Spring cleaning is not a new phrase by any means. However, it should not just apply to the interior of your home. Below are five tips for spring-cleaning the exterior of your house to ensure you head into summer with a clean slate.
Tip #1: Clean Your Windows
That cold, bleak sun of winter is gone. It is time to open those curtains and let the warming rays of spring flow into the house. Before you tackle any interior window cleaning, though, make sure you clean the exterior first. A few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle of warm water is the only solution you need. Remove and spritz the screens with your cleaning solution. If they are particularly dirty, a light scrubbing will remove any dirt. Rinse. Spray your windows with the same cleaning solution. Using a squeegee, remove the cleaner in a large “S” pattern. (If you have a power washer, you can use the low setting to clean your windows as well.)
Tip #2: Clean Those Gutters
While you are taking care of your windows, make sure you clean your gutters too. If you do not have gutter guards that quickly scrape clean, a power washer is ideal. Pull (by hand) or blast (with the power washer) out any leaves and debris that has accumulated in your gutters during the winter.
Tip #3: Identify Damages
The winter is one of the harshest seasons we experience in the US. While spring-cleaning, make sure you thoroughly check your property for any damages that may have occurred during the winter. This can include rot on wooden fences, damaged pavers or a cracking driveway.
Tip #4: Wash Your Siding
Power washing your house is a fast, thorough means of getting a deep clean. If you failed to deep clean the exterior of your home before winter, it is even more important to do so when the spring arrives. The winter can cause any dirt, mold, or dust to stain your siding. Make sure you only power wash your home after inspecting it. For example, if you have wood siding, you will not want to pressure wash an area that is rotting through. Check with your siding manufacturer to ensure you are using the appropriate cleaning solution and power washer pressure before attempting to clean. If you are going to be on a ladder, make sure is it sitting on an even, flat, stable surface.
Tip #5: Repair, Paint, Stain or Seal
After the winter ice thaws and spring begins, fixing those damages previously identified is important. Check your home, pavers and driveways for issues with paint, sealants or stains. Winter, for example, can cause paint to peel. You may need to repaint as a result. If your sealant is still good, any water sprayed on its surface will bead up. If it is absorbed into the paver or driveway, you likely need to apply another coat.
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