Originally Published on April 10, 2023. Last Updated on October 16, 2023.
Spring Cleaning Series: Part 3 of 3
Many of us see spring as the time to refresh our homes after the winter weather wanes. If your to-do list only contains indoor chores, add your outdoor spaces to the mix so your entire home is ready for the season.
Not sure where to start? We’ve created an outdoor deep spring cleaning checklist you can follow. We’ve broken it down into sections to streamline and de-stress the cleaning process.
Before you start cleaning: We recommend checking the warranty and care instructions for any items you own to see the suggested cleaning methods. Always wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, and boots when working with chemicals.* And remember to block off your work area so curious kids and pets can’t wander in by mistake.
*NOTE: Bleach is used in some of the cleaning methods below. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to bleach, we recommend undistilled white vinegar.
Jump to Section
Spring Deep Clean by Outdoor Furniture Material
Deep Cleaning Outdoor Accessories
Deep Cleaning Methods for Outdoor Floors
How to Deep Clean House Exteriors
Pressure Washer Tips
FAQs
Spring Deep Clean by Outdoor Furniture Material
HDPE
Supplies needed
- Pressure washer rated no higher than 1,500 psi
- 40-degree fan tip
- 1–2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Bleach
- Clean cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions
Step 1: Attach the fan tip to the end of the pressure washer’s wand.
Step 2: Spray all areas with slow, even sweeps, keeping the nozzle about eight inches from the surface.
Step 3: Mix the dish soap and bleach into one of the buckets of water—we recommend 1 part bleach to 2 parts water. Dish soap amount doesn’t need to be exact.
Step 4: Apply the soapy water to the lumber and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 5: Scrub dirt and debris from the surfaces with the soft-bristle brush.
Step 6: Rinse with a bucket of clean water or the garden hose and let your furniture air-dry.
Aluminum
Supplies needed
- Pressure washer rated no higher than 1,500 psi
- 25- or 40-degree fan tip
- 1–2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Sponge or washcloth
- A mild solvent such as mineral spirits
Instructions
Step 1: Attach one of the fan tips to the pressure washer’s wand.
Step 2: Hold the nozzle about eight inches from the surface. Slowly spray the aluminum in even, sweeping strokes.
Step 3: Mix dish soap into one of the buckets of water.
Step 4: Use the sponge or cloth to wipe the cleaning solution onto the aluminum, rubbing off any dirt.
Step 5: Rub the solvent on tough stains with the sponge or cloth until they’re removed.
Step 6: Rinse your furniture thoroughly with a hose or bucket of clean water and let it air-dry.
Natural Wicker
Supplies needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- Soft-bristle paintbrush
- Hand-held steam cleaner
- 1 bucket of clean water
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Clean cloth
- Clean towel
Instructions
Step 1: Remove any cushions.
Step 2: Vacuum the wicker to remove dirt, and use the paintbrush to get in the hard-to-reach spots.
Step 3: Use a handheld steam cleaner to clean tough areas.
Step 4: Mix vinegar and dish soap into the bucket of water.
Step 5: Spot-clean the wicker with the soapy solution and a cloth.
Step 6: Towel-dry the furniture before putting the cushions back on.
Resin Wicker
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- Paintbrush
- 1–2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Clean towel
Instructions
Step 1: Before cleaning, remove any cushions.
Step 2: Sweep away debris using your dry vacuum’s brush attachment, and get hard-to-reach areas with the paintbrush.
Step 3: Mix vinegar and dish soap into the bucket of water.
Step 4: Dip your brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the wicker’s surfaces. Use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Rinse with clean water from a bucket or garden hose and towel-dry the wicker.
Wood
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- 1–2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Medium-grit sandpaper (100 to 150 grit)
- Leaf blower
- Hardwood oil, exterior paint, or wood stain
- Foam paint brush
Instructions
Step 1: Remove dirt and debris with a dry vac with a brush attachment.
Step 2: Mix mild soap and water in a bucket.
Step 3: Scrub the soapy solution over the frame with the brush.
Step 4: Rinse with fresh water from a bucket or garden hose.
Step 5: Lightly sand the surfaces to remove set-in stains or naturally occurring silver patina.
Step 6: Remove residual dust using the leaf blower.
Step 7: Apply the protective finish of your choice with the foam brush. Repeat as directed by the instructions listed on the finish container.
Step 8: Let your furniture dry for 24 to 72 hours before using it.
Wrought Iron
Supplies Needed
- Pressure washer rating no higher than 3,000 psi
- 15-degree tip
- Wire brush
- 2–3 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Clean cloth
- Toothbrush
- Touch-up paint
Instructions
Step 1: Attach the fan tips to the pressure washer’s wand.
Step 2: Hold the nozzle six to eight inches from the surface. Spray in slow, sweeping strokes to strip off rust or paint.
