How to Efficiently Clean, Organize & Decorate Your Backyard

If your backyard needs a makeover, there's no need to call a professional—you can do it yourself! Follow this simple three-step process:

1. Clean

2. Organize

3. Decorate

While it may seem like a lot of work, turning it into a weekend project with some help will make it manageable. Read on to learn more

How to Prepare for a Backyard Cleanup

Starting a backyard cleanup can be overwhelming, especially when faced with multiple problem areas. It's easy to lose motivation when thinking about the sheer amount of work involved. However, breaking the cleanup into manageable sub-tasks can ease the burden and help you start off right.Here's how to prepare for your backyard cleanup.

Gather Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Cleaning outdoor spaces requires different tools than indoor cleaning. First, ensure you have all the necessary supplies for your backyard project.

You'll need:

• Hard broom

• Rake

• Shovel

• Dust cloths

• Outdoor concrete cleaner

• Liquid dish soap

• Scrubbers

• Hard scrub brush

• Garbage bags

• Large cardboard boxes (for packing or donating items)

Personal gear:

• Durable rubber gloves

• Face mask

• Old clothes

• Cap/hat

Assess the Area

Survey your backyard and make a list of tasks. This helps you prioritize and organize the cleanup process. Major tasks might include cleaning wooden furniture, disposing of broken items, scrubbing and de-staining concrete/pavers, and gardening work like pulling weeds and trimming hedges. Once you've thoroughly assessed your backyard, you can begin the cleaning process.

Clear Up the Space

To make cleaning easier, start by clearing your backyard of clutter. Fill garbage bags with items to discard and boxes with items to donate. Move other backyard items to the front yard or a designated storage area like a shed or garage.

For items that need thorough cleaning, such as furniture, toys, and lawn ornaments, relocate them to an open space where they can be hosed down or cleaned as needed.

Remove the Rubbish

Backyards often accumulate debris, broken furniture, old wooden planks, and random junk. Disposing of large amounts or bulky items in garbage bags isn't feasible, so consider hiring a rubbish removal company. They can quickly collect and dispose of all unwanted items in one visit.

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can load the rubbish into a truck and take it to a recycling center. While this might save money, it will cost you significant time and effort. Since this is just the start of your backyard makeover, it's wise to avoid overworking yourself. A professional rubbish removal service can handle the job efficiently and safely, especially when dealing with heavy or sharp objects.

Clean the Furniture, Toys, etc.

After clearing your backyard, ensure all items are clean before setting them up. Depending on their condition, either wipe them down or give them a deep clean. Start by dusting lighting fixtures, pots, and other fittings. Then, hose down yard toys and furniture, and scrub them with mild dish soap and water. For a deeper clean, use warm water and a grease-fighting cleaner.

Once cleaned, leave the furniture and toys out to dry while you continue with the rest of the yard cleanup.

Tidy Up the Garden and Lawn

As the rest of your backyard takes shape, focus on the garden. Sit on a stool to avoid straining your back and conserve energy.

Start by:

• Removing dead plants and dried leaves

• Pulling out weeds

• Pruning dead branches

• Trimming hedges and bushes for a neat appearance

• Raking up garden debris and disposing of it in garbage bags

• Mowing the lawn to your desired length

Sweep and Clean the Concrete

Cleaning outdoor concrete or pavers is easier than you think with the right products. Many commercial cleaners on the market can remove stains and revitalize your backyard surfaces. Follow the instructions on the label for safe and effective cleaning.

Here's a general method:

• Sweep the concrete to remove surface debris.

• Saturate the concrete with a water hose.

• Mix and apply the cleaning solution as directed.

• Scrub with a hard brush to remove stains and soil.

Rinse thoroughly with a water hose.

Hose Down the Fence Last

Don't forget about the fence the backdrop of your backyard when cleaning the area. Fortunately, most fences can be cleaned with a medium-pressure hose wash to remove dust and loose debris.

For stains or a deeper clean:

• Mix liquid dish soap with warm water to create a mild, soapy solution.

• Dip a scrubber or sponge in the solution and wipe the fence from top to bottom.

• Rinse the fence with the hose for a final clean
• .Afterward, bring back furniture, plant pots, ornaments, toys, etc., to set up your clean backyard.

Tips for Organizing Your Backyard

As a homeowner, you understand how quickly a clean space can become disorganized, especially outdoors. It's time to change that and ensure your backyard stays organized alongside its cleanliness.

Here are some helpful tips to organize your backyard effectively

• Keep Garden Tools Away: Avoid clutter by storing garden tools and equipment in a shed or garage. This keeps your backyard tidy and free of unnecessary clutter.

• Make a Playpen: Encourage kids to stay in one designated area by setting up a playpen. This reduces scattered toys and minimizes daily tidying tasks.

• Install Wall Storage/Organizers: Utilize bare exterior walls for storage. Install shelves and wall hooks to keep items like water hoses, cans, and fertilizers organized and off the floor.

• Use Cart Storage: Opt for storage on wheels for convenience. Carts can hold commonly used items like garden tools, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and cutlery, making them easy to move around as needed.

• Create Borders: Define different areas of your backyard with borders. Use bricks or pavers to separate seating areas, gardens, plant beds, BBQ areas, and kids' play areas, maintaining distinct zones and organization.

Backyard Decorating Ideas

Give your backyard a full makeover by updating its decor. If you're seeking inspiration, Simply Maid is here to help!

Here are some straightforward yet impactful tips to refresh your backyard's appearance and make it look stunning and rejuvenated.

1. Add a Trellis: Enhance your backyard with a trellis, serving as an elegant entryway to your seating area. Decorate it with creeper plants or string lights for added charm. Choose materials that complement your outdoor furniture and fixtures.

2. Incorporate Cozy Cushions: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere by adorning your chairs with plush cushions and throw pillows. Select patterns and colors that harmonize with your furniture, adding to the comfort and appeal of the space.

3. Plan a Vertical Garden: Maximize space by creating a vertical garden using a wooden pallet or wall-mounted trellis. This functional garden doubles as a decorative focal point, adding visual interest to your backyard.

4. Set the Tone with Lighting: Choose lighting that sets the ambiance of your backyard. Opt for warm, decorative options that aren't too extravagant. Ensure the lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, avoiding reliance solely on string lights.

5. Make a Stone Pathway: Install a stone pathway to connect your front yard and backyard. These pathways add aesthetic appeal and character to your outdoor space. Alternatively, opt for a pebble footpath for a natural yet bold look.

6. Paint the Fence: Refresh the appearance of your backyard by painting the fence. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up the entire space. Consider hiring a local artist to create a mural on one side of the fence for a unique and dramatic touch.

Conclusion

Revamping your backyard doesn't have to be a daunting task, and you don't need to hire a professional to get it done. By following our simple three-step process clean, organize, and decorate you can transform your outdoor space into a haven of beauty and relaxation.

Starting with the preparation phase, gathering the right cleaning supplies and assessing the area sets the stage for an efficient cleanup. Clearing up space and removing rubbish are essential steps to ensure a clutter-free environment. Once the backyard is clean, focus on tidying up the garden and lawn, and then move on to cleaning the concrete surfaces and fence.

Finally, add the finishing touches with our decorating ideas to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. Incorporating elements like trellises, cozy cushions, vertical gardens, ambient lighting, stone pathways, and freshly painted fences can breathe new life into your outdoor space.

By following these steps and tips, we're confident that you'll achieve a backyard makeover that exceeds your expectations. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and let's get started on creating your dream backyard retreat.