Here’s How To Clean All Your Summer Items

Summer is finally here (woo-hoo!), which means pool days and evening barbecues galore. Spending your time swimming, playing with the kids outside, and whipping up some burgers on the grill can be loads of fun, but cleaning up after all that, however, is not.

Luckily, you don’t have to slave over trying to figure out how to get that stain out of your lawn chair. We’ve put together a guide for how to clean six popular summer items, so you can enjoy the season without worrying that your house is going to turn into a pigsty.

1. Grill

Don’t let all that meat juice stick to the side of your grill. Make sure the grill is turned off and remove the grates, soaking them in a bucket of hot water and dish soap. Use a grill brush to scrub inside of grill, including the hood and walls. After the grates have soaked, scrub those as well.

grill photo
Photo by jdtornow

2. Pool Toys

You’ll want to periodically clean your pool toys so they don’t get moldy or filled with dirt. Using some gloves, combine 16 ounces of household bleach with a gallon of water, and use a brush to clean your pool toy.  Or, for a more natural cleaner, use 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water, and spritz and scrub.

pool toy photo
Photo by mikecogh

3. Beach Towels

Towels can get faded and mildewy over time if they are left out in the sun or shoved into a beach bag. Wash your towels in a hot cycle with a 1/4 cup white vinegar. Run a second cycle, adding detergent and ½ cup baking soda. Wash after each use, and avoid using fabric softener, which can decrease absorbency.

beach towels photo
Photo by fred_v

4. Patio Furniture

Many typical furniture cleaners are too abrasive for patio furniture, so you want to use something less harsh. Dip a sponge in some baking soda and scrub, or use a spray bottle of vinegar mixed with water to get of any mildew growth. If you need something stronger, you can always add in a little bit of diluted bleach.

patio furniture photo
Photo by SportSuburban

5. Bathing Suits

You’ll want to wash your bathing suits after you wear them, but you must do it the right way to avoid ruining the material or causing it to fade. Rinse your bathing suit out with cold tap water after each use, and add a little bit of detergent after every few wears. Let sit in the sink for a few minutes, and then rinse. Avoid wringing out the suit, leaving in the sun or putting it in the dryer.

bathing suit photo
Photo by rockmixer

6. Flip Flops

Shoes track a lot of dirt, so it may be time to rinse off those flip flops. Soak your sandals in a tub of warm water mixed with dish soap or laundry detergent. Use a brush to scrub off any remaining dirt or stains. If your flip flops are a little fancier, skip with the tub and use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean the soles instead; then use a damp towel to clean the top.

flip flops photo
Photo by michellecarl

Photo by AnneCN

Cleaning & Organization, Home, Life
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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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