The Benefits Of A Quick Rinse For Your Garden

Summer is the perfect season for enjoying the outdoors. Whether it's grilling, dining alfresco, or tending to the flower garden, there's plenty to be excited about. But as the weather warms, you may notice an unsightly trend: When winter and spring have come and gone, you're left with a mess of dirt and pollen covering your chairs, tables, and planters. While you may be tempted to let those heavy summer rains take care of the grime, that won't actually solve the problem. Giving your garden a quick rinse can help you renew your outdoor spaces by removing allergy-inducing pollen, keeping your patio looking and feeling fresh through fall. 

While your plants (and your water bill) may benefit from a good summer storm, the same may not be true of your patio furniture. The hard rain may wash off any bird droppings, but it won't get rid of built-up pollen. It'll also splash additional dirt and debris underneath chairs, on the sides of flower pots and garden decor, and even onto the undersides of plants, leaving you with more work than you started with. Instead, learn how to clean your outdoor furniture and refresh your space quickly with just a few household items and some simple tips.

Cleaning your patio may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. And it doesn't have to involve any harsh chemicals or an expensive pressure washer, either. A quick scrub and rinse may be all you need to refresh your space for summer, especially with helpful hacks like using baking soda to clean your outdoor furniture. When tackling tough, caked-on pollen, a simple mixture of water and dish soap works best, but you can also use a few drops of vinegar to dissolve any excess grime. To avoid any outdoor furniture cleaning mistakes, take extra care when cleaning porous materials like wood or fabric.

Outdoor furniture is a good place to start, but make sure to address other often-missed areas, such as planters, mailboxes, and even grill or fire pit covers. Once you've given everything a quick scrub, grab the hose and spray off any remaining residue. Plan your quick rinse for a warm, sunny day when you can leave objects out to dry in the sun, as ensuring your furniture and patio decor are completely dry may help prevent additional mold and mildew, keeping your outdoor space looking tidy all summer long.