Renting storage space to hold all of your offseason belongings is a perfect way to declutter and create more room at home. Now that summer has almost arrived, it’s time to get out everything you’ll need to have fun at the pool, barbecue with friends, and work in the garden. Before using these items, it’s best to thoroughly clean them to remove any dust, mold, or mildew that may have accumulated while being stored. Here are a few tips for making sure your gear is in good condition for the warmer months ahead. 

How to Clean Your Summer Gear 

1. Pool Toys 

Although they’re designed to get wet, pool toys tend to become moldy and start deteriorating if left in a damp environment. First, go through all of the toys you have to see if any of the inflatables are leaking or damaged. Whatever you have left should be cleaned with a white vinegar and water mixture. Spray them all over, rinse them off with a water hose, and leave them in the sun to fully dry. Scrub any mold spots with a nylon-bristle brush.

2. Grill 

Make sure your grill is ready to cook everything to perfection this summer by preventing leftover food particles from changing the flavor of your meats and vegetables. After taking it out of the storage space, remove the grate and soak it in hot water and soap. Spray the inside with a cleaner and degreaser, and scrub everything with a still-bristled brush. Rinse with a hose when you’re finished cleaning. 

3. Outdoor Furniture 

Exposure to moisture can cause mold to develop on patio furniture. Scrub the cushions and hard surfaces of each piece with a soft cloth, dampened in a solution of water and either dish soap or vinegar. Spot clean stains with the same mixture. Rinse it all off and let it air-dry out in the sun for a day. 

4. Gardening Tools 

Cleaning your gardening tools once they’ve been retrieved from the storage space is important to avoid spreading any fungi, bacteria, or mold that they may have come into contact with. You also want to remove remnants of dirt, sap, and rust, which can be done by spraying each tool with a lubricating oil and dipping them in sand. Rinse off carefully when the grime is gone, and dry with a cloth.

As you break out all of your items to welcome the summer season, think about storing your winter gear away. If you need a bigger storage space, Windmill Storage and Business Park can help. For nearly 25 years, they have provided the residents of Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, MT, with clean, climate-controlled, and spacious units. They take security seriously, and you can count on them to keep your possessions as safe as possible. Call (406) 892-8900 to ask about availability, or visit their website to learn more about the storage space solutions they offer.