The summer holidays are here and diaries are filling up with dinner parties, drinks and BBQ’s with family and friends! Although cleaning may be the last thing on our mind when you step out into the garden, the summer period can actually be a great opportunity to deep clean our homes (both inside and out!)
Here at Purdy & Figg, we’ve put together a useful guide on how to tackle cleaning your outside space this summer using natural methods. You’ll be well on your way to achieving your summer garden glow up in no time!
Perk up your patio
Constant exposure to the elements spares no grace for our outdoor patios.
For wooden decking: Firstly, create a simple solution with warm water and Castile soap. This combination should be powerful enough to lift the dirt and grime (without harming any plants or wildlife.)
You’ll want to reseal the wood after you clean it down to prevent moisture and mould getting into the the wood and causing cracks. You can use natural plant oils such as coconut and walnut oil as an alternative to regular, non-eco brands.
For concrete patios: A good pressure wash will be your best bet for sprucing it up. If you don’t have a pressure washer, or you find your patio is still looking a little worse-for-wear, prepare a solution of soap and warm water and scrub it down with an old garden brush. The bristles should lift up those hard-to-clean spots, leaving your patio looking fresh and renewed!
Top Tip: White vinegar is a perfect natural pre-treatment for removing unsightly mould and algae. Mix up 50/50 water and vinegar and apply the solution with a mop in circular motions. Leave the acidity to work its way into the paving slabs before washing away with soapy water.
Freshen up your furniture
Freshening up your outdoor furniture using a 100% natural and toxin-free formula (perfect for surfaces you’ll be eating from). We recommend using Purdy & Figg's limited edition Geranium & Ylang Ylang Counter Clean for a tropical boost this summer! Simply spray the product onto a damp microfibre cloth and wipe away. Your outdoor space will be fit for hosting in no time!
Top Tip: Hose down your wicker furniture every few weeks to prevent dirt build-up in the crevices.
Get Grill Ready
When it comes to getting your barbecue grill ready, acidity is going to be your best friend. We all know that grilled onions taste great on the side of a burger, but did you know their acidity makes them the perfect grill-cleaning alliance? Simply cut an onion in half and rub it across warm grill grates. It should lift off any dirt and residue without leaving any harsh chemicals behind. Lemons or a white vinegar-soaked cloth are also perfect to clean any hard-to-tackle areas (you can also use this method for cleaning the exterior of your barbecue!
Top Tip: Always clean your barbecue when its warm - wait until it’s cooled down a little after cooking and the dirt will come away much more easily.
Natural Weed Repellent
Salt has been used as a natural weed killer (herbicide) for hundreds of years, and it’s just as effective at doing the job today! Salt, according to National Garden Bureau member Larry Thompson, will kill just about anything that grows! It works by dehydrating neighbouring plants and weeds and disrupt the internal water balance of their cells. Apply salt onto those stubborn patches you wish to deter and it will quickly work its magic.
Disclaimer: The time-honoured method of using salt as weed repellent must be taken with precaution. Although natural, salt is powerful at preventing plants from growing once in the soil. We recommend using it in minimal, controlled places (E.g between the cracks in your patio).
Top Tip: Plants will absorb the salt quicker if it’s applied diluted with water!
Watch This!
Watch our recent video for some quick-fire tips on getting your house (and garden) summer ready:
