12 Easy Deck Spruce-Ups You Can Knock Out in a Weekend

Warm weather has arrived, and if you're lucky enough to have a porch or deck you’ll want to hang out on it as much as possible this season. Get your outdoor space ready for summer with these spruce-ups you can knock out in a weekend.

When it's time to start cleaning off a deck that's had a hard winter, you'll find the leaf blower is your BFF. Use it to blow dirt off the deck and railings, then give all the furniture a good once-over. Get extra close to cushions and pillows for a fast "dry clean" that'll blast any stubborn dust or pollen off the upholstery.

Take a good look at your existing outdoor furniture and accessories to determine what needs to be cleaned, as well as what needs to be repaired or refurbished. Consider the fact that a repair could cost more than replacing the item altogether. Once you have a game plan, gather your cleaning supplies and clear the deck.

If you like an all-natural clean, make your own soapy solution that gets the job done and smells great. To clean outdoor furniture, you need a mixture that can cut through grease and grime. Drop one tablespoon of unscented mild soap, several drops of lavender oil and a tablespoon of sodium borate into a 16-ounce squirt bottle, then top off with hot water. You can also do your own variation of this in a two-gallon bucket of hot water for scrubbing the deck. Bonus: Bugs don't like lavender!