As the warm days of summer slowly begin to wane, it’s the perfect time to give your outdoor furniture and BBQ grills a thorough cleaning before storing them away for the cooler months. At Miniml, we believe in maintaining our living spaces using eco-friendly methods that are kind to the planet. Here’s a guide on sustainable cleaning practices to keep your outdoor essentials in top shape without harming the environment. 🌱
1. Gather Your Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies 🧹
Before you start, ensure you have the following eco-friendly cleaning supplies:
- Soda Bicarbonate: A natural abrasive for scrubbing.
- White Vinegar: A powerful disinfectant and deodoriser.
- Lemon Juice: Natural acid for cutting through grime.
- Essential Oils: For adding a pleasant scent and additional cleaning power.
- Reusable Cleaning Cloths: Replace disposable wipes with washable cloths.
- Miniml Eco-Friendly Surface Cleaner: Choose between French Lavender or Blood Orange scents.
2. Cleaning Outdoor Furniture 🪑
Wooden Furniture
- Dust Off: Start by dusting off any loose dirt or debris with a soft brush.
- Clean Solution: Use Miniml’s surface cleaners for or mix water + eco dish soap for a more thorough clean.
- Scrub: Use a soft cloth dipped in the solution to scrub the furniture, paying attention to any stubborn spots.
- Rinse: Rinse off with a garden hose and allow it to air dry in the sun.
- Polish: For added protection, polish the wood with a mixture of 1 part olive oil and 1 part lemon juice.
Plastic and Resin Furniture
- Clean Solution: Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Alternatively, use Miniml’s Scented White Vinegar options!
- Scrub: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the furniture with the solution.
- Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry in the sun.
Metal Furniture
- Rust Removal: For rust spots, create a paste with soda bicarb and water, apply it to the rust, and scrub with a brush.
- Clean Solution: Mix water and eco washing up liquid, and use a cloth to wipe down the furniture.
- Rinse: Rinse off and dry immediately to prevent rust.
3. Cleaning BBQ Grills 🍗
Grates
- Pre-Soak: Remove the grates and soak them in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar for about an hour.
- Scrub: Use a grill brush to scrub away any remaining residue. For tougher spots, make a paste with Miniml’s Eco Washing Up Liquid & soda bicarb, apply, and scrub.
- Rinse: Rinse the grates thoroughly with water and dry.
Interior
- Scrape: Scrape off any loose debris from the inside of the grill with a grill brush or scraper.
- Clean Solution: Spray the interior with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar, let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Wipe Down: Wipe down with a reusable cloth.
Exterior
- Wipe Down: Use a cloth and the vinegar solution to wipe down the exterior of the grill, focusing on greasy spots.
- Polish: For stainless steel exteriors, polish with a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to maintain shine and prevent rust.
4. Final Tips and Storage 📦
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure all items are completely dry before storing them to prevent mould and mildew.
- Cover Up: Use covers for both your furniture and grill to protect them from the elements.
- Store Properly: If possible, store items in a shed or garage to extend their life.
By using these sustainable methods, you can keep your outdoor furniture and BBQ grills clean and ready for the next season without the need for harsh chemicals. Not only will you be extending the life of your belongings, but you’ll also be contributing to a healthier planet. Happy cleaning! ✨
