Fall has hit here in upstate New York and the leaves are changing colors and the air is getting cooler - and it's reminding me that I have a big to do list to get ready for the winter that's just around the corner. I have some reminders and tips to get you through your fall to do!
Clean and put away your gardening tools, wash them with warm soapy water making sure to get all of the surfaces clean. When the tools are clean and dry coat them with a thin layer of oil or petroleum jelly to prevent the formation of rust while they're not in use.
Make sure your patio furniture is clean so that when you pull it out in the spring you won't have as much work to do.
Vacuum any dirt and leaves off of your patio umbrella. Close it up and grab a pair of old nylon stockings; slip one of the legs over the length of the umbrella. This will let air circulate so the umbrella won't get musty and mildewy, plus dust and cobwebs get caught on the nylons, not the umbrella.
Vacuum your chair cushions too, then put them in a case that you can make easily from some old sheets. Cut the sheets to the size you need, and then use some iron on velcro to seal up the sides for an easy no-sew case that you can use year after year.
Wash terra cotta planters down with hot soapy water and a nylon scrubber. Don't leave them outside in the cold winter months; they will crack. Once they're clean, soak them in a mild bleach and water mixture for a little while. Doing this will kill any mold and mildew. Let them dry in the sun and store them in a cool dry place.
Next job, the gutters, before you start put together a gutter cleaning kit. You'll need a bucket, a pair of heavy duty gloves, a small trowel, a pair of tongs, and a plastic soda bottle with the bottom cut off.
Place a ladder against the side of the house. Make sure it's secure, but not resting against the gutters - that can cause damage.
Lay a big tarp out under the area that you're going to be working on. This way you can throw leaves and gunk onto the tarp.
Use the soda bottle to clean out the debris. The bottle is the perfect size for the job and the top makes a nice handle. Leaves and muck should be scooped out and put into the bucket. If it is really gross, the tongs will come in handy, because they can reach into more compact places.
You can use a hose to flush out the area. Slip the leg of a nylon stocking over the end of the downspout. This way as debris is flushed down it won't make a mess.
The water pressure should clear away any messes that have been left behind.
If you’d like some more easy hints and tips check out my books, ‘Pantry Power’ published by Meredith Books and ‘Mrs. FIXIT’s Easy Home Repair’ published by Simon and Schuster Pocket Books both on-line at www.mrsfixit.com. If you have any questions, or a tip you’d like to share, please contact me at www.mrsfixit.com.
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