10 Outdoor Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Before Fall

Service and Store Garden Tools and Equipment

If you're gardening supplies were well-loved during summer, then they'll probably need a bit more attention before going into storage for the seasons ahead.

Use a garden hose to rinse off dust and dirt from tools then soak them in hot soapy water for 15 minutes. Remove any rust with steel wool, rinse well, and prevent plant diseases next spring by disinfecting the tools in one gallon of hot water and two cups of chlorine bleach for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry well before storing them.

Clean the deck of your lawn mower, including the blade housing to remove stuck-on grass. For gas-powered mowers, empty the fuel tank to prevent accidental fires and water condensation that can cause clogs and corrosion in the fuel system. Remove the battery from an electric mower and store it in a temperature-controlled space. Fluctuating temperatures can shorten the life span of battery cells.

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

Pick a dry, sunny day and use it to clean and store your outdoor furniture. If you don't have indoor storage for the outdoor items, protect them with weatherproof tarps.

• Plastic furniture: Spread a tarp in a sunny location. Add one gallon of lukewarm water and one-fourth cup of dishwashing liquid to a bucket. Scrub the furniture from the top down with a soft-bristled brush dipped in the soapy solution. To remove stains, sprinkle some dry baking soda on the brush as a gentle abrasive. To remove mildew, mix one-half cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mildewed areas and wait 10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse well and allow to air dry.
• Upholstered furniture, cushions, rugs, and fabric umbrellas: Use the upholstery attachment on a vacuum to remove loose dust and soil. Pretreat stained areas with a laundry stain remover and allow it to work for at least 15 minutes. Lightly dampen the fabric with a garden hose spray. Mix one gallon of water and 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid in a plastic bucket. Fill a second bucket with plain water. Start at the top of the item and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the brush often in the clean water. Finish with a light rinsing spray from the garden hose and allow the fabric to air dry. Hang cushions and rugs to create good air circulation.

Remove Window Screens and Install Storm Windows

For homes with storm windows, remove window screens and install the storm windows. Clean the screens with a garden hose and soapy solution, dry well, and store. Be sure the storm windows are clean and the caulking and insulation around the windows are in good condition.

If you have window air conditioning units, remove them or install winter covers to protect them and help prevent drafts.

Wash Exterior Windows

While the weather is still warm, clean outside windows (You can multi-task this if you're installing storm windows.) Rinse away dust, bird droppings, and dirt with a garden hose spray nozzle. In a bucket, mix half water and half distilled white vinegar.

Start at the top of the window and use a clean, microfiber mop dipped in the vinegar solution to clean each window. There's no need to rinse; a rubber squeegee on a telescoping pole or a dry microfiber mop will remove the moisture and leave the window streak-free.

Winterize Pool and Water Features

When the weather stays consistently below 60 degrees, it's time to winterize any pool, spa, or water feature in your yard. If not properly winterized, they can become a haven for algae, bacteria, calcification, and frozen, broken water pipes.

Here's what you need to do:

• Remove, clean, and store accessories.
• Clean the pool or water feature, if needed.
• Follow the manufacturer's water treatment recommendations.
• Lower the water levels and drain the water lines.
• Cover the pool or water feature with a safety cover.

Clean Grills

Even if you plan to keep grilling throughout the winter, late summer is a good time to thoroughly clean a grill. Start by emptying ashes from charcoal grills and disconnect gas lines before cleaning. Use hot, soapy water and a scrubbing sponge to get rid of grease from grills, racks, drip pans, inside the hood, and bottom of the cooking chamber. Dry well and inspect each component for damage. Replace worn components. If retiring the grill for the winter, use a secure cover to help prevent corrosion.

Scrub Concrete Porches and Patios

Porches and patios get a little more use during the summertime, so they need some extra attention after the busy season. Here's what to do:

• Remove everything from the porch or patio.
• Use a broom or a leaf blower to remove loose debris.
• Mix one cup of water and two cups of distilled white vinegar in a bucket.
• Pour the mixture over the concrete and let it work for 30 minutes.
• Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse away the dirt with a garden hose.
• Allow the concrete to air dry before replacing items on the porch.

Clean Out the Garage

If you don't want to have to park your car on the driveway during the cold winter months, then it's time to clean out the garage. While it can seem overwhelming, this task will be so worth it. Start by emptying the garage, then sweep it out, and clean the walls and windows. Sort out summer toys and items that can be packed away, sold, or donated. Organize what's coming back into the garage. Get rid of cardboard boxes. Use clear plastic storage bins and label them clearly. Look for ways to add wall storage so there's plenty of room to park your vehicle.

Spray Away Dirt on the Exterior Walls

Use a pressure washer to remove mildew, dirt, and mossy growth from the exterior of your home. Use plastic tarps to protect shrubs, utility boxes, and mechanical equipment, and follow the instructions on your pressure washer. Stand at least three feet from the siding or brick to remove soil without damaging the surface. Clean on a breezy, sunny day, and avoid working in direct sunlight so the cleaning solution doesn't dry too quickly.

Freshen Exterior Light Fixtures

Brighten the long winter nights by cleaning the outdoor light fixtures. Start by turning off the power source to ensure your safety while completing this task. Using a sturdy ladder, remove the bulbs and any glass pieces. Wash the the glass in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and insect webs. Reassemble the fixture and replace any burned-out bulbs.