How to get your home ready for summer

One of your top priorities should be ensuring your barbecue is in tip-top shape. Give it a thorough safety check and a deep clean to make sure it’s ready for family dinners, friendly gatherings and a busy holiday season.

Start by checking your gas bottle date; this is usually located on the handle near the valve. Make sure it falls within the 10-year window from the date of manufacture. Additionally, inspect your hose for any signs of damage like holes or cracking. To detect gas leaks, create a soapy solution using dish soap and water in a spray bottle. If bubbles start forming when you spray the solution on the hose, it's time for a hose replacement.

Give your barbecue a deep clean by scrubbing it with a wire brush and scraping off residue. Next, give it a thorough clean using hot, soapy water. Stock up on barbecue cleaning products so you can keep it maintained and sparkling through the summer months.

Giving your windows a thorough cleaning will brighten rooms and enhance views. Regular cleaning also boosts indoor air quality, maintains energy efficiency and extends your windows’ lifespan by preventing damage.

For streak-free results, tackle this task on a cloudy day. (This prevents your solution from drying rapidly in the sun.) Consider using a window vacuum for an effortless clean. Apply a cleaning solution, use the vacuum to eliminate dust, dirt, and water, and finish with a squeegee for a pristine shine.

Creating shade is crucial for keeping your guests cool and protected from harmful UV rays. Outdoor cantilever umbrellas offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust the shade as the sun moves, while keeping the umbrella base unobtrusive for easy furniture arrangement. Alternatively, if you have the space, consider a shade sail that can cover areas like a pool or a kids' play area in your backyard. For a long-lasting shade solution, planting trees with dense foliage (large maples or oaks, for example) ensures consistent shade during the summer months.

Revitalise your garden instantly by introducing vibrant, heat-resistant plants for the summer season. Choose varieties like marigold and dahlias that flourish in warmer temperatures.

Ensure all your plants are well-prepared to withstand the summer heat. Applying mulch serves as an insulating barrier, shielding the soil from direct sunlight and maintaining a stable soil temperature while preserving moisture.

Additionally, integrating a tap timer into your watering system proves effective in countering the heat, as it enables precise watering schedules. This ensures plants receive moisture during cooler periods, reducing evaporation, conserving water, and preventing plant burn.