While Clorox, paper towels, and sanitizers of any sort are hard to come by, it doesn’t mean spring cleaning should get a pass. Getting fresh air is the best thing we can do right now, so sitting on crisp, clean patio is exactly what the doctor ordered! Not to mention, getting 10-30 minutes of vitamin D from the sun can can help keep you healthy and well! So get out and get to cleaning… your health depends on it, wink, wink!

Below are a few recipes for an at-home all-purpose cleaner with ingredients that should be easy to purchase if you don’t already have them!

All-Purpose Cleaner

Needs:

One part white vinegar

One part water

Lemon rind

Rosemary sprigs

Combine the above ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle, shake, and then let infuse for a week before using. Once done, you can use the natural solution to remove hard water stains, clean trash cans, wipe away wall smudges, and much more. Besides a fresh scent, the lemon rind may help boost cleaning power. Caution: Do not use acidic cleaners on granite, as they will etch the stone.

Stone Cleaner

Needs:

2 drops mild dishwashing liquid

2 cups warm water

Mix dishwashing detergent and water the next time you want to clean natural stone countertops. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air-dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will eat into the stone.

Grill Cleaner

Before grilling your filet, burger or veggies… it’s important to make sure your grill is ready for you to bring the heat! Take a peek at this grill readiness checklist, click here!

The exterior of your home often gets forgotten about in the winter months, and sadly spring cleaning isn’t just meant for the inside of your home…  so you know what the means! Rain, wind, sun… all of these things can be dirt’s best friend when it comes to sticking to your patio furniture, flooring, and your grill.  We have some easy and affordable ways to spruce up for spring.

Fabric

All fabric (think cushions, pillows, even umbrellas) needs to be rinsed, scrubbed and rinsed again!  It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush and a little laundry soap.  Some mild scrubbing and a good rinse will do the job!

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is strong durable and will stand the test of time except when it comes to staying nice in moist climates… hello Houston humidity!  To get the algae and rust away, use a stiff-bristled brush and dishwashing detergent.  Fill a bucket (1/2 gallon) with warm water, add 1 Tablespoon of liquid detergent and 1/2 cup of vinegar and get to scrubbing.

Wicker Furniture

Less durable than wrought iron, but twice as annoying.  All the grooves can make it hard to get out the grime.  Firstly, wipe down the furniture with a wet soapy soft cloth (use a mild soap), then run a toothbrush through there lightly (shaking out the dirt in between swipes).  When completed, let dry in the sun.

Aluminum

Simply rinse with a hose, wipe down with a mild dish detergent, rinse again and let dry!

Outdoor Tile

Power washers can sometimes do more harm than good, so we suggest a little dishwashing detergent (if you haven’t notice by now, this is the one ingredient wonder), warm water and a push broom!

Stamped Concrete

If it’s good for tile, it’s good for stamped concrete!  Use the same method.

Deck

It’s a 5-step process, visit here!

Gas Grill

This is a little more detailed, visit here!

Lighting

And last but not least, let there be light, look around for any empty sockets or burned out bulbs… replace and light!