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I’m getting ready to spend more time in my yard, not just tending to my plants and giving my lawn its first mow, but spending time outside enjoying the space. However, it needs a thorough tidy and a wash to remove all the winter dirt before it becomes a social space for the summer.
My patio and lawn furniture look the most forlorn and need a complete clean to improve their aesthetic, but unfortunately, I don’t own a power washer to remove the dirt and grime.
One of my colleagues has previously tested DeWalt’s battery-powered pressure washer and declared it his “favorite cleaning“ tool — but my own cleaning kit is a little simpler and much cheaper. Even though I know a few people in my household would jump at the chance to use a power washer, I have some alternative cleaning methods I want to tell you about.
Article continues below1. Banish algae and moss with one ingredient
“Algae and moss thrive in damp conditions, leaving patios looking green and slippery, which not only affects their appearance but also makes it a trip hazard for anyone walking in your garden,” says Higgins.
But rather than opting for expensive chemical fixes, he suggests using a mix of white vinegar and water. A bottle of Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, 64 fl oz, costs just $2 at Walmart.
And it really doesn’t seem like hard work at all. Higgins says, “Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to affected areas and allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water to refresh your patio.”
There’s also another cleaning task that white vinegar can be used for outside — it can safely eliminate bacteria and algae from bird baths, without harming other wildlife.
2. Baking soda can brighten patio stones
It’s natural for patio stones to become discolored and grimy over time, especially over the winter period. But there is a natural remedy that will restore their brightness, and it’s probably already sitting in your pantry.
The magic ingredient is baking soda, which is commonly used as a natural cleaner for many household tasks, such as cleaning stained cutlery and removing grease stains from clothing.
Higgins recommends sprinkling baking soda over the surface of your patio stones before scrubbing them with a wet brush or broom. And to protect your stones, he says, “For optimal results, you should use a brush that has natural bristles rather than synthetic bristles to reduce any chances of damaging your stones.”
If your first attempt doesn’t remove the grime, he suggests mixing baking soda with a little water to form a paste, applying it with a brush, and leaving it for 10 minutes, before giving it a scrub and a rinse.
3. Revive outdoor furniture with soapy water and a toothbrush
My lawn furniture is not looking its best. I have an arbor positioned near a bird feeder, so you can imagine how it gets covered in poop. I’ve also noticed that algae is forming in places, and it is generally grimy.
Whatever challenge you face with your yard furniture, Higgins recommends warm water and dish soap to bring it back to life.
A larger sponge will work for the main areas, but for awkward corners, he suggests using a toothbrush. Although you don’t want to get your dental toothbrushes mixed up, this handy tool is one of the best-kept cleaning secrets.
Once you’ve given your furniture a clean, Higgins says to rinse it thoroughly and let it air-dry. Although he warns, “Be cautious when using dish soap near plants and grass, as it can be harmful and potentially toxic to them.”
4. Revive wooden furniture with olive oil and lemon juice
“Wooden tables and chairs often look dry and faded after winter, and so you may be tempted to whip out a tub of varnish or even some paint to give them a new lease on life,” says Higgins. “But before you do, why not try mixing two parts olive oil and one part lemon juice and rubbing it into the wood using a soft cloth?”
Apart from nourishing the wood, Higgins explains it also helps to restore the natural shine, making it a cost-effective method for anyone needing to refresh their outdoor furniture.
5. Keep weeds at bay with boiling water
It’s impossible to stop all weeds in your yard, but when they grow in between patio slabs, they can look particularly unsightly. However, there is a quick solution, and it will only cost you the price of boiling some water.
Pouring boiling water on new weeds is an effective and natural solution, although Higgins says you may need to repeat the process a couple of times on older, more established weeds.
Alternatively, you could use Spear and Jackson's Patio Knife, $30 at Amazon, which I use in my own yard.
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