· By Carl Pronti
Outdoor Glow-Up: The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide for Your Backyard, BBQ & Patio
Okay, real talk — we spend all of winter deep cleaning the inside of our homes, but the second the sun comes out and we want to host a barbie or let the kids loose in the backyard, we realise the outdoor spaces have been absolutely neglected. The BBQ is crusty, the patio furniture has a layer of grime that's giving "abandoned theme park", and the outdoor cushions? Let's not even go there.
But here's the thing: spring outdoor cleaning is having a major moment on CleanTok right now. The #OutdoorReset and #PatioGlowUp hashtags are blowing up, and Aussie mums and families are sharing their before-and-afters like it's a competitive sport. And honestly? We are here for it.
So if your outdoor space is giving more "winter wasteland" than "summer entertaining goals", this guide is for you. We're breaking down exactly how to get your backyard, BBQ, patio, and outdoor furniture looking fresh and ready for the warmer months — using the right products that actually work.
Why Your Outdoor Spaces Need a Dedicated Spring Clean
Winter in Australia might not be as brutal as other parts of the world, but it still does a number on your outdoor spaces. Think about it: months of rain, wind, humidity, and zero sunlight create the perfect conditions for mould, mildew, algae, and general grime to set up camp on every surface outside your home.
By the time September rolls around, your outdoor areas have typically accumulated:
- Mould and mildew on outdoor furniture, cushions, and shade sails
- Grease and carbon build-up on your BBQ grill and hotplate
- Algae and dirt on paving, decking, and concrete
- Cobwebs, dust, and debris in every corner
- Rust spots on metal furniture and fittings
- Stained and grimy outdoor cushion covers
The good news? With the right products and a solid game plan, you can transform your outdoor space in a single weekend. Let's get into it.
Step 1: The BBQ Glow-Up (Yes, It Needs Its Own Step)
The BBQ is the centrepiece of Aussie outdoor living, and it's also one of the most neglected appliances in the home. If yours hasn't been properly cleaned since last summer, it's time to face the music — and the grease.
Here's how to get your BBQ back to its former glory:
What You'll Need:
- Scrub Daddy Original or Scour Daddy — the texture-changing sponge that's firm enough to tackle baked-on grease without scratching your grill surfaces
- Astonish Specialist Kitchen Cleaner — a concentrated grease-busting formula that cuts through BBQ grime like it's nothing
- Warm water and a bucket
- Old newspaper or paper towels
The Method:
- Remove the grill plates and hotplate and soak them in warm soapy water for 15–20 minutes to loosen the worst of the build-up.
- Spray the interior of the BBQ hood and body with Astonish Specialist Kitchen Cleaner and leave for 2 minutes to let the formula work its magic.
- Grab your Scrub Daddy — use it in warm water for a softer scrub on the interior surfaces, or cold water for extra scrubbing power on the grill plates. The FlexTexture technology means it adapts to what you need.
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and a spray of Astonish Kitchen Cleaner for a streak-free finish.
- Dry everything thoroughly before reassembling — moisture is the enemy of a clean BBQ.
Pro tip: Line the bottom of your BBQ with foil after cleaning to make next time's clean-up a total breeze. You're welcome.
Step 2: Outdoor Furniture — The Mould & Grime Reset
Whether you've got plastic chairs, a timber table, a rattan lounge set, or metal outdoor furniture, winter has not been kind. The combo of moisture and lack of sunlight creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew — and that green-grey film on your outdoor furniture is not a vibe.
For Plastic and Resin Furniture:
Mix a solution of warm water with a few sprays of Astonish Antibacterial Surface Cleanser and go to town with a Scrub Daddy. The sponge's unique texture gets into the grooves and textured surfaces of plastic furniture without scratching — something a regular sponge or brush just can't do. Rinse with a hose and let it dry in the sun.
For Timber and Rattan:
Be gentle here — harsh chemicals can damage natural materials. Use a diluted solution of warm water and a small amount of Astonish Multi-Purpose Cleaner, applied with a soft cloth or the softer side of a Scrub Mommy. Wipe in the direction of the grain, rinse lightly, and allow to dry completely in the sun before applying any timber oil or sealant.
For Metal Furniture:
Spray with Astonish Specialist Stainless Steel and Shine for a streak-free, rust-resistant finish that'll have your outdoor settings looking brand new. Pair with a Scrub Daddy for any stubborn spots.
