Coastal air is hard on outdoor furniture. Add in summer heat, humidity, salt, and heavy use, and by September, patios around the Grand Strand can look a little tired. Our real estate agents at CENTURY 21 Thomas often hear from homeowners who are wondering what they should clean up, put away, or check this fall.

Restoration After Peak Summer Weather

Outdoor furniture usually shows the wear first.

Cushions may look fine at a glance but still be damp underneath. Hinges and screws can collect salt residue. Metal legs may develop rust spots that weren't there a few months ago.

Cleaning and Inspection

Start by closely inspecting the pieces you use most.

• Rinse frames, hinges, and hardware to remove salt and grime.
• Wash removable cushion covers according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Check underneath cushions and furniture for mildew.
• Look over metal joints and fasteners for rust.
• Let cushions and furniture dry before covering or storing them.

Storage Decisions

Fall doesn't necessarily mean packing up the patio in Myrtle Beach. With relatively mild winters, outdoor furniture often stays in use well beyond summer, especially on covered patios, porches, and screened spaces.

Cushions and lighter pieces may need a little more attention. Bring them in during extended wet weather or strong winds, and make sure anything you do store is completely dry first. A damp cushion tucked into a storage box can turn into a mildew problem surprisingly fast.

Clean furniture that stays outside periodically, and check for rust, mildew, and salt buildup through the cooler months.

Give the Grill a Closer Look

After a summer of burgers, cookouts, and weekend use, the grill probably needs more than a quick wipe-down.

Clean the Areas That Collect Grease

Check the grates, burners, grease tray, and inside of the cooking chamber. Follow the manufacturer's directions, especially if you need to remove parts.

• Scrub away grease and food buildup.
• Empty and clean the grease tray.
• Check burner openings if the heat is uneven.
• Inspect hoses and connections for visible wear.
• Wipe down the exterior if the grill is exposed to salt air.

If a hose looks cracked, or the grill isn't lighting or heating the way it normally does, don't keep using it until you check the problem.

Keep Coastal Conditions in Mind

Salt air can be rough on exposed metal, even if you don't use the grill every week. A fitted cover helps, but only cover the grill once it's dry.

Keep propane cylinders outdoors, upright, and away from ignition sources or excessive heat. Keep them in a well-ventilated location where they won't be knocked over or damaged.

Walk the Patio or Deck

This is also a good time to look beyond the furniture.

Walk across the deck or patio and notice anything that feels loose, uneven, or different. A raised fastener, cracked paver, soft deck board, or wobbly railing can be easy to ignore when you use the space every day.

Outdoor lighting matters more as the days get shorter. Replace burned-out bulbs and clean fixtures that have collected dirt, bugs, or salt residue.

While you're out there, check screens, outdoor fans, and mounted fixtures. A summer of wind and humidity can loosen hardware.

Take Another Look at the Yard

Landscaping around Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and the rest of the Grand Strand deals with a lot through summer. Heat, sandy soil, heavy rain, wind, and, closer to the coast, salt exposure can all leave their mark.

Fall lawn care shouldn't be handled the same way for every yard.

• Trim dead or damaged branches.
• Pick up storm debris and fallen leaves.
• Check irrigation heads for clogs.
• Look for spots where water collects after rain.

Know your grass type before overseeding. Centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and bermudagrass don't all have the same fall needs. Overseeding isn't recommended for many warm-season lawns.

Why Sellers Should Pay Attention

Outdoor spaces are part of the appeal of living near the coast, so buyers usually notice them.

A dirty patio or overgrown yard isn't likely to sink a sale by itself. It can, however, make a property look less cared for than it really is. The same goes for stained cushions, rusty furniture, or a deck that hasn't been cleaned in a while.

Most sellers don't need a complete outdoor makeover. Cleaning, trimming, fixing a few small problems, and putting away worn or unnecessary items may be enough to make the space show better.

What Grand Strand Homeowners Want to Know About Fall Outdoor Prep

When should I clean outdoor furniture in the Myrtle Beach area?

Early fall is a practical time to do it. The heaviest summer heat and humidity are easing, while temperatures are still warm enough for cushions and furniture to dry thoroughly. It's also a good chance to clean away salt, mildew, and grime before the cooler months.

Where should I keep a propane cylinder when I'm not using the grill?

Keep it outdoors and upright, away from ignition sources and excessive heat. Choose a well-ventilated location where the cylinder won't be knocked over or damaged.

Should I overseed my lawn in fall?

That depends on the grass. Many Grand Strand lawns have warm-season varieties, and overseeding isn't recommended for all of them. Figure out what type of turf you have before adding seed.

Get Your Grand Strand Home Ready for Fall

Fall outdoor prep doesn't have to turn into a major project. Cleaning up the furniture, checking the grill, walking the patio or deck, and taking care of a few yard issues can help keep the exterior in better shape as the season changes.

If you're thinking about selling, it's also a good time to look at the property the way a buyer might. Browse current Myrtle Beach homes for sale or contact us with questions about preparing your home for fall.