A thorough checklist to get your outdoor spring cleaning projects on track, plus the products we use to make backyard cleanup easier.
This post is sponsored by Lowe's.
Spring is finally here, and with it comes the annual backyard refresh that lets us enjoy warm-weather months outdoors. If outdoor cleanup is on your to-do list, this guide organizes the process with practical tips, tools we rely on, and a printable checklist at the end to keep the whole project manageable.
A full backyard reset can often be completed in a weekend. We block a day or two each spring for deep cleaning—this year felt extra challenging while Robert recovered from knee surgery, but with a few good tools and some family help, the work went faster than expected. Lowe’s SpringFest has been useful for finding deals on paint, lawn and garden supplies, and outdoor living items to stretch the budget.
Below I share the cleaning methods and decorating tricks that have worked for us over the years, organized by area to make the process simple and efficient.
Refresh and Weed the Garden
Spending an hour or two on problem areas in your garden can greatly improve curb appeal and set plants up for a healthy growing season.
Related: DIY Flower Bed Makeover
Replace Dead Plants
Remove any dead shrubs or plants and replace them if your budget allows. If not, clear them out—empty, dead beds can make a yard feel neglected. We’ve used recycled wood barrel planters for years; they’re durable and versatile.
Feed Plants
Top your beds and containers with a balanced plant food and fresh potting mix each spring to give growth a strong start that lasts for months.
Remove Weeds
Save your back by using an extendable weeder for hard-to-reach areas to avoid constant bending. For walkways and borders, a targeted weed-and-grass killer with a directional nozzle makes it easier to treat problem spots without overspray.
Prune
Cut back trees and shrubs early in the season, and recycle trimmings into compost or mulch to reuse in beds.
Treat for Insects
Apply an effective insect control to lawns and landscaped areas before pests become active. A hose-end sprayer option simplifies application and covers common pests like ticks, grubs, and beetles.
Add Mulch
Refreshing beds with hardwood mulch improves the finished look while conserving moisture and regulating soil temperature—important for healthier plants and reduced watering.
Related: Backyard DIY Fire Pit Done in a Weekend
Fire Pit Cleaning Sources
For cleaning fire pits, tools like a stiff brush, a small leaf blower for debris, and a pressure washer for surrounding hardscape make the job much easier. Keep spark-resistant gloves and a trash bin nearby to collect ash and scorched remnants.
Clean the Deck or Patio
A quick deep clean to remove mildew and grime can instantly refresh a deck or patio for entertaining.
Inspect the deck or patio for damaged boards, chips, or cracks and repair before cleaning. Reseal wood decking when fully dry to protect it after cleaning.
Pressure Wash Concrete or Wood Deck
A reliable electric pressure washer paired with a multi-purpose cleaner removes dirt, grease, and mildew from patios, fences, decking, siding, and concrete. Use the manufacturer’s recommended pressure settings to avoid damaging wood or fabric surfaces.
Clean the Grill Area
Clean countertops and grill surrounds with a degreasing cleaner, then rinse thoroughly. A pressure washer on a gentle setting speeds up this job and removes baked-on stains from stone or concrete surfaces.
Fix Outdoor Lighting
Test string lights and fixtures, replacing bulbs or damaged strands. Functional, warm lighting transforms evenings and keeps outdoor gatherings safe and inviting.
Related: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Anywhere in a Backyard and Backyard Lighting Ideas You Can Install Yourself on a Budget
Inspect Grill and Outdoor Appliances
Thoroughly clean and check your grill, mini-fridge, pizza oven, and other appliances to ensure they’re ready for the season. Clean burners, empty drip trays, and inspect hoses before firing up.
Plant Herbs
Grow pots of rosemary, basil, thyme, or mint near your grill or outdoor kitchen for easy access while cooking and for refreshing drinks.
Set Out Tiki Torches
Tabletop tiki torches filled with citronella or cedar oil provide a refillable, reusable way to help control mosquitoes and extend comfortable evenings outdoors.
