\Is there anything better than spending a sunny afternoon in your outdoor space, whether it’s a patio, a deck, or a sprawling backyard? But let’s be honest, maintaining and cleaning that space can be a chore, especially if it’s not designed with convenience in mind.
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of strategies to make my outdoor space easier to clean and maintain, and today, I’m sharing my top 13 tips with you. Let’s dive in!
1. Opt For Easy-to-Clean Furniture
Furniture that is easy to clean is a godsend when it comes to outdoor spaces. Choose materials that are resistant to dirt and can be easily wiped down. Materials like teak, metal, resin, and all-weather wicker are excellent choices for outdoor furniture because they resist decay, won’t rust, and are easy to clean.
For example, resin furniture can be cleaned with just a hose and a little mild detergent. Teak furniture, while a little more expensive, can be cleaned with a simple solution of water and mild soap. It’s worth investing in furniture that will save you time and energy in the long run.
2. Use Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are a great way to add color and pattern to your outdoor space, but they also serve a practical purpose: they collect dirt and debris that would otherwise end up on your patio or deck. Plus, they’re easy to clean – you can usually just hose them off or give them a good shake.
For example, I have a large outdoor rug on my patio that collects the majority of the dirt that we track out from the house. Every week or so, I just shake it out and give it a quick hose down, and it’s good as new. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the overall cleanliness of my outdoor space.
3. Install a Hose Holder
Keeping your cleaning tools organized can make cleaning your outdoor space a breeze. A hose holder, for example, keeps your hose neatly coiled and ready to use. It prevents kinks and tangles that can make cleaning more of a chore.
I’ve found that having a hose holder not only makes my outdoor space look more organized, it also makes it easier to clean. I can quickly grab the hose when I need it, and I don’t have to spend time untangling it or dragging it around my yard.
4. Use Potted Plants
Potted plants are not only beautiful — they’re also much easier to maintain than plants in garden beds. You can easily move them around as needed for cleaning or for giving the plants the best exposure to sunlight. Plus, you won’t have to deal with as many weeds.
I’ve gradually transitioned most of my outdoor plants to pots for this reason. It’s easier to control the soil and the watering, and it’s much easier to clean around them. It’s a win-win.
5. Choose Easy-to-Clean Decking Materials
When it comes to your deck or patio, the material you choose can make a big difference in how easy it is to clean. Some materials, like natural wood, require a lot of maintenance and can be difficult to clean. Others, like composite decking, are designed to be low-maintenance and easy to clean.
I made the switch to composite decking a few years ago and I’ve been very happy with the decision. It’s resistant to stains and mold, and it’s easy to clean with just a hose and a broom.
6. Install a Drainage System
A good drainage system can prevent a lot of cleaning headaches in your outdoor space. Proper drainage prevents standing water, which can lead to mold and mildew. It can also help to prevent erosion in your garden beds.
I installed a simple French drain in my backyard, and it’s helped to keep my patio and garden beds dry and clean. If you’re dealing with water issues in your outdoor space, I highly recommend looking into a drainage solution.
7. Keep a Storage Bench for Outdoor Cushions
Outdoor cushions make your outdoor space more comfortable, but they can also be a pain to clean. One way to make this task easier is to have a storage bench where you can easily store the cushions when they’re not in use.
I keep a storage bench on my patio for this purpose. It keeps my cushions clean and dry, and it also provides extra seating when I need it.
8. Use Mulch in Your Garden Beds
Mulch is a garden’s best friend. It helps to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature. But it also helps to keep your garden beds looking tidy and is much easier to maintain than bare soil.
I use mulch in all of my garden beds, and it’s made a big difference in how much time I spend weeding and watering. Plus, it gives the beds a neat, finished look.
9. Install a Sink or Outdoor Kitchen
If you do a lot of outdoor cooking, an outdoor sink or kitchen can make cleanup much easier. You can rinse dishes and utensils right there, without having to carry everything inside.
I installed a small outdoor sink on my patio, and it’s been a game changer for my outdoor barbecues. It’s made cleanup so much easier, and it’s also handy for watering plants and washing hands.
10. Use a Leaf Blower
A leaf blower is a great tool for quickly cleaning up leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from your outdoor space. It’s much faster and easier than raking or sweeping.
I use my leaf blower weekly to keep my patio and garden paths clean and clear. It’s a quick task that keeps my outdoor space looking tidy.
11. Choose Perennials Over Annuals
Perennial plants, which come back year after year, can be a lot easier to maintain than annuals, which you have to replant every year. This can save you a lot of time in planting and cleaning up at the end of the season.
I’ve gradually replaced most of my annual plants with perennials, and it’s reduced my gardening chores significantly. Plus, many perennials are just as colorful and beautiful as annuals.
12. Keep a Broom Handy
This might seem like a no-brainer, but keeping a good outdoor broom handy can make a big difference in how easy it is to clean your outdoor space. It’s great for quickly sweeping up leaves, dirt, and other debris.
I keep a broom right next to my back door so it’s always ready to go. It’s a simple thing, but it makes keeping my patio clean much easier.
13. Install Artificial Grass
If you really want to cut down on yard work, consider installing artificial grass. It’s virtually maintenance-free and always looks great. No more mowing, watering, or weeding.
I installed artificial grass in a small portion of my backyard that was always muddy and difficult to maintain, and it’s been a great solution. It always looks green and tidy, and it’s a breeze to clean with just a hose and a broom.