Home Care Challenge: Get Your Outdoor Space Spring-Ready
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Spring is finally here! My husband and I spent last weekend outside, getting our outdoor space ready for the warmer months ahead.
While I don’t normally love the tasks that come with prepping the yard—pulling weeds, raking up the last of the dead leaves, and getting the lawn ready for overseeding—I do love being outside, soaking up the sun after months of cold weather.
Unfortunately, that little bit of enjoyment derailed my entire week, thanks to my allergies kicking in full force. It probably didn’t help that on Monday, I had a dentist appointment to get a cavity filled and sealants placed due to a receding gum line. By Tuesday, I had lost my voice completely. Even though I felt fine otherwise, allergies have a way of wearing you down.
After three days of rest, lots of fluids, and running my humidifier nonstop, my voice is finally back—just in time for another weekend outside. And so the cycle continues until summer arrives.
With the change of seasons comes the perfect opportunity to prepare your outdoor equipment and living spaces for the months ahead. Whether you're an avid gardener, a weekend hiker, or just looking forward to backyard barbecues, now is the time to get started!
Dewinterize Your Outdoor Hose Bid
As someone who grew up in California, winterizing an outdoor hose bib was never on my radar until I moved to the East Coast. We’ll talk about winterizing later this year, but for now, it’s time to get the outdoor water supply back up and running.
This is an easy task to cross off your list:
Inspect for Damage: Check your hose bib for cracks, leaks, or any winter-related damage. If you notice issues, replace the necessary parts or consult a professional.
Reattach the Hose: If you stored your garden hose for the winter, now’s the time to reconnect it. Inspect it for cracks or wear, and replace it if needed.
Turn on the Water Supply: If you have an indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor hose bib, slowly turn it back on to prevent pressure surges.
Check for Leaks: Once the water is flowing, inspect both the indoor shut-off valve and the outdoor bib for leaks. Tighten connections or replace washers if necessary.
Prepping Your Grill
Who doesn’t love a good backyard barbecue?
My husband is the grill master in our house, so this is his domain. Towards the end of fall, my husband does a deep clean of the grill before storing it away for the winter, so his spring prep is more of a refresh to get everything in working order. Here’s what he focuses on:
Inspect the Grill: Give the grill a quick once-over to check for any visible wear, rust, or damage that may have developed over the winter.
Wipe Down the Exterior and Interior: Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe down the grill's exterior and remove any dust or grime that may have accumulated. Clear out any debris or cobwebs inside.
Check the Burners and Gas Lines: For gas grills, make sure the burners are clear of blockages and the gas lines are securely connected and free of leaks. You can test for leaks by applying a soapy water solution to the connections and looking for bubbles when the gas is turned on.
Season the Grates (if needed): If the grates look dry or dull, lightly coat them with high-heat cooking oil to prevent rust and keep food from sticking.
Test the Grill: Before you plan your first cookout, fire up the grill to ensure everything is working properly. This also helps burn off any lingering residue from the winter.
And don’t forget to check your propane or charcoal supply before inviting guests over!
Dust off Your Outdoor Patio Furniture
Last but not least, let’s get your patio furniture ready for some serious relaxation.
If you stored your furniture in a shed or basement, now’s the time to pull it out and freshen it up:
Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth with mild soap or a vinegar-water solution to remove dust and grime. For tougher spots, a baking soda paste works wonders.
Wash Cushions: If your outdoor cushions have removable covers, wash them according to the care label. If they’re not machine washable, spot clean with mild soap and water and let them air dry completely.
Check for Damage: Inspect for rust, loose screws, or worn-out areas, and make repairs as needed.
Refresh Wood or Wicker Pieces: If you have wooden or wicker furniture, apply a protective sealant or natural wood oil to extend its lifespan.
For those who leave their furniture outside year-round (like me), a good scrub with a hose or pressure washer can make everything look fresh again.
That's it! You're ready to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest. So grab a cold drink, put on some sunscreen, and get ready to soak up the sun.
Happy spring!
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Products I used to tackle this week’s home care challenge:
A week to reset, wrap up unfinished tasks, and make space for what’s next.