If you have a garden shed, tool shed, workshop, out building, or basically any structure smaller than a garage that roughly fits the description “shed,” it is likely to be last on your list of spring cleaning chores. After all, sheds are not the most beautiful spaces, and we don’t get quite the sense of accomplishment from getting rid of spider webs and dust in the shed that we get from making spaces inside our homes look like new.
Still, cleaning the shed is valuable. It makes it much easier to work, to find things, and to organize projects. Getting rid of those spider webs means you won’t have to worry about reaching into a sticky web when you reach for a tool.
Also, many sheds gather clutter over the winter months, becoming the catch-all for every item we want to bring in out of the elements, even if it doesn’t have a particular storage spot. Soon, it may be difficult to walk into the shed, which has been filled up by the grill, patio furniture, bicycles and other equipment, toys, and more.
Begin by bringing all of these items back outside. Clean as necessary and return to the appropriate space. Even if bicycles belong in the shed, you can probably find a better way to store them than allowing them to take up precious floor space. Look for wall mounted racks and other options for storing equipment from bikes to fishing poles.
Organize tools, parts, hardware, weed eater string, oil, and all that kind of stuff and give everything it’s own space. Label if needed, so you’ll be able to find things quickly.
After putting on protective eye-wear, use your broom to begin cleaning dust, cobwebs, spider webs, etc. Start at the top and work your way down each wall. You may need to wash the walls too. If they are more dusty than dirty, try using a treated dust mop, from top to bottom, instead of hand washing walls. Next, sweep then mop if you have a solid floor. Pay close attention to corners with each of these steps.
If the floor is wood, especially materials like fiber board or plywood, take care not to let it get too wet when mopping, or it will warp.
*It’s a good idea to replace your household broom at spring cleaning time. The old one will come in handy for cleaning the shed.
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