The winter blues have gone, and spring has finally arrived. A lot of people look forward to a fresher home, but it takes some effort to get rid of the ravages caused by winter. Hence, it is helpful to have an outdoor house cleaning checklist for spring.
Your home is a reflection of your personality. Create a good impression on your guests and neighbors by making your home fresh and presentable. There is a wide range of chores involved. Hence, it is best to approach the tasks by dividing them into manageable areas.
Start with the House
Use a pressure washer to clean the siding. Remove the grime to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Start with the highest points of the home to avoid washing the dirt down to clean areas. Make sure to do this before cleaning the exterior windows.
Clean the windows and screens. Dirty windows dim the sparkle of sunshine. You will need a ladder, a rag, a cleaning solution, a squeegee, and some elbow grease.
Clear the rain gutters. Although this may be a chore for the fall, it is crucial to recheck in spring for clogs and debris in preparation for the spring showers. Clear the downspouts as well, while you are at it.
Do not forget the garage. Remove any unneeded and unused tools to provide more space for summer equipment. Spring may be the best time for a yard sale, too. Sweep the floors, remove cobwebs, and wipe the garage doors to make them shimmer.
Proceed to the Deck or Patio
Start with the flooring. If you have a concrete patio, scrub the stains away and inspect for cracks or chips that need repair. If you have a wood deck, check for signs of rot and decay and perform repairs if necessary.
Wood decks need regular cleaning to eliminate stains, mold spores, algae, and dirt that can damage the wood. It is best to employ “soft washing” to avoid damaging the wood. You can do this on your own by pre-treating the wood first. If not, you can hire professionals to do the job.
Scrub the furniture clean if exposed to the winter elements. If you stored the furniture away, bring them out, brush off the dirt, and return them to the deck or patio.
If you have an outside grill, take it apart and wash it thoroughly. Use a wire brush and a degreasing solution to clean the grates. Remove the drip pans and replace them with new ones if necessary.
For patios with exterior lightning, inspect if the bulbs are screwed snugly into the sockets. Remove any insect nests, cobwebs, and other light obstructions. Make sure all the fixtures are functioning correctly.
Clean the Lawn and Garden
Remove and dispose of any litter on your lawn and garden. Check underneath the bushes and shrubs as well. Bring back the beauty of your home by keeping the lawn and garden in good shape.
Rake the matted and flattened dormant grass on the lawn, too. Give it a boost by gently raking away the dead grass. Raking also removes other unwanted debris hidden in between the grass blades.
Prune the shrubs and trees in your yard. Spring is the best time to do this task. Create a mulch or compost to recycle the clippings. You can use the compost as fertilizer later on.
Additional Cleaning Tasks
There may be other areas outside your home that require cleaning. Make sure to include the following:
– Birdhouses and bird feeders
– Doghouses
– Gates and fences
– Mailbox
– Roadways
Bottomline
No matter how big or small the exterior of your home is, be sure to go through the outdoor house cleaning checklist above. Make it fresh for a bright spring season ahead.
