With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about those outdoor projects to get ready for spring and summer. Your patio or other outdoor space may have taken a beating this winter with all the snow, salt and dirt piling up. Luckily, sprucing up your patio doesn’t have to be a huge project. I talked to a professional who gave advice on patio projects that you can do on the weekend.

Clean Your Patio

The first step to getting your outdoor space ready is to clean off all the dirt, salt and grime that has built up all winter long. Start by using a broom to sweep all the dirt and debris off.

Your next step is to wash your patio. Using a power washer is the best way to get your patio looking like new again. If you don’t have a power washer handy, using your hose with an attachable nozzle works, too.

Patios can range from wood, brick, pavers and concrete, and each type has a specific way to best clean it. Doing research on your specific patio type before starting the process is important.

A Little TLC

Your patio might need some tender loving care after the winter. The amount of TLC needed will depend on what type of patio you have.

Depending on how old your wood patio is, the amount of TLC needed can be a longer weekend project than a stone or brick patio would require. If your wood patio has seen better days, plan a weekend where you can spend time sanding, staining and waterproof-sealing the entire patio. This can make your patio look brand new and give your yard a “wow” factor.

Brick, concrete and stone patios shouldn’t need quite as much work, although adding a waterproof seal will not only give your patio a nice shine, it’ll also protect it throughout the year.

Revamp Outdoor Furniture

Whether you keep your outdoor furniture outside during the winter or you keep it in storage, a deep clean might be needed. The type of outdoor furniture you have will dictate how best to clean it. I talked to Harriet Jones, a cleaning and maintenance supervisor at Go Clean London, who gave some great tips on how to clean certain furniture types.

Plastic Patio Furniture

Jones recommends using bleach or vinegar to clean up plastic patio furniture.

When using beach to clean, Jones says, “Put on rubber gloves, and combine a quarter cup of household bleach with hot water, and mix them in a bucket.”

After you have your mixture, use a brush to scrub the furniture with it. After letting the solution sit on the furniture for a while, rinse with water and dry with a clean rag.

Vinegar is also a great cleaning solution for plastic furniture.

“First, wet the furniture with a hose. Use a bucket and make a solution of hot water and a quarter cup of vinegar. Remove dirt or dried food leftovers with a soft brush. Rinse the furniture and let it air dry.” says Jones.

Wicker or Teak Furniture

Jones suggests using water and a gentle oil-based soap and a damp, soft brush on wicker or teak. You’ll want to gently scrub the furniture, then rinse it off with a hose.

“You can prevent dirt buildup on wicker furniture by hosing down the piece every two weeks.” Jones explains.

Outdoor Cushions

Mold and mildew can become a problem with outdoor cushions. To prevent this from happening, Jones suggests regularly brushing off the dust and debris from the cushions. You can use a vacuum cleaner to get trapped dirt in the hard-to-reach places.

Your weekend patio projects don’t have to be all about cleaning! Look to add some fun to your patio this summer. You can turn your patio into a great summer hangout for the entire family by adding a fire pit, hanging up a hammock, adding some fun lights and decorations. Comment below with any other weekend patio projects you’ve done to get ready for the summer!