Homeowners Urged To Keep Gardens Clean This Summer – Or Risk Health And Fire Hazards

As temperatures continue to soar and families spend more time outdoors, Brits are being warned to stay on top of garden hygiene to avoid hidden dangers.

The team at LightingLegends.com say outdoor areas are often neglected when it comes to cleaning, but dirty BBQs, unhygienic toys, and moisture-damaged lights can pose risks during the warmer months. While most people focus on mowing the lawn and watering plants, it’s just as important to tackle the mess that builds up on furniture, play equipment and fixtures. Grease and food residue left on BBQs can attract pests, while cobwebs, insects and water damage in outdoor lighting could lead to electrical faults or fire hazards. Dirt and grime can also build up on outdoor toys, especially those left outside in all weather, increasing the chance of bacteria spreading during garden play. With many households planning gatherings and kids spending more time in the garden over the school holidays, summer is the ideal time for a deep clean.

Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends commented: “Garden hygiene often gets overlooked, but it can have a big impact on health and safety. BBQs, outdoor toys, and furniture are all exposed to the elements when left outside and can quickly become dirty if ignored. Taking the time to clean these areas properly not only makes your garden more enjoyable to use, but also helps reduce the risk of accidents, electrical faults, and unwanted pests. A quick check and clean now can save you from bigger problems later in the season.”

Key areas to tackle to stay on top of garden hygiene:

• Clean BBQs before and after use

Grease, burnt food, and fat deposits can build up quickly on BBQ grills and trays, increasing the risk of attracting flies, ants, or even rodents, as well as flare-ups – sudden bursts of flame caused when fat or grease drips onto hot coals or burners during cooking. Scrub down cooking surfaces with a wire brush and hot, soapy water before and after each use, and empty drip trays regularly to prevent foul smells and fire hazards.

• Wipe down outdoor toys and play equipment

Children’s toys, especially those made of plastic or wood, can gather bacteria, mould, and animal droppings if left outside. Regularly wiping them with a disinfectant that’s safe for children helps reduce the spread of germs and keeps little ones safe during outdoor play.

• Wash garden furniture

Tables, chairs, and loungers are often exposed to rain, tree sap, pollen, and bird mess. Over time, this can lead to unsightly staining, mildew growth, or slippery surfaces. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush or cloth to clean all surfaces thoroughly, and allow them to dry in the sun to help kill lingering bacteria.

• Check outdoor lights

Outdoor light fittings can collect cobwebs, trap insects, and become damaged by rain or condensation if they don’t have the right IP rating. This can lead to poor lighting, flickering, or short circuits if they’re plugged into the mains. Carefully remove any visible cobwebs or bugs, check for cracked casings or water inside the fittings, and ensure all bulbs are functioning safely.

• Rinse and close bins properly

Food and garden waste bins can become a hotspot for flies, maggots, and unpleasant smells during warm weather. Rinsing bins out with water and a mild disinfectant helps remove residues, while keeping lids fully closed deters pests and stops odours from escaping.

• Clear and clean outdoor drains

Leaves, food scraps, and garden debris can build up in outdoor drains over the summer, especially after BBQs or garden parties. This can lead to unpleasant smells, blockages, and even attract pests like rats and flies. Use a drain cover to catch larger debris and pour boiling water mixed with bicarbonate of soda down the drain occasionally to keep it fresh and free-flowing.