Top 10 Essential Outdoor Cleaning Tools

1. Ladder

Every home should have an extension ladder for cleaning gutters and pruning tall trees. Be sure to know exactly how your model extends and locks into position. When not in use, your closed extension ladder can be hung horizontally on heavy-duty hangers attached to your garage wall. Here’s a few other useful ladders to have on hand:

Step Ladder: This type of ladder opens in an upside-down V shape and comes in a variety of heights from two feet to 12 feet. It’s useful for cleaning ground-floor windows, fixing outdoor lights and doing other chores where a few feet of extra height will let you work more efficiently. Look for a step ladder with a fold-out platform at the top for placing tools and other items.

Multi-Purpose Ladder: Also called a multi-position ladder, this versatile ladder can function as a scaffold, step ladder, or extension ladder. It costs a little more, but it’s a practical choice if storage space is at a premium.

Step Stool: A step stool is ideal when you just need a step up for any cleaning chores outside or inside your home.

2. Pressure Washer

A pressure washer or power washer offers a quick and easy way to clean debris from your deck, patio, walkways, and even the outside of your home. The powerful water jet can also remove dirt, mould, mildew and algae, which helps to prevent surface deterioration over time. A wide range of pressure washers are available, from small hand-held electric units to large high-powered gas machines. Electric power washers are good for smaller spaces and are a quieter option during operation. Gas pressure washers can attack heavy-duty jobs and have a higher power-to-weight ratio than electric models.

3. Moss, Mould & Mildew Removers

Pressure-washing can remove the heavy mould, mildew or algae growth, but it can persist in cracks and other hidden areas only to return later. So pressure-washing should be followed up with a specialty cleaner specific to the issue. You can also try a DIY solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water, or a diluted solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate).

4.Garden Hose

Your outdoor cleaning can’t be completed without a good garden hose. You can use it to spray dirt off lawn furniture or more delicate backyard features like birdbaths, trellises, and rock gardens. When replacing your garden hose, be sure to check that your hose nozzle and wand is in proper working order too.

5. Outdoor Cleaning Cloths & Sponges

Furniture, siding, soffit and drainpipes will need to be wiped down occasionally. Cleaning sponges work well for heavy soaking and can be made of cellulose, polyurethane, or natural materials like spongin and luffa. Reusable cleaning cloths are ideal for more detailed washing and wiping.

6. Squeegees & Glass Cleaners

A basic selection of window cleaning tools is essential for removing built-up grime. Squeegees and glass cleaners will make quick work of your windows. You can also find squeegee-sponge combos and squeegees with extension poles for reaching high windows without a ladder.

7. Air Compressor

These powerful machines work by compressing air in a storage tank and directing it outward through a hose at high speed. When combined with the right air tools, an air compressor can make outdoor repairs and maintenance go much quicker. It’s also great for blowing away dust, leaves and other debris in your yard, especially in tight, hard-to-reach places. You can even hook it up to your garden hose to create an instant power washer. Once the washing is done, simply disconnect the water supply and use the air compressor to dry the area out.

8. Outdoor Brooms

An outdoor broom is a must-have. One of the most popular styles is the traditional corn broom, simply because it’s efficient. A push broom features a wide head and is useful sweeping up larger areas. Look for a broom with coarse, thick bristles that will stand up to contact with decks, driveways and patios.

9. Wheelbarrow

Tidying up your yard will inevitably result in piles of debris, so a good wheelbarrow will come in handy. You can fill it with dead leaves, weeds and other messes for transport to your compost or garbage bins. Choose a model that suits the size of your garden. For large spaces, a sturdy steel wheelbarrow will handle heavy loads. For small yards, a lightweight plastic wheelbarrow should work fine

10. Comfort & Safety Gear

Before you start your outdoor cleanup tasks, think about safety. You’ll want to have a good pair of safety gloves, safety glasses and a respirator mask. Knee pads will help keep you comfortable when you’re working close to the ground.