Cover Up: Clean!

Now that you are spending more time outdoors, it’s important to clean some of the surfaces that are protecting you – by making the outdoors of your home look so good. Here’s how:

THE PATIO UMBRELLA

If possible, detach the canopy from the umbrella staff and spread it over a protective surface such as a tarp. If the canopy is attached, carefully open the umbrella and lay it down on the protective surface.

Use an outdoor hose to spray it down.

Scrub each section with a cloth or scrub brush dipped in warm, mild soapy water. You may have to use a bit of elbow grease on areas that are extra dirty.

When you’re finished, spray the umbrella surface again with the hose to rinse off the soap.

Re-attach the canopy to the umbrella base, put it back into the base, open it up and let the sun do the rest to dry it.

AWNINGS

Remove any cobwebs or dust underneath the awning by sweeping a broom between the bars and underneath the covering.

Use a ladder to climb up and brush off any twigs or large debris with a broom.

If the canvas awning is large, remove the fabric from the frame to wash. Spread it out on a protection surface (as the patio umbrella above).

In either case, mix dish soap and warm water in a bucket or in a spray bottle and lather or squirt the solution onto the awning. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub it down.

Rinse with water from a hose and air dry.

OUTDOOR WINDOWS

First rinse and clean the window frame, which can get pretty dirty from the elements. Use a hose or a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.

Use window cleaner, a clean microfibre cloth and a little elbow grease to clean the glass. Spray the window cleaner onto the surface. Polish clean, then dry with a clean lint-free microfiber cloth or use a window squeegee to wipe away the moisture.

See Full Bio