Step 3: Scrub off remaining rust with the wire brush.
Step 4: Wash away dirt with the cloth and soapy solution. Use the toothbrush in tight curves and twisted pieces.
Step 5: Rinse your furniture with clean water from a bucket or garden hose and let it air-dry.
Step 6: Once dry, cover chipped areas with touch-up paint to prevent rust.
Injection-Molded Plastic
Supplies needed
- 2 buckets of clean water
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- (Optional) garden hose
- Plastic restorer spray
- Clean cloth
Instructions
Step 1: Mix white vinegar, baking soda, and soap into one of the buckets of water.
Step 2: Use the brush to scrub the soapy solution all over the surfaces of your furniture.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water from a bucket or garden hose.
Step 4: Allow your furniture to dry completely.
Step 5: Spray the restorer on the surfaces and rub it in with the cloth.
Deep Cleaning Outdoor Accessories
Keep your outdoor accessories clean with the following methods.
Cushions and Pillows
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- 2–3 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Bleach or laundry detergent
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions
Step 1: Use a dry vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust from the cushion fabric.
Step 2: Rinse the cushions with clean water from a bucket or garden hose.
Step 3: Mix ¼ cup of dish soap and one cup of bleach (or detergent) per gallon of water in one of the water buckets.
Step 4: Dip a sponge into the soapy water and scrub the fabric.
Step 5: Let the solution soak in for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 6: Place cushions and pillows on their sides to dry with the zippers facing down to let water drain out faster.
Umbrellas
Need to know how to clean your patio umbrella? We’ve got you covered.
Supplies Needed
- Dry vacuum cleaner
- 2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
Instructions
Step 1: Open your umbrella and lay it on its side.
Step 2: Use a dry vacuum with a brush attachment to remove debris.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water from a bucket or garden hose.
Step 4: Mix dish soap into one of the water buckets.
Step 5: Apply the soapy solution to the canopy and base using the soft-bristle brush and let it soak in for a few minutes.
Step 6: Rinse the umbrella with the hose or a bucket of clean water.
Step 7: Leave the canopy open and let it air-dry.
Deep Cleaning Methods for Outdoor Floors
Roll up your sleeves and follow these instructions to clean your porch, patio, or deck floors.
Wooden Deck
Supplies Needed
- 6 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Lye-based solvent
- Pressure washer rated no higher than 1,200 psi
- 40-degree fan tip
- Oxalic acid deck brightener
- Hammer
- Impact drill with screw and socket bits or screwdrivers and socket wrenches
- Medium-grit sandpaper (100 to 150 grit)
- Non-chlorine bleach
- Hard-bristle brush
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- Exterior deck paint or wood stain
- Foam paint roller, paint brushes, and spray bottles
NOTE: When using paint strippers and other harsh chemicals, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on product labels to see the proper amounts.
Step 1: Mix the stripper into one of the buckets of water.
Step 2: Attach the fan tip to the end of the pressure washer’s wand.
Step 3: Spray the stripping solution onto the railings and balusters, working from the top down in a controlled, continuous motion. Keep the nozzle about eight inches from the surface.
Step 4: Start at one end of the deck and work your way to the other side, spraying one floorboard at a time in a gentle sweeping motion.
Step 5: Rinse all wooden surfaces with clean water from the hose or a bucket.
Step 6: Mix the deck brightener in another bucket of water.
Step 7: Repeat steps 3–5 with the brightener solution.
Step 8: Once dry, give your deck a once-over to check for needed repairs. Sink raised screws so they’re flush with the wood, tighten lag bolts, and replace broken and rusty nails with corrosion-resistant parts.
Step 9: Hand-sand wood to remove mold, mildew, and fastener stains.
Step 10: Scour the areas with bleach and a hard-bristle brush.
Step 11: For tough stains, mix TSP into a bucket of water and scrub the solution in with the brush.
Step 12: Rinse the areas with the garden hose or a bucket of clean water and let your deck dry for at least 48 hours.
Step 13: Apply a protective finish to all surfaces, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a foam roller or pad to apply the finish to the railings, balusters, and floorboards. Use a paintbrush or spray bottle for spaces the pad can’t reach.
Step 14: Let your deck dry for another 48 hours before replacing furniture and decor.
Concrete Patio
NOTE: When using concrete degreasers and other harsh chemicals, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on product labels to see the proper amounts.
Supplies needed
- Leaf blower
- 4 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild dish soap
- Stiff-bristle push broom
- Concrete degreaser
- Pressure washer rated at 3,000 psi
- 15- or 25-degree tip
- Concrete sealer
- Long-handled paint roller fitted with a nap roller cover
Instructions
Step 1: Remove dirt, leaves, and debris from the patio with the leaf blower.
