Prepare Your Patio For Backyard Season

BY WENDY TRUNZ specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

With summer season upon us, the sun is shining and the days are longer. e kids are spending more time outside or possibly at camp, which gives you plenty of time to organize! So enjoy the fresh air while getting your home in tip-top shape. Check out these tips for getting every outdoor space summer ready.

Getting your outdoor space ready to entertain is the first step. Pile up all the cushions and use your vacuum attachment to remove any loose dirt and dust. Add a tablespoon of dish soap to a bucket of warm water and sponge off any stains. Power washing furniture and deck surfaces will refresh their look and feel. Rinse the cushions with plain water, wrap each cushion with a towel to absorb all the moisture and leave them out in the sun to dry thoroughly. Rotate or flip them half way through the day so no moisture remains. A fresh bucket of soapy water can also be used to wipe down teak, aluminum and metal furniture frames.

Check your garden hose, make sure it doesn’t have any holes and that your spray attachment is working properly. If you keep it outside, consider buying either a hose hook (they can be found on Amazon or a reel that can be mounted to the side of your home). If you prefer to tuck it away in your garage or shed, invest in an outdoor hideaway box. It keeps the hose from getting tangled and is a nice compact way to transport it in and out. Either way, it will look a lot better and keep the wrestling matches to a minimum.

Cooking with a dirty barbecue can be dangerous because built-up grease is the primary cause of grill fires. There are many convenient and effective grill cleaning services in the area that will remove harmful carcinogens, enhance the safety, and restore the appearance of your grill.

If you frequently host gatherings in your backyard that means significant garbage accumulation. To increase the life and decrease the smell of your garbage cans, purchase thick black trash bags to house the trash in between sanitation pickups. That way if anything leaks, there’s an extra layer of protection.

Create a cozy gathering nook. Once you’ve prepared your outdoor space, it’s time to create an inviting spot to gather with friends and family. Accessorize your existing outdoor furniture by adding comfy and colorful pillows and blankets. Even add a wicker basket with extra pieces to make sure your guests are kept warm during those chillier summer nights. Finally, add a pop of color with a fun outdoor rug—it truly brings the space together.

Now pour yourself an ice cold drink and enjoy the sunshine, happy summer.

—Wendy Trunz is a partner and head organizer at Jane’s Addiction Organization in Port Washington.