When you’re soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the outdoors, it’s easy to overlook the areas that need a good clean. As the seasons change, it’s a great time to take a look around and give some attention to these commonly ignored outdoor spaces.
Don’t let dirt and grime build up in places you rarely think about. Here are seven of the most often forgotten—and dirtiest—outdoor items, along with the easiest ways to clean them.
1. Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture takes a beating from the elements, not to mention popsicle drips and sunscreen stains. But with a few basic supplies, it can look brand new again.
Plastic Furniture
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Mix a solution of 75% distilled white vinegar and 25% water in a spray bottle. Spray onto moldy areas and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
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Combine one gallon of warm water with 1/4 cup of dish soap in a bucket.
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Place furniture on a tarp and scrub top to bottom with a soft-bristle brush dipped in soapy water. Sprinkle some baking soda on the sponge for gentle abrasion to tackle tough stains.
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Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Outdoor Cushions & Umbrellas
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Use a vacuum with an upholstery brush or stiff brush to remove loose dust and dirt.
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Mix 1/4 cup of dish soap with 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket.
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Lightly wet the fabric using a hose with a spray nozzle.
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Dip a soft-bristle brush into the solution and scrub from the top down. Rinse your brush frequently, and if it gets too dirty, mix a fresh batch of cleaner.
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Hose everything off and let air dry. Stand cushions upright so they drip dry more easily.
2. Concrete Patios
Check under your grill or welcome mat—you’ll probably spot oil stains and grime. It’s time to clean up that patio or porch.
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Sweep or use a leaf blower to clear loose debris.
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In a bucket, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to create a paste.
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Use a sponge mop to spread the paste over the concrete.
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Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub with a nylon-bristle brush.
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Rinse thoroughly with your garden hose.
3. House Siding
Cleaning off mold, moss, and dirt from your siding can completely refresh your home’s exterior—often without needing a new paint job.
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Cover bushes, AC units, and utility boxes with plastic sheeting.
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Attach a pressure washer to your garden hose using the appropriate nozzle.
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Stand at least 3 feet from the wall and test the pressure to ensure it’s strong enough to clean but not damage the siding.
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Spray from the top down to remove loose dirt. Repeat with a siding-safe cleaner, then rinse well.
4. Exterior Windows
Take advantage of nice weather to clean your outdoor windows and wash away dust, bird droppings, and bug splatters.
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Remove screens and rinse them with a garden hose using a strong spray.
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Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a bucket.
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Use a microfiber mop to apply the solution to windows.
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Dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth, working from top to bottom to avoid streaks.
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Clean and reinstall or store window screens for winter.
5. Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Bugs love outdoor lights—whether it’s string lights or a porch sconce—so regular cleaning is a must.
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Use a sturdy ladder to access the fixture.
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Remove the bulb and any detachable glass pieces. Wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse, and let dry.
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Use a microfiber cloth or duster to remove spiderwebs and loose debris.
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After turning off power, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away stubborn grime.
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Reassemble and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
6. Dryer Vent Exterior
Cleaning your dryer’s exterior vent helps improve efficiency and prevents fire hazards or moisture buildup. It’s quick and should be done 1–2 times a year.
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Clear away any yard debris or overgrown plants around the vent.
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Remove visible lint by hand or with a long wire brush.
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If the vent cover is dirty, soak it in warm soapy water, scrub with a brush, rinse, and dry completely.
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Spray vent flaps with a lubricant like WD-40 to keep them opening and closing smoothly.
7. Gardening Tools
To keep your tools rust-free, sharp, and disease-free, regular cleaning is essential. Don’t forget to clean pots and containers to prevent fungal spread and pests.
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Rinse off loose soil with a garden hose.
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Soak tools in warm, soapy water. Scrub, rinse, and dry.
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Use steel wool to remove rust.
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Disinfect tools by soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of 2 cups bleach and 1 gallon of water. Rinse well and dry completely before storing.
Conclusion:
A bit of routine cleaning goes a long way toward preserving your outdoor furniture, tools, and spaces—and makes your yard more enjoyable and inviting. So before your next BBQ or backyard hangout, give these overlooked areas the attention they deserve!
