It seems like it was just yesterday we were setting up the BBQ and planting our spring gardens. How does the summer go by so fast even though the days are so long? It’s truly a mystery. When you wake up and feel that hint of autumn crispness in the air, it’s time to act. We think this is a Goldilocks time to tackle a few tasks: it’s not too hot, not too wet, and not too cold.
Garage grime
The garage is the perfect place to kick off weekend cleaning. After a season of outdoor activities, be sure to take stock of what’s stored in your garage and remove or reorganize the items that won’t be useful during the fall and winter.
Now is also a great time to clean and put away your summer toys and gardening tools and bring out rakes and shovels. Since vehicles will soon be needing to tuck into the garage to avoid the elements, organize and store your belongings off the ground and neatly away for more room.
Wall shelving is a great option, and our very handy handymen can even help you install it. If you’ve cleared out the garage and now you have a pile of unwanted junk (or should we say treasures that have overstayed their welcome) on your driveway, don’t fret. Rümi is eager to help with junk removal — big or small!
While you’re at it, check the seal around your garage door, and make sure it operates smoothly. If there are any issues, you’ll want to get your garage door checked out or repaired now before the snow flies.
Your last step will be to give the garage a good sweep to remove any dust and debris that’s accumulated throughout the summer. With all the salt, mud and moisture tracked through in the winter months, it’s in your best interest to get your space as clean as possible now; it’ll make next year’s spring cleaning that much easier.
Clean camping gear
A sure sign of a good camping trip is messy camping gear. Especially if you had to pack up in the rain. Sleeping, eating and adventuring in the outdoors comes with its share of dirt, bugs, soot, mud and messes of all sorts (go figure).
After all that adventure, your camping equipment deserves some attention before it’s tucked away in long-term storage. If camping season is wrapped, show your gear some end-of-season love with a thorough clean, repair and sorting – note any wear and tear and special instructions for yourself next year.
For example: what will need new batteries? What equipment may need to be patched, repaired or replaced? This will help kick off the next camping season on the right foot.
Some big-ticket items could probably use a little extra attention after a season of summer nights, like tents and tarps, sleeping bags, camping stoves and cookware, and trailers. Consider laying out all of your gear in your yard, driveway or living room.
Be sure to follow the washing and warranty instructions associated with all of your camping equipment. Our experts recommend using a vacuum or a broom, hot soapy water and a soft cloth to clean most items. To save yourself some time and effort, read labels to find which items are dishwasher and washing machine safe and let your household heroes (AKA machines) do the work.
Kitchen clutter
Once you’ve hosted your last outdoor BBQ or margarita night (we’re not crying, you’re crying), consider tackling a kitchen and cupboard clean-out.
Take a good look through your fridge and pantry. Keep your eyes peeled for expired spices and dips — oh, and those mystery items in the back of the freezer! Want to go the extra mile? Empty your cupboards, fridge and freezer and wipe down all of the shelves and surfaces with a multipurpose cleaner. Trust us, it’s worth it.
So now the cupboards are clean, but are the drawers are out of control? Tame those utensils and other miscellaneous items with organizers. If you’ve got the time, run everything through the dishwasher first, then donate duplicates. (Do you really need four melon ballers?)
Lastly, when the final steak rack of ribs, or medley of vegetables is grilled, start cleaning your barbecue and barbecue tools. Be sure to reference your manual and follow any specific maintenance instructions.
Don’t think of August weekends as a farewell to summer; they're more of a warm welcome to fall! Raise a glass to the season by using up your summer herbs in a cocktail, like this Blue Flame Kitchen mojito iced tea. Cheers!
