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Outdoor Cleanup

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-419 -- More Projects »
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Slip a length of foam-pipe insulation onto a rake handle to make the rake easier to use and help prevent blisters.
Handyman James Young shares tips on making outdoor cleanup easier.
  • Walk through the yard and pick up any fallen branches or tree limbs on a weekly basis. This is a good way to prevent damaging a mower blade and possibly injuring someone.

  • After trimming and pruning bushes and hedges, use a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves and trimmings and blow them into the yard.

  • Using a plastic rake, rake the debris into piles. Spread an old bed sheet out and rake the piles onto the sheet, along with leaves from the yard. Fold the corners together and drag the debris away. If it's necessary to put the debris into a garbage bag, do so by holding two corners of the sheet and pouring the leaves in the bag.

  • Make sure the rake is long enough to prevent any back strain or injury. A short rake causes you to bend over too much. A proper rake will allow raking from an upright position.

  • Watch for blisters while raking. To make a rake easier on the hands, pick up some foam pipe insulation from the hardware store. A piece of 3/4-inch pipe insulation should fit a rake handle. Stretch the insulation over the length of the rake for some extra padding.

  • Once the leaves are raked, use a tall-sided bucket to press them into a storage bag. The bucket means less bending and strain on the back and is more efficient than trying to press leaves down by hand.

  • Using a water-resilient product on windows can help prevent water spots and dirt from forming on the windows. Using this product before washing the exterior of the house will help water and grime run off the windows, leaving them clean and streak free.

  • Using a power sprayer, hose down the house, starting at the top to rinse leaves and other debris off the house and onto the ground. Finish the job by using the sprayer to clean the driveway. Any remaining dirt can be swept up with a broom.

Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-419
•Delicious Crepes
•Outdoor Cleanup
•Cleaning Cookware
•Tip of the Day
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