Step 2: Mix vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap into one of the buckets of water.
Step 3: Pour the mixture onto the concrete and scrub it in with the push broom.
Step 4: Rinse the area with clean water from the hose or a bucket.
Step 5: Mix the degreaser into another bucket of water.
Step 6: Sprinkle the solution onto the patio surface and scrub the area with the broom.
Step 7: Rinse the concrete with clean water.
Step 8: Attach one of the fan tips to the pressure washer’s wand.
Step 9: Slowly sweep the pressure wand back and forth over the concrete, keeping the nozzle about a foot from the surface. Work your way from one end of the patio to the other.
Step 10: Let the concrete dry completely.
Step 11: Use the paint roller to apply multiple coats of the sealer—waiting a few hours between each application.
Composite Decking
Supplies needed
- Leaf blower
- 4 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Stiff-bristled push broom
- Pressure washer rated at 1,500 psi
- 40-degree fan tip
Instructions
Step 1: Clear away leaves and dirt with the leaf blower.
Step 2: Mix water and mild dish soap into one of the buckets of water.
Step 3: Scrub the soapy water onto each board with the broom.
Step 4: Rinse the area with your hose or a bucket of clean water.
Step 5: Attach the fan tip to your pressure washer’s wand.
Step 6: Spray each board with slow, even sweeps. Keep the nozzle about eight inches from the surface.
Step 7: Rinse the entire area with clean water and let it air-dry.
How to Deep Clean House Exteriors
Get your home’s exterior sparkling with these deep cleaning instructions.
Glass Doors and Windows
Supplies needed
- 2 buckets of clean water
- (Optional) garden hose
- Mild dish soap
- Undistilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Paper towel or squeegee
Instructions
Step 1: Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and water and mild dish soap in a bucket.
Step 2: Wet the glass with clean water from a hose or bucket.
Step 3: Dip a soft sponge in the soapy water and rub it on the glass.
Step 4: While the glass is still wet, spray on the vinegar solution and let it soak in for a few minutes.
Step 5: Wipe the solution off with paper towels or a squeegee.
Siding
NOTE: This method works on many types of siding, including wood, vinyl, and others. However, pressure washer psi levels will differ depending on the material. See the Pressure Washer Tips section below for information on psi levels.
Supplies needed
- Mildewcide
- Bleach
- Garden sprayer
- Soft-bristle siding brush
- 1 bucket of clean water
- Pressure washer at appropriate psi level
Instructions
Step 1: Mix mildewcide, bleach, and water into the garden sprayer.
Step 2: Spray your siding with the mildew solution.
Step 3: Working from the ground up, scrub the solution in with the siding brush.
Step 4: Use the pressure washer to spray clean water over the scrubbed area, starting at the top and working down. Keep the wand’s tip about three feet from the siding and slowly sweep it from side to side.
Step 5: Let your siding air-dry.
Pressure Washer Tips
Pressure washers are used in many deep spring cleaning checklists in this guide, so we dedicated a section to safely using these powerful tools.
Which Materials Can Be Pressure Washed?
Look at the chart below to see which materials are safe to pressure wash and which are not.
Know Your Pressure Washer Nozzle
Pressure washers typically come with multiple color-coded nozzle heads you can attach to the spray wands. The different colors indicate the nozzles’ spray pattern degrees, so you can quickly pick the correct one for your outdoor project. Use the handy chart below for easy nozzle navigation.
Safety Tips
- Do not use a ladder when pressure washing siding, as the recoil can push you off. Scaffolding is a safer option when reaching high places with a pressure washer.
- Always spot-test and check the results before cleaning the entire surface to ensure you’re using the proper setting on your pressure washer.
- Use the correct psi when cleaning with your pressure washer.
- Do not spray surfaces at an angle.
- Always wear gloves, goggles, boots, a face mask, and ear protection when using a pressure washer.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a deep clean and a spring clean?
A deep clean is a thorough scrub session you can perform when you have an item or space in dire need of tidying up. It takes more time, extra steps, and additional equipment to deep clean something since you’re addressing all parts of it—including the nooks and crannies that are often skipped during routine cleanings. A spring clean is performed after the winter season ends to refresh spaces. Both are more involved than a standard cleanup.
What do you throw away during spring cleaning?
When spring cleaning, throw away expired or damaged items. This includes treated or rotted wood, old lightbulbs, and broken glass. If you have things you no longer use that are still in good shape, like gardening tools or plastic planters, donate or recycle them.
What month should you start spring cleaning?
March is typically the month when homeowners start spring cleaning outside. However, if you live in a colder climate that sees unagreeable weather during that time, there’s no problem with waiting a little longer. On the flip side, if you live in an area that has pleasant weather before March, you can start spring cleaning early.
