
Unfortunately, warm weather attracts many species of pests and weeds. Investing in weed repellant will help you achieve the manicured lawn of your dreams! Make sure to do your research and find a repellant that does not harm any native species of grass or plants. There are many organic-based solutions that are safe for your pets and children. Preventing weeds makes overall weed removal much easier – as deep-rooted weeds can be difficult to rip out. Additionally, many insect repellents can help prevent mosquitos, ticks, and other annoying pests, making your backyard more enjoyable for your family and pets.
Update or Upgrade Your Outdoor Furniture Set
With the springtime comes spring cleaning – in with the new, out with the old! Before the warm weather truly rolls in, you can upgrade some of your outdated or damaged outdoor furniture. If any of your furniture was ruined during the winter, you can replace it now. This is also a good time to add any new accessories. For example, twinkle lights can add a cozy ambiance to your patio. Tiki torches can be helpful at thwarting bugs and other pests, making it a more enjoyable environment for your family. Plus, some of the best deals on outdoor furniture sets happen during the off-season – so start shopping now!
Conclusion – How to Prepare Your Patio For Spring
In this article, we covered 9 easy steps to clean, preserve, and prepare your patio for the spring season. Prepping your patio for the springtime does not have to be a stressful process! With these easy steps, you can have your backyard and outdoor patio furniture ready for the warmer weather in no time. Many of these steps include preventive measures which will make preparing for the next spring season even easier. Springtime is the perfect time to make new memories with your friends and family, so make sure your patio is ready today!
