8 Things I Always Wash Outside During the Summer

When the weather’s hot and the hose is handy, there’s no reason to drag dirt through the house. Some things are flat-out easier (and smarter) to clean outside where you’ve got more space, less cleanup, and plenty of sunshine to dry things fast.

If you’ve got a driveway, a hose, and ten minutes, these are the kinds of things worth taking outdoors. You’ll cut down on indoor mess, save your sinks, and maybe even enjoy the process a little.

Car Seats and Booster Seats

Kids are messy, and those seats prove it. From spilled snacks to mystery stains, they’re magnets for grime. The little crevices are hard to clean inside, and if you’ve ever tried to scrub one in your kitchen sink, you know why I drag them out to the driveway instead.

Spray it down, scrub it with dish soap and a brush, then rinse and let the sun do the drying. Just don’t put the straps in a washer—they can weaken.

Rugs and Doormats

Outdoor rugs, entry mats, and even small area rugs get full of dirt fast, especially in summer when you’re in and out more. Cleaning them inside is a headache, and most vacuums don’t get deep enough anyway.

Hose them down outside, use a little laundry detergent and a push broom, then hang them over the fence or a railing. You’ll be surprised how much dirt comes out—every single time.

High Chair Trays

No matter how well you wipe them, high chair trays need a full scrub now and then. And doing it at the sink gets gross fast. The hose is better—faster rinse, no mess, and no risk of food chunks down your disposal.

I’ll bring them outside with a sponge and some dish soap, give them a full scrub, rinse, and leave them in the sun to dry. Bonus: the sun helps kill bacteria, too.

Large Plastic Toys

Slides, ride-ons, water tables—those big plastic toys collect dirt, grime, and even spiderwebs. If you leave them alone too long, they’ll get slick or stained, especially after rain or mud.

Spray them with the hose, use a little dish soap and a car-washing mitt or sponge, and rinse. If you’re dealing with mildew or algae, a bit of white vinegar in a bucket does the trick.

Trash Cans and Diaper Pails

You don’t want to bring that stink inside. Even if you use liners, smells and leaks still build up over time, especially during hot months. Cleaning them outdoors means you don’t have to deal with the odor in your bathroom or kitchen.

Dump them, rinse with the hose, scrub with bleach or vinegar, and let them dry out completely. I try to do this at least once a month during summer.

Dog Crates and Pet Carriers

After a few muddy paws and long car rides, pet crates start to smell. Instead of bringing all that into the bathtub, wash them outside where you don’t have to worry about fur or mess.

Use pet-safe cleaner or dish soap and a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry in the shade. It’s better for your pets too—less lingering cleaner smell when they go back in.

Patio Furniture Cushions

Cushions can trap pollen, dust, and sweat during summer, especially if you’re using them often. Some people try to spot-clean them indoors, but it’s easier and more effective to do it all outside.

Check if the covers are removable—wash those separately. For everything else, mix warm water and laundry detergent, scrub with a soft brush, and hose them down. Let them dry flat in the sun.

Coolers and Water Jugs

After a weekend cookout or trip to the lake, coolers get gunky fast. Melted ice, spilled drinks, and sticky residue make them smell pretty quick. Washing them inside means a soaked floor and nowhere to dry them.

Take them out back, scrub with dish soap and hot water, and rinse them well. Prop them open and let them dry in the sun so they don’t trap mildew.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.