10 Essential Outdoor Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Before Autumn Arrives

1. Maintain and Store Your Garden Tools and Equipment

If your gardening tools were heavily used during the summer, they’ll likely require some extra care before being stored for the upcoming seasons.

Start by rinsing off dirt and debris from your tools using a garden hose. Soak them in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub away rust with steel wool. To prevent plant diseases next spring, disinfect the tools by soaking them in a solution of one gallon of hot water mixed with two cups of chlorine bleach for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and ensure they’re completely dry before storing.

Thoroughly clean your lawn mower’s deck, paying special attention to the blade housing to remove any grass buildup. For gas-powered mowers, drain the fuel tank to avoid potential fire hazards and prevent water condensation, which can lead to clogs and corrosion. If you have an electric mower, remove the battery and store it in a climate-controlled area, as temperature fluctuations can reduce the battery’s lifespan.

2. Clean and Store Your Outdoor Furniture

Choose a sunny, dry day to clean and store your outdoor furniture. If indoor storage isn’t an option, cover the items with durable, weatherproof tarps to protect them from the elements.

• Plastic furniture: Lay a tarp in a sunny spot. Combine one gallon of lukewarm water with a quarter cup of dish soap in a bucket. Use a soft-bristled brush dipped in the soapy mixture to clean the furniture from top to bottom. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the brush as a mild abrasive. To tackle mildew, mix half a cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to mildewed areas, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.
• Upholstered furniture, cushions, rugs, and fabric umbrellas: Use a vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove loose dirt and dust. Apply a laundry stain remover to stained spots and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Lightly mist the fabric with a garden hose. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing one gallon of water with a quarter cup of dish soap in a bucket. Fill another bucket with plain water. Scrub the fabric from the top down using a soft-bristled brush, rinsing the brush frequently in the clean water. Finish with a gentle rinse from the garden hose and allow the fabric to air dry. Hang cushions and rugs to ensure proper airflow.

3. Take Down Window Screens and Install Storm Windows

If your home has storm windows, remove the screens and replace them with the storm windows. Clean the screens using a garden hose and a soapy solution, dry them completely, and store them safely. Ensure the storm windows are clean and that the caulking and insulation around the windows are intact.

For window air conditioning units, either remove them or use winter covers to shield them from the elements and prevent cold drafts.

4. Clean Exterior Windows

While the temperatures are still mild, clean your exterior windows (This can be done simultaneously if you’re installing storm windows.) Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wash away dust, bird droppings, and grime. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a bucket.

Begin at the top of the window and use a microfiber mop soaked in the vinegar solution to clean each pane. There’s no need to rinse; simply use a rubber squeegee on an extendable pole or a dry microfiber mop to remove the moisture and achieve a streak-free finish.

5. Prepare Pools and Water Features for Winter

Once the temperature consistently drops below 60 degrees, it’s time to winterize any pools, spas, or water features in your yard. Without proper winterization, they can become breeding grounds for algae, bacteria, and calcification, and risk frozen or burst pipes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:

• Take out, clean, and store all accessories.
• If necessary, clean the pool or water feature thoroughly.
• Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for water treatment.
• Reduce water levels and drain all water lines.
• Secure the pool or water feature with a durable safety cover.

6. Clean Your Grill

Even if you intend to grill during the winter, late summer is an ideal time to give your grill a deep clean. Begin by removing ashes from charcoal grills and disconnecting gas lines. Use hot, soapy water and a scrubbing sponge to eliminate grease from the grates, racks, drip pans, hood interior, and cooking chamber base. Dry all parts thoroughly and check for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out components. If you’re storing the grill for winter, use a sturdy cover to protect it from corrosion.

7. Clean Concrete Porches and Patios

Porches and patios often see heavy use during the summer, so they deserve some extra care once the season winds down. Here’s how to tackle the job:

• Clear all items from the porch or patio.
• Use a broom or leaf blower to eliminate loose debris.
• Combine one cup of water with two cups of distilled white vinegar in a bucket.
• Pour the mixture onto the concrete and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse off the dirt using a garden hose.
• Let the concrete dry completely before returning items to the porch.

8. Declutter and Organize the Garage

To avoid parking your car on the driveway during the chilly winter months, it’s time to tackle the garage. Though it may seem daunting, the effort will pay off. Start by emptying the garage, then sweep the floors and clean the walls and windows. Sort through summer toys and items that can be stored, sold, or donated. Organize what you plan to keep, replacing cardboard boxes with clear, labeled plastic storage bins. Consider adding wall storage solutions to maximize space and ensure your vehicle fits comfortably.

9. Power Wash Exterior Walls

Utilize a pressure washer to eliminate mildew, dirt, and moss buildup from your home’s exterior. Protect shrubs, utility boxes, and mechanical equipment with plastic tarps, and adhere to the pressure washer’s guidelines. Maintain a distance of at least three feet from siding or brick to clean effectively without causing damage. Choose a breezy, sunny day for the task, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too fast.

10. Refresh Outdoor Light Fixtures

Brighten up the dark winter evenings by cleaning your outdoor light fixtures. Begin by turning off the power supply to ensure safety. Use a stable ladder to remove bulbs and glass components. Wash the glass in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Wipe away dust and cobwebs with a damp microfiber cloth. Reassemble the fixture and replace any non-functioning bulbs.