To help keep patio furniture shining, wash it with a solution of half white vinegar and half water (you can even add a few drops of soap). This will help stop the build-up of dirt and pollen and keen insects at bay.

Clean the windows inside and out – wipe horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so if you leave any streaks you know which side to wipe again. Clean any shutters too; before you start, wipe dust, dirt and cobwebs away.

Wipe away dust, dirt and cobwebs. 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.

These bins need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly, to get rid of lurking bacteria and germs. We recommend cleaning off all loose debris first with a garden hose, pour some surgical spirit onto a microfibre cloth, wipe your bins inside and out. If these bins are stored inside your home, clean them at least once a week, if outside once a month should suffice.

If you didn’t clean your lawn mower before putting it away last autumn, you really should now. A clean mower will cut grass more effectively, although take care when handling blades, as they can be sharp and cause injuries.

Here’s how to clean it:

• Make sure the engine is off and the mower is 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 find, exhaust, oil and fuel filter caps and all cables and links
• If cleaning a petrol mower, protect your working area against possible fuel leakage. Then tip the mower and use a wide blade screwdriver wrapped in a microfibre cloth to scrap off caked-on grass and dirt from under the mower
• Spray bare metal areas with an aerosol lubricant to protect them from corrosion

Sweep the garage floor every couple of months to clear out excess dirt and debris. Check for any spills, such as oil or anti-freeze, and absorb by applying sand or cat litter. Use a power washer to remove dirt or mud build-up on your drive.

Be on the lookout for wasp, bee or bird nests that have taken residence in any nooks or crannies surrounding windows or doors. For stinging insects, call pest control; for birds, see if you can work around the nest until the chicks have flown.

If your patio, deck or fence is peeling or faded, scrub it with a power washer to make it look as good as new. Looking to update your outdoor décor? Tint your deck and/or fence with a new shade of wood stain.

Remove all the racks and soak them in hot soapy water. Use white vinegar or a special cleaning detergent to remove grease left on the grill’s surfaces. Wipe down the inside of the barbecue. To keep on top of the task this summer, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub before and after each use.