There’s a scent of smoke in the air from a nearby fireplace, there’s a slight snap in the evening breeze and pumpkin spice is on the menu at your favorite coffee shop. These events can only mean one thing: autumn is getting closer. September 22 will be here before you know it; although 2020 has been a strange year, time continues to march ahead!
Regardless of whether or not you’re happy to bring out the sweaters and think about those winter clothing essentials, fall is the time to do a bit of cleanup in your outdoor spaces. In fact, fall and winter preparation chores may have already been added to your to-do list to complete before that first frost. Luckily, Miles Kimball and Kimball Corner have compiled some must-do chores to get your home ready for the fall and winter season, including chores that include your outdoor furniture.
Clean and Cover Your Outdoor Furniture
The wildly fluctuating temperatures can be tough on your outdoor furniture, grills and outdoor structures. When these items (which are sometimes a big investment) aren’t properly cared for and protected during the winter season, their lifespans are reduced considerably. If you’re like most Americans and can’t afford to replace your outdoor furniture on a yearly basis, fall is the time to winterize outdoor furniture in order to extend its life.
After a full summer, your outdoor furniture and your outdoor rocking chairs may be ready to take a break. Clean these items thoroughly with a pressure washer or a garden hose before saying goodbye to them for the winter. Sweep off debris, add some gentle detergent to a bucket, scrub with a good water broom and then rinse well with water. Clean the cushions and wash the covers, if possible. If you’re lucky enough to have a designated space in a shed or a garage where they’re covered, this is ideal. However, patio furniture covers are also a great option if a covered space is not available.
Patio furniture covers are also great to use even if you have a covered space. They add a bit more protection to your patio furniture during storage. Miles Kimball has many different styles of furniture and equipment covers in high-quality vinyl and in a variety of styles, colors and shapes that will protect your outdoor patio furniture and other investments. Shop Miles Kimball for chair covers, grill covers, table covers, HVAC covers and lawn mower covers that will fit your spaces perfectly.
Clean Gutters
Leftover debris, leaves and nests displaced from summer storms can also be left over in your gutters and downspouts and can clog your gutters. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned twice a year — in fall and in spring. Clogged gutters can lead to wet basements, interior and exterior damage, mold growth and other undesirable consequences.
Whether you hire a service to clean your gutters or you choose to do it yourself, Miles Kimball makes cleaning your gutters an easier task. It’s important to have a sturdy ladder that can be placed on a solid surface (not on landscaping rocks, woodpiles or other moveable objects). Also, wear a long-sleeved shirt, work pants and high-quality garden gloves. Miles Kimball has some great options available in our gardening tools, such as our NFL Sport Utility Gloves, our Gorilla Garden Hands and our set of two Garden Hands™.
While you’re getting up close and personal with your gutters, it’s also great to inspect the fascia boards, your shingles and the condition of the gutters you’re emptying. Note any cracks, splits or damage. Gather your tools (gutter scoops, trowels, buckets, garden hoses, fire nose nozzles, spray nozzles). Pressure washers are ideal for this chore. Even better? Look for special garden hose attachments that are designed specifically for cleaning gutters. Miles Kimball has a convenient home and gutter flusher tool and a telescopic gutter brush that will help make this job more convenient.
Caring for Hoses and Outdoor Spigots
Cold climates can also mean winterizing your outdoor water sources and spigots. Disconnect your hoses and other fittings that are attached to your outdoor spigots. Now is the time to inspect these spigots and other fixtures for leaks or drips and to completely drain them. To do this, shut off the water line to that space and then let the spigot open until all of the water drains out. It is important to remember to close the spigot after this step. Cover your outdoor spigots with tight-fitting, outdoor faucet socks/covers, such as our outdoor faucet covers and faucet sock sets. These insulated covers contain Thinsulate® insulation that help save and protect your outdoor faucets from damage that can occur in cold weather.
Organize and Tidy Outdoor Spaces
Grandma once said that “everything should have a place.” When it comes to getting your outdoor areas ready for fall and winter, this saying has never been truer. Tidy your outdoor lawn equipment: bring these tools inside, organize them with our garden tool organizer or corner garden tool rack and keep them secure throughout the winter to extend their lives. Miles Kimball has a great selection of outdoor storage and organization items to help get your outdoor spaces in top shape. Protect your wood piles with tarps and our set of four tarp clamps to keep your wood free from moisture and bad weather. Shop bungee cords and bungee cord sets at Miles Kimball that are great for multiple uses.
Fall Prep is Easy with Miles Kimball
Getting your outdoor furniture, tools and home ready for the fall isn’t hard when you know where to look for the right tools to help you get the job done quickly and easily. Miles Kimball has unique fall preparation items and goods — as well as the best outdoor lighting, garden décor and more that’s great to enjoy during the warmer months.