You’ve heard of winterizing your deck. But now it’s time to “summerize” it! Here are a few ways to get your outdoor areas ready for hosting during the warmer summer months:
Pressure-Wash Your Deck or Porch – You’ll be amazed at how a good cleaning can make these spaces feel brand new (and it’s so satisfying to watch the grime come off strip by strip). Wooden decks and porches can be more sensitive, though, so make sure to put the washer on a gentle setting when tackling those areas.
Clean Your Grill – Especially if your grill has been unused throughout the winter season, you’ll want to give it a good scrub before firing it up for the first time. It’s easiest to clean when it’s hot, so turn it on, close the lid, and let it come up to full temp. Then grab your wire brush and scrape away all the debris.
Grab Some Bug Candles – Mosquitos are a ubiquitous—and obnoxious—part of Indiana summers. Make sure to stock up on several citronella candles to last you through the season. Maybe even fill a few decorative buckets with an assortment of bug sprays and place them around your outdoor entertaining area. Your guests will thank you!
Decorate With String Lights – String lights are all the rage, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a fairly inexpensive way to bring instant charm and festiveness to your deck once the sun goes down. Opt for solar-powered strings to save a bit of energy while you’re at it!
Pack a Cooler or Two – With a fresh stash of beverages near to hand, your guests will appreciate not having to leave the party to grab another cold one. Bonus: it also minimizes the foot traffic heading in and out of your house. Don’t forget the ice!