How to Green Clean Outdoor Spaces

I always wanted to be the house where people gathered. Initially it was because I wanted to be able to keep an eye on my kids’ groups, but nowadays, it’s more that I want to make sure people ARE gathering because that seems to happen less and less. But it’s so very essential that we be together in person.  

An inevitable part of having people over is getting the space all spiffied up, and that’s what brings me here to the topic of cleaning up outside spaces, whether it’s a front stoop, a patio, a balcony, or a whole yard. The thought of outdoor cleaning might be daunting, but with the right tools and cleaners, it’s an efficient task that wraps up quickly.

Why green cleaning principles are essential outside

It’s super important to use green cleaning principles outside because any residues and run-off are going to have a direct impact on landscaping and habitats. This is why I use primarily Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, which is not only biodegradable, but also effective, clean rinsing, and mildly scented with spruce and fir needle essential oils.  

If this is the first you’re hearing about Sal Suds, it is the super duper versatile mild detergent that my dad (Jim Bronner, the younger of Dr. Bronner’s sons) developed in 1975 as a hard water alternative to Dr. Bronner’s Castile Magic Soap. It can clean any hard surface that can be cleaned, and most soft surfaces, too. Most of my Sal Suds gets used for laundry and dishes, because that’s what I clean the most, but every surface from floors to ceilings in and out of my house gets cleaned with it.

What all I green clean outside

In this video, there are a good variety of surfaces and objects that I clean up. Here’s the (thorough) list, roughly in order:

• Eaves 

• Light fixtures 

• Ceiling fans 

• Driveway  

• Walkway 

• Garage doors 

• Wooden railing 

• Front door 

• House siding 

• Upholstered patio furniture 

• Outdoor rug 

• Plastic wicker furniture 

• Metal & tile table 

• Outdoor kitchen 

• Drink cooler/ice chest 

• Grill 

• Windows 

• Weeds in the patio 

If you’ve got something to clean that I haven’t mentioned, ask me in the comments for some tips.

Tools & cleaners for green cleaning outdoor spaces

As you’ll see in this video, it doesn’t take many tools to clean up outside. The fanciest is my power washer, but that is not an essential. Most of the cleaning is done with a bucket of suds made with Sal Suds.

• Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner 

• A bucket 

• Variety of sturdy brushes 

• Long handled duster 

• Long handled scrub brush

• Squeegee

• Reusable cleaning cloths

• A couple of spray bottles. I usually use 16oz. or 32 oz. 

• White vinegar 

• If you have it, a power washer 

Cleaning principles for outdoor spaces & everywhere

As I was putting together this video, I realized for the first time that my green cleaning methods fall into five handy cleaning principles which are applicable in any cleaning situation:

Cleaning principle #1: Start cleaning with what’s high. 

This is so that any dirt or debris that gets knocked down from high places will get cleaned up later. 

Cleaning principle #2: Do any messy cleaning early. 

There are some types of cleaning that ironically can make a bit of a mess. These include things like using a power washer, which can splatter dirty water onto other surfaces. Do these first.  

Cleaning principle #3: Use the least intensive cleaning method needed. 

If a surface can get cleaned with water alone, for example, there is no need to add a more intense cleaner. This keeps things simple, is gentler on surfaces, and reduces any hazard or exposure from a more intense chemical. A step up from water alone might be some soap or baking soda or vinegar, depending on the situation. Never jump straight to intense, harsh cleaners.  

Cleaning principle #4: Make things easy on yourself with ergonomic tools. 

This is all about playing the long game! Use good tools, even if they cost a little more up front, so that you don’t mess up your back or your shoulders or your hands. Think long term! 

Cleaning Principle #5: Celebrate what you’ve done! 

This is the most important part! Once you’ve finished the job, give yourself a break and relax for a bit.

It’s funny that after many years (15 and counting) of writing about cleaning, I am just now realizing that I have been unconsciously consistent in sticking to these principles.

GIY dilutions & solutions for outdoor cleaning

Power washer solution

• Plain water OR
• Water with one (1) drop of Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds

GIY All-Purpose Spray

• 16 oz. (500 mL) distilled or filtered water 
• ½ Tbsp. (1½ tsp.) (7.5 mL) Sal Suds 

Combine in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a damp cloth. For more details, check out my article on the GIY All-Purpose Spray.

Bucket of suds

• Fill with water
• Add ½ Tbsp. (7.5 mL) Sal Suds 

Combine in a bucket. Use with a cloth or brush, depending on surface.

GIY glass cleaner

• Half water
• Half distilled white vinegar 

Combine in a spray bottle. Spray and follow-up with a squeegee or absorbent cloth. For more details, check out my article on cleaning glass. 

I hope all of this talk about prepping outside spaces with green cleaners inspires you to prep whatever bit of outside space you might have, from a porch step to a backyard. Go outside and breathe deep, focusing on each of your senses in turn, the sights, the sounds, the smells…  

And lastly, most importantly, now that you have the chores out of the way, invite some friends over for a casual hang out. Decompress, vent, relax, laugh. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen when you get together, but we need regular doses of that certain magic that transpires when we get together and share our journeys through this world.  

Sal Suds cleaner shows >60% biodegradation after 28 days per ISO 14593. 

Further reading

Green Cleaning Mirrors, Windows & Screens 

GIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray 

Sal Suds Cheat Sheet 

17 Ideas for Simple Hospitality 

These tips and many more are in my book, Soap & Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, available now in hardback, eBook, and audiobook (read by me!) at your favorite bookseller.