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How to Clean Up Outdoor Messes that Find their Way Indoors

How to Clean Up Outdoor Messes that Find their Way Indoors

 | SeasonalCleaning TipsInnovation

April showers bring May flowers, but April also brings with it springtime messes. Although we love warmer weather, sunshine and bright colored florals, springtime messes made outside can sometimes find their way inside. Here are five popular springtime messes from the great outdoors that can sometimes find their way indoors and how you can tackle them!


How to Clean Up Salt and Sand Left Behind from Winter

Cleaning up salt and sand left from the winter season can be a large undertaking, but it is possible with a few easy steps.

  • STEP #1: Mix (3) gallons of warm water with (1) cup of white vinegar. Let mixture sit on your floors for 10-15 minutes to loosen any built up salt and sand left behind from the winter months.
  • STEP #2: Use your favorite mop or microfiber cloth to remove the vinegar and water mixture from floors. Be sure to use a soft cloth or mop as salt crystals left over from winter can potential scratch your beautiful hard floor surfaces.


How to Clean Springtime Grass Stains

There is nothing better than the smell of the freshly cut grass. However, sometimes pets, kids or other family members can unknowingly track in clods of grass with their shoes. If you encounter any unfortunate grass stains inside, here’s how to get them out.

  • STEP #1: Like with any stain, it’s best to remove it right away. Letting the stain sit will allow it to set even further.
  • STEP #2: If there are any blades of grass on the affected area, use a vacuum suction tool to remove what remains. It’s important to not use an actual vacuum cleaner as the vacuum cleaner’s heavy suction can actually make the stain worse.​​​​
  • STEP #3: Blot the stain using a clean, dry cloth. Be sure not to rub!
  • STEP #4: Apply a small amount of a household cleaner with a pH level of 7 or lower to the grass stain. We like to use a natural solution like white vinegar.
  • STEP #5: Gently blot the stain until it begins to loosen up and is removed entirely.


How to Clean Up Springtime Dirt Messes

Whether you plant a vegetable garden for summer or do landscaping work with your favorite springtime florals, garden dirt can find its way indoors. Here’s how to get rid of it!

  • STEP #1: Use a broom or mop to clean up the loose pieces of dirt scattered on your floors.
  • STEP #2: Use a bucket of warm water to clean up the remaining mess. If you want to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect, add a splash of vinegar to the water for an added touch of clean.

    Check out some of our favorite natural cleaning sprays.


How to Clean Up Spring Rain Messes

We all know April is the time for springtime rain showers, but between wet pets and muddy rain boots, your floors may dread the rainy season just as much as you. Here’s how to maintain rainy day messes.

  • STEP #1: This may be a big ask, but limit wet shoes, rain boots, coats, umbrellas and wet bags to the entryway or mudroom. This will keep mud and moisture from spreading to other parts of your home.
  • STEP #2: Keep clean towels stacked neatly in the entryway in a basket or bin so you can easily access them to wipe down the wet paws of your pets who venture outside.
  • STEP #3: No matter how much damage control you try to foresee, rain water from puddles and mud from rain boots will eventually find their way to the entryway floors. Instead of spending hours scrubbing, grab your ProMist MAX Microfiber Spray Mop. The 180° dual-sided mop head gives you 2x the cleaning power and is safe to use on all hard floor surfaces including hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate, ceramic, marble or stone surfaces.


How to Clean up Backyard BBQ Stains

The spring season also means it’s time to clean up the grill and get it ready for the summer grilling season. If you give the grill a go before summer kicks off, you may find yourself with condiment stains like ketchup, mustard or BBQ sauce. Don’t fret, here’s how to easily get that stubborn stain out of your favorite apron.

  • STEP #1: Remove any excess condiment that may be on the garment. If the stained garment is washable, remove it as soon as possible and run the stain under cold water.​​​​​​
  • STEP #2: Gently rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain and let soak in cool water for 10-15 minutes. If the stain is being stubborn, use an old toothbrush and circular motions to really work the stain out. Sometimes some good old elbow grease is all you really need!
  • STEP #3: Wash garment on its usual wash cycle and then let air dry. Trouble dealing with other stubborn stains? Check out our how-to guide on all things stain removal.  
EasyWring™ Spin Mop & Bucket System
PowerCorner® Angle Broom with Dust Pan
ProMist® MAX Microfiber Spray Mop
a brand of FREUDENBERG