Summer Cleaning Tips from the Professionals at MOLLY MAID

• Washing patio furniture
• Scrubbing windows and frames
• Polishing doors and tracks
• Washing the garbage and compost bins
• Removing caked on grass from the lawn mower
• Cleaning the garage and driveway
• Insect control
• Power washing the deck and fence
• Cleaning the barbeque

Great Outdoor Cleaning Tips and Tricks from MOLLY MAID

Washing Patio Furniture

Between the summer breeze and the sticky humidity, dirt and pollen can be left behind on your patio furniture.  A common myth is that the rain will properly clean your patio furniture, but to make it really shine the best thing to do is wash your patio furniture with a solution of half white vinegar and half water (you can even add a few drops of dish soap).  This will help stop the buildup of dirt and pollen and also keep insects at bay.

Scrubbing Windows and Frames

Clean the windows inside and outside - wipe horizontally on one side and vertically on the other so if you leave any streaks behind you know which side to touch up quickly. Clean any shutters too; before you start washing them, wipe and dust away any loose dirt and cobwebs.

Polishing Doors and Tracks

Wipe away dust, dirt and loose cobwebs before you start polishing your patio door and sliding door tracks. Use a wide blade screwdriver wrapped in a microfibre cloth to scrape off any caked-on muck. A white vinegar and water solution is a great cleaner to soften any stubborn dirt. You'll appreciate the ease of your patio door gliding smoothly in its track - after all, you're going in and outdoors all summer long between barbequing and entertaining your guests!

Washing the Garbage and Compost Bins

It's one thing to take the garbage or compost outside to get rid of smells in your home. But the containers themselves need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly because bacteria and germs are likely lurking! This is a chore that needs to be on your to-do list for sure! MOLLY MAID recommends wiping down the garbage can and compost container with a natural disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol.

How to do it:

1. Clean all loose debris first by spraying it with a garden hose
2. Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a microfibre cloth
3. Wipe down your garbage can and compost container - inside and out.

If these containers are inside your home, clean them at least once a week to help get rid of germs and to control the smells that garbage and compost can sometimes leave behind.  If containers are stored outside your home, clean and disinfected them at least once a month.

Removing Caked on Grass from the Lawn Mower

If you didn't clean your lawn mower before putting it away last autumn while fall cleaning, you should really do it now. Having a clean mower will ensure that the grass is cut effectively. Of course, you should always be careful when handling the lawn mower - the blades can be sharp and may cause injuries if not handled with care. Here's how to clean it:

• The engine should not be on and the mower should be cool. Unplug spark plugs or disengage any mechanism that helps to power the machine.
• Use a stiff brush to dislodge dried grass from the air intake, cooling fins, exhaust, oil and fuel filler caps and all cables and links.
• If cleaning a gas mower, protect your working area against possible gas leakage. Then, tip the mower and use a wide blade screwdriver wrapped in a microfibre cloth to scrape off caked-on grass and dirt from under the mower.
• Spray bare metal areas with an aerosol lubricant to protect them from corrosion.

Cleaning the Garage and Driveway

You may have tidied the garage during a spring clean, but have you maintained the organization and cleanliness? Sweep the garage floor every couple of months to clear out excess dirt and debris. This will also allow you to check the floor for spills (such as oil or antifreeze) and absorb spills by applying sand or kitty litter. Use a power washer to remove dirt or mud buildup in your driveway.

Insect and Bird Control

Be on the lookout for hornet nests, bee hives or even bird nests that have taken residence in any nooks or crannies surrounding windows or doors. For the stinging insects, call pest control; for birds, see if you can't work around the nest until the babies have grown and flown away (sometimes it's just a matter of weeks, and it's quite charming to watch moms and their babies).

Power Washing the Deck and Fence

Is your wood deck or fence old, peeling or fading? Scrub your deck and fence or use a power washer to get the wood looking new again.  If you're looking to update your outdoor décor, tint your deck and/or fence with a new shade of wood stain.

Cleaning the Barbeque

This is an important summer cleaning job, especially if you did not do it when fall cleaning or spring cleaning. Start by removing all the racks and cleaning them thoroughly (soak them in hot soapy water if necessary). Use white vinegar or a special cleaning detergent recommended by the manufacturer to remove all the grease left on the grill's surfaces from last summer. Wipe down the inside of the barbeque. To keep on top of the task this summer, use a stiff bristle brush to simply give the rack a thorough scrubbing before and after each use. If you use oil to coat your rack, getting the grill clean should be easy with the brush alone.

For more great summer cleaning tips and suggestions from the professional house cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID, visit our blog, subscribe to MOLLY MAID Mail, check out our cleaning tips page or pick up a copy of the MOLLY MAID Cleaning Handbook.