Outdoor Kitchen Cleaning Sources
For outdoor kitchen care, focus on a concentrated cleaner for countertops, stainless steel polish for appliances, and mild solutions for fabrics. Keep spare burners and small parts on hand if repairs are needed.
Clean the Backyard Pool Area
Opening a pool is a detailed job, but once completed it rewards you with weeks of use. Inspect equipment, remove debris, and clean pool surrounds for a welcoming area.
Related: DIY Painted Concrete Pool Deck and Patio
Inspect and Replace Swimming Pool Equipment
Check pumps, filters, and valves early in the season. Faulty equipment allows algae to take hold quickly, so repair or replace as needed to keep water clear.
Deep Clean the Pool
Skim debris, brush walls and floors, and clean ladders and accessories. Routine maintenance keeps water chemistry balanced and makes opening much easier.
Related: DIY Pergola Cabana Build
Clean the Pool Deck
A good leaf blower clears loose debris quickly; follow up with a pressure washer and cleaner to remove grime from concrete or decking.
Plant Potted Perennials
Planting perennials in containers is a budget-friendly way to add color year after year. Mixing varieties in a single planter adds interest and longevity.
Clean or Replace Outdoor Rugs, Pillows, Curtains, and Umbrellas
Outdoor textiles can often be refreshed with a pressure-wash and a gentle cleaner; replace items that are too damaged. Shade elements like pergola tops protect plants and fabrics and complete the outdoor room feel.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
Even secondhand or older outdoor furniture can be revived. A pressure washer (on a low setting) and an appropriate cleaner remove most mildew and dirt. For stubborn spots, use a diluted bleach solution, scrub lightly, and rinse thoroughly.
After furniture dries, treat wood with teak oil or a similar product to restore color, add moisture resistance, and protect from UV damage.
Clean and Replace Pool Toys
Sort pool toys: clean usable items, discard broken ones, and replace essentials before the season starts. Store toys in ventilated containers to keep them clean between uses.
Add Necessary Outdoor Storage
Durable, ventilated storage like composite garden stools or weatherproof bins protects pool toys and cushions from pests and mildew while keeping them handy.
Backyard Pool Area Cleaning Sources
Stock up on pool chemicals, brushes, filtration supplies, and outdoor storage solutions to make seasonal maintenance straightforward.
Clean House Exterior
Refreshing the house exterior boosts curb appeal with relatively little effort. A few focused tasks go a long way.
Wash Windows and Doors
Wash exterior glass and door frames with an outdoor glass cleaner designed for hoses, and clean screens for clearer views and better airflow.
Clean Out Gutters
A gutter attachment for a leaf blower speeds up gutter cleaning and keeps you off ladders longer—make sure gutters are clear before heavy storms arrive.
Pressure Wash Siding
When pressure washing other outdoor surfaces, include siding to remove dirt and mildew and brighten your home’s appearance.
Refresh the Lawn
Walk the property to pick up debris, aerate compacted areas, and apply fertilizer where needed. Test and inspect sprinkler systems so they function reliably when the season begins.
House Exterior Cleaning Sources
Keep a list of exterior cleaners, nozzles, and safety gear so you can tackle these tasks efficiently—quality tools save time and extend the life of surfaces.
Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist
Download the free checklist below to guide your weekend of outdoor spring cleaning and track progress as you go.
Dedicate a weekend, follow the checklist, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for months. Lowe’s SpringFest is a good time to shop for outdoor tools, decor, and supplies at better prices to get your yard ready for gatherings.
We celebrated finishing our cleanup by gathering around the fire pit—sunshine and a tidy backyard truly feel restorative.
More DIY Backyard Ideas and Curb Appeal Tips
- 35 DIY Backyard Ideas on a Budget
- 6 Small Front Porch Ideas on a Budget to Add Instant Curb Appeal
- DIY Front Flower Bed Makeover
