10 Ways You Can Use A Leaf Blower

Most people purchase a leaf blower to make raking up the yard each fall faster and less labor-intensive. While this is the primary function of this machine, it is by no means the only reason to buy one. In fact, it can be a great investment even if leaves rarely fall on your lawn. There are many creative ways to use a leaf blower around your home.

Some of the most common uses for a leaf blower include removing leaves and debris from your lawn, clearing grass clippings from walkways, and cleaning gutters. If you have a pool, use a leaf blower to clean the pool area and remove debris from the pool cover. After a light snow, use a leaf blower instead of a shovel on sidewalks, cars, and driveways. 

At first glance, a leaf blower can look like an outdoor tool with only one purpose. However, you can use it to help with all sorts of outdoor chores. If you own a leaf blower or are considering buying one, keep reading. Below is a list ways you can use it on your property.

Nine Ways To Use A Leaf Blower

1. Clear Leaves And Debris From The Lawn

The most common use of a leaf blower is to clear fallen leaves and debris in the fall, which is how this machine gets its name. These blowers are fantastic for moving leaves and twigs into a single pile, making fall cleanup faster and easier. Without a leaf blower, you would use a rake, which takes hours of hard work if you have a large yard. Investing in a leaf blower takes most of the hard labor out of this yearly fall task.

2. Remove Grass Clippings From Walkways

Another lawn maintenance activity where you can use a leaf blower is removing grass clippings. If you don’t use a mower with a bag to collect the clippings, your walkways and driveway can get covered with grass. It will eventually turn yellow and decay, and make its way into your home on your shoes. To prevent this, a leaf blower will clean the walkways and driveway. It’s a quick and easy way to make your home’s exterior look nice and keep the interior cleaner.

3. Clean The Gutters

Gutter cleaning is a task many homeowners dislike. It involves climbing a ladder and picking up decaying organic matter with your hands. There are ways to make gutter cleaning easier, including using a leaf blower. Carefully bring the leaf blower with you up the ladder and aim it at the gutters. Remove the bulk of the dead leaves and twigs using the high-pressure air from the device. The key is to wait until for dry weather, as it’s easier to remove debris from gutters with a blower when it’s not soaking wet and heavy.

4. Get Rid Of Light Snowfall

If you live in a region that gets frequent snow dustings, even a small amount of snow can be dangerous and slippery. Shoveling less than an inch of snow can seem unnecessary, but it should be removed to keep walkways and the driveway safe. Instead of shoveling, use a leaf blower to move light snowfall. If the snow is wet or frozen, a leaf blower is less effective.

5. Remove Debris From Your Pool Cover

If you have a pool, a leaf blower is a great way to keep the area and cover clean and pristine. You can’t walk on most pool covers, but you can use high-pressure air to blow debris off it. In the summer months, a leaf blower will help keep your pool deck and furniture clean and pristine without you spending hours sweeping and cleaning. It will also help prevent dirt from entering the pool.

6. Dry Your Freshly Washed Car

If you wash your car at home, you know the most annoying part can be trying to dry it before water spots appear. Hand-wiping your vehicle is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Instead of picking up a dry rag, consider using a leaf blower to dry the car off quickly. The air will remove water droplets, leaving the car looking as shiny as if you had brought it to a professional. 

7. Clean Patio And Deck Floors

If you have one or more outdoor dining and entertaining areas, it means more cleaning in the spring and summer. If you’re sick of constantly sweeping dirt, pollen, and debris off the deck, patio, and other outdoor spaces, try using a leaf blower instead. It can quickly clean outdoor floors equally as well as if you had swept. You can also use it to remove dust and pollen from outdoor furniture, which is something you can’t do with a broom.

8. Clean Underneath The Lawn Mower

Lawn mowers require maintenance and care throughout he spring, summer and fall. One of the more dangerous and challenging parts of maintenance is cleaning underneath the mower and removing clumps of grass and dirt. Using a leaf blower to get rid of the buildup is easier and safer than doing it by hand. 

9. Dust Outdoor Furniture And Ceilings

Outdoor spaces need regular cleaning in the summer months, and not only the floors. A leaf blower on a low setting is a great way to remove dust and cobwebs from ceilings and outdoor ceiling fans. You can also use it to refresh your cushions and seating areas.

Five Qualities To Look For In A Leaf Blower

1. Variable Speeds

If you’re interested in purchasing a leaf blower that can serve multiple outdoor functions, consider one with multiple speed and power options. On some occasions, like gutter cleaning and snow removal, a higher speed is required. Other, more delicate tasks require a lower speed to prevent surface damage. Purchasing a leaf blower with multiple speeds ensures you can use it for a wide range of tasks.

2. Energy-Efficient And Long-Lasting

As you search for a leaf blower, you can choose a gas, battery, or electric-powered model. Each type has its pros and cons, and you should decide which energy method works best for you. As well, pick an energy-efficient model known for its long-lasting capabilities. You may not want to be continually gasing up or recharging your blower while performing tasks around the home.

3. Opt For Lightweight

If you plan to use your leaf blower to clean gutters and perform other tasks that involve using a ladder or holding it for long periods, consider the weight and grip. Choose a lightweight model whenever possible. Buy one that is easy to handle and grip, as this will make it safer and easier to use when performing more delicate tasks.

4. Choose Models With Attachments

Most new hand-held leaf blowers come with nozzle attachments. If you’re interested in using your blower for a number of jobs, attachments can be very handy. Look for models that offer these interchangeable nozzles.

5. Ensure The Blower Is Powerful Enough For Your Needs

Make sure the leaf blower has the power to handle all the jobs you need it to do in your yard. If you have a large yard with many deciduous trees, you’ll want a powerful blower that can make light work of leaf removal. If you usually use a blower to clean up your patio, driveway, and other outdoor spaces, a less powerful machine should work well.

Summing Up All The Best Ways To Use Your Leaf Blower

Leaf blowers are traditionally thought of as machines to gather piles of leaves in the fall. While this is certainly one great use, it is by no means the only way you can use a leaf blower. Other great uses include cleaning your gutters, removing grass clippings and snow from walkways and driveway, and drying your car after you wash it.

Leaf blowers are great for tidying up pool areas and removing debris from pool covers. Instead of sweeping outdoor rooms, use the blower to remove dirt and pollen. You can even use it to periodically clean underneath your lawnmower.

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