Summer is the time of year when we get to enjoy the warm weather and barbecue with family and friends while enjoying the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season. Before you can send out those red, white and blue invitations, you’re going to want to be sure your house and property are in tip-top shape.

In the Spring, we take care of the inside by dusting, moping and maybe even a little steam cleaning on the rugs. However, summer is all about being outside, and many people want to get out and enjoy the backyard oasis you’ve worked so hard for.

Following these summer cleaning tips will help you and your home stay clean and get ready for a season of fun in the sun.

Spray Away the Winter and Spring Residue

Depending on where you live, winters can be harsh. By the time Spring rolls around, most of the exterior of your home and property is covered in the remains of road salt, dirt, and debris. Spring helps to wash some of it away, but this budding season comes with its calling card, pollen.

As you transition your home from spring to summer, it is a good idea to pressure wash certain areas like your siding, sidewalks, driveways and even patios. It helps to remove any residual dirt and grime that has built up over the other seasons.

If you have children, their outdoor playsets should be cleaned well and inspected for any dangerous pests and insects. Take a close look at the bolts, swing chains, wagons and other various toys to be sure there isn’t a potential danger just waiting to cause an injury.

Refresh Your Patio Furniture

Depending on what your patio furniture is made from, a little bit of cleaner or a fresh coat of paint can make it look brand new. Do a quick once-over of your chairs and table and assess where there are areas that could be improved.

Is there rust peeling on the legs of the table? Are there any tears in the umbrella? Are the chairs cracked or have they torn in anywhere in the fabric? If you discover any issues with the furniture, don’t panic. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to invest in a new set. These conditions have easy options to make them look new again.

Spruce Up the Yard and Garden

Take a stroll around the yard and see if any areas that got hit harder than others during the winter cold or spring rain. Cleaning out the flower beds of leaves and weeds to make room for colorful flowers are an excellent way to spruce up the areas around the house and patio.

While taking a walk around, keep a look out for any potential hazards like bee or wasp nests. Being able to identify and safely remove them before your next barbecue will benefit both you and your guests.

Get Organized & Prep for Autumn

Summer can be a very good time to get a lot of home maintenance and organization under control. During the Spring cleaning process, there may have been a lot of things around the house that were now labeled for disposal. Holding a garage sale can help declutter these boxes and maybe even earn a few extra dollars towards your family vacation.

It is a slow time of year for certain businesses. Consider scheduling home maintenance appointments, like gutter cleaning, chimney cleaning or furnace check-up, this time of year instead of waiting until you need to use them in the Fall. Look around for coupons or summer discounts, especially if you need gutter repairs or window maintenance.

Declutter Those Cabinets

Summer cleaning isn’t just about the outside; though, that is a big part of it. It is a good time of year to clean out your kitchen cabinets. Go through the pantry to remove any stale snacks. Wiping down the shelves and doors not only leaves a fresh, clean service but eliminates any remaining germs left over from the winter and spring cold seasons.

Fill the shelves back up with some of the delicious fruit and produce that the summer season has to offer. This way, when it is time to send out those invitations, not only will your house be refreshed and clean for company, but you’ll have a fresh array of summer delicacies to offer them!