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Some people may call them spring and summer, but others know this time of year as patio season. This phrase refers to the months when restaurants and shops open their patios for outside dining, but it’s also when people begin to spend more time in their outdoor spaces at home. Eating meals, watching movies, and drinking your morning coffee are all more enjoyable outside when the weather is nice.

But before patio season begins, there are a few must-do steps to take to ensure your space is ready to go by the time the weather gets warm.

1. Clean the space

It’s important to start with a clean surface. Sweep away any dirt, dust, and debris collected during the colder months. If your cement patio still looks dusty after sweeping, try using a garden hose and a hard-bristled broom to scrub away remaining dirt. For outdoor rugs, shake out small mats and use a vacuum on larger area rugs.

After the cement is clean, wipe down all patio furniture with a washcloth. For wood or wicker items, use warm water and mild dish soap to remove dust and grime. For metal pieces, use a washcloth and mineral spirits. Finally, use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean glass surfaces.

2. Scrub the grill

Grilling is an integral part of patio season, so it’s important to make sure the grill is prepped and ready to go for your first summer barbecue. For charcoal and gas grills, scrub away grime and cooked-on grease and oils with a stainless steel grill brush. Then use a sponge with water and mild dish soap to clean dirt and dust that collected over the winter months. Once the grates are clean, give the rest of the grill (the hood, body, and trays) a good wipe-down with a dishcloth and warm, soapy water.

3. Set up shaded locations

On hot summer days, a shaded spot to cool off and lounge in is imperative. If your patio isn’t covered, add a shaded element to your furniture layout. Place a patio umbrella in the corner of your space to open on sunny afternoons. Or, if you have extra space, add a pergola or awning to provide shade without having to add more bulky furniture.

4. Add lighting

Lighting is important for nights on the patio. Hanging string lights is a quick way to set the mood with dim lighting and simple decor during the day. If your patio is covered, hang the lights using screw eyes and carabiners. If your patio doesn’t have a covering, you can DIY anchor poles to attach the lights to by placing a metal rod in a heavy planter.

5. Stock up on supplies

The final step for preparing your space for patio season is to stock up on all of your favorite warm-weather goodies. Fill up your outdoor bar cart with ingredients for your favorite drinks so you’re ready for your next at-home happy hour, and prep containers with s’mores supplies so you can easily grab them for summer bonfires. Find blankets and pillows to keep you and your guests cozy, and make sure to stock up on plenty of bug spray, bug-repellent fans, and essential oils (citronella and lavender work well) to keep your summer evenings pest-free.

(Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.)

©2026 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.