Step 3: Outdoor Cushions — The Glow-Up Nobody Talks About
Outdoor cushion covers are the unsung heroes of your entertaining space — and they cop the most abuse. Mould, bird droppings, sunscreen stains, food spills... it's a lot. Here's how to bring them back to life:
- Remove covers and check the care label — most outdoor cushion covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle.
- For stubborn mould or stains, pre-treat with a paste made from bicarb soda and a little water, leave for 10 minutes, then scrub gently with a Scrub Daddy before washing.
- For the foam inserts, take them outside and hose them down, then press out the water (don't wring!) and leave them to dry completely in the sun. This can take a full day — don't rush it.
- Once dry, spray the covers with Astonish Fabric Refresher for a fresh, clean scent that lasts.
Trending tip: The #CushionGlowUp is all over CleanTok right now — people are genuinely shocked by how much of a difference clean outdoor cushions make to the whole vibe of their outdoor space. Don't sleep on this step.
Step 4: Paving, Decking & Concrete — The Satisfying Part
Okay, this is the step that goes absolutely viral on CleanTok for a reason. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a grimy, algae-covered patio transform into a clean, bright surface. Whether you're using a pressure washer or doing it by hand, here's how to get the best results:
By Hand (No Pressure Washer Needed):
- Sweep away loose debris, leaves, and cobwebs first.
- Mix warm water with Astonish Specialist Kitchen Cleaner or a general-purpose Astonish cleaner in a bucket.
- Apply to the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Scrub with a stiff brush or a Scour Daddy for smaller areas and grout lines.
- Rinse thoroughly with a hose.
For algae and mould on paving, a solution of white vinegar and water (50/50) applied before your cleaner can help break down the growth before you scrub. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then follow with your Astonish cleaner for a double-action clean.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches — Because Details Matter
Once the big stuff is done, it's the finishing touches that take your outdoor space from "clean" to "genuinely stunning":
- Windows and sliding doors: Use Astonish Specialist Window Glass & Shine for streak-free glass that lets all that beautiful spring light in.
- Outdoor lights and fittings: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a spray of Astonish Antibacterial Surface Cleanser to remove dust and insect residue.
- The garden hose and outdoor tap area: Often forgotten, but a quick scrub with a Scrub Daddy and some soapy water makes a big difference.
- Bins and recycling areas: Spray the inside and outside of your bins with Astonish Multi-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach, leave for a few minutes, then rinse. Your nose will thank you.
Your Spring Outdoor Cleaning Checklist
Save this for your weekend clean-up session:
- ✅ Deep clean BBQ grill, hotplate, and exterior
- ✅ Scrub and rinse all outdoor furniture
- ✅ Wash outdoor cushion covers and dry foam inserts
- ✅ Clean paving, decking, or concrete
- ✅ Wipe down outdoor windows and sliding doors
- ✅ Clean outdoor lights, fans, and fittings
- ✅ Scrub bins and recycling areas
- ✅ Sweep and hose down the entire outdoor area
- ✅ Refresh cushions and outdoor textiles with fabric refresher
The Products You Need for Your Outdoor Glow-Up
Here's your shopping list for the ultimate outdoor spring clean — all available at CleanHQ:
- Scrub Daddy Original — the texture-changing sponge that works on every outdoor surface
- Scour Daddy — for heavy-duty scrubbing on BBQ grates and paving
- Astonish Specialist Kitchen Cleaner — your BBQ's best friend
- Astonish Antibacterial Surface Cleanser — for furniture, fittings, and general outdoor surfaces
- Astonish Specialist Window Glass & Shine — streak-free windows and sliding doors
- Astonish Fabric Refresher — to freshen up cushions and outdoor textiles
Ready to Give Your Outdoor Space the Glow-Up It Deserves?
Spring is the best time to reclaim your outdoor spaces and get them ready for the entertaining season ahead. With the right products and a solid plan, you can transform your backyard, BBQ, and patio in a single weekend — and honestly, the before-and-after is going to be so satisfying.
Shop everything you need for your outdoor spring clean at CleanHQ — Australia's home for the world's best cleaning products. Free shipping available on orders over $50.
Tag us in your outdoor glow-up on Instagram and TikTok — we absolutely live for a good before-and-after. 🧼✨