Memorial Day Weekend Preparation – Get ready for the guests!

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick-off start to the summer.  What are you and your family doing? Whatever you choose to do, the outdoors will naturally be a part of your plan. Martha Stewart has some great tips on how to get your outdoors ready.  From your grill to the umbrella, bring on the holiday weekend!

1.) Cleaning the grill: When is the last time you pulled out the grill? Martha’s advice: Go over the burners with a grill brush, and clear clogged burner holes with a pipe cleaner or a sewing needle.

Clean now, so you can enjoy your weekend plans

2.) Prep your outdoor fabrics:  From your decorative patio furniture pillows, to the removable covers on the cushions, get them cleaned now. Martha’s advice: Removable covers sometimes can be machine-washed in cold water, using mild, bleach-free laundry soap, and then air-dried. To hand-wash, submerge the fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup gentle liquid soap, such as Ivory, and 1 gallon lukewarm water (do not exceed 100 degrees), swishing gently. Rinse, and air-dry. ..more

Clean up the patio furniture for the by-the-pool entertaining!

3.) Rinsing the Awnings: Let’s be honest – who cleans awnings? Obviously Martha does, and if we kept up with our awnings more, maybe they would look fresher, longer? Martha’s Advice: For the initial seasonal cleaning, rinse the awning, then use a long-handled brush to apply a solution of water and mild soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s. Rinse again. Rinse regularly with a spray hose throughout the outdoor season. Allow the awning to air-dry thoroughly after cleaning; always open awnings after rain to let them dry thoroughly.

Yes, you are suppose to clean your awnings

4.) Cleaning Umbrellas: Even though your umbrella isn’t “front and center” when it comes to entertaining, they need to be cleaned. Most umbrellas stay out in the elements, and can show wear and tear quickly.  Martha’s Advice: scrub with a utility brush and a solution of mild soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, and lukewarm water. Avoid detergents and hot water, which can strip the protective coating off of umbrella fabric. If umbrella is badly stained or mildewed, scrub with a solution of 1/ 2 cup oxygen bleach and 5 gallons warm water.

Make your umbrella as inviting as the company that visits!

Remember, whether you are celebrating a holiday, having guests over for a pool party, or just letting the  breeze pass through your hair, celebrate the idea of family and friends.

For more tips, visit Martha Stewart.