Outdoor parties such as Fourth of July celebrations tend to offer fairly easy clean up options. Put the food away, toss all the disposable items in the trash, bag up the trash, and put away extra seating.
If you use a disposable tablecloth, you can simply remove the items that need to be kept, and then just roll it up, plates, napkins, and all, and deposit it in the trashcan. This step is certainly easy but there is a little more effort involved in other areas.
It is a good idea to clean things up as you go to avoid having a huge mess in the first place. For example, if you are making food just before the party, wash mixing bowls when you’re finished with them so you won’t have a sink full of dishes to contend with at the end of the day.
It is also important to make sure any sticky messes have been thoroughly cleaned up. Wipe down tables, chairs, benches, and all other patio furniture, including cushions. Turn cushions over to make sure nothing sticky is hiding underneath. Wipe backs and legs on furniture too. You never know where sticky or germy messes may be hiding.
Use the hose to take care of sticky spills on the driveway, patio, or deck. If on the deck, be sure to scrub away any colored messes if necessary. Red and blue drinks or candies may create permanent stains if not thoroughly and quickly removed.
If your outdoor trash receptacles are full, be sure to place extra bags of trash in an area where they won’t be easily accessible to raccoons and other animals. In fact, it’s a good idea to pick up an extra trash can with a lid. There are some very affordable options and it will come in handy. Spending that few extra dollars may prove well worth it instead of having to clean up scattered trash.