The Best Ways to Deep Clean the Outside of Your Home

It happens every year: the weather gets warmer, the plants begin to sprout, and suddenly spring comes – and it’s time to restore order after several months of hibernation. The idea of ​​spring cleaning is quite popular, and for good reason: cleaning and decluttering provides a range of benefits, from reducing stress and boosting your mood to simple exercise. Plus, there’s a good chance your home will need it.

For most people, the phrase “spring cleaning” is associated with dusting and vacuuming inside the house. Of course, that’s a big part of the deal, but don’t neglect the exterior of your home (or car !), which has taken a beating during these cold, snowy months. It’s time to prepare and plan for some deep cleaning outside to spruce up the appearance of your home.

Inspection and repair

The first step in deep cleaning the outside is to inspect for damage and other problems that need to be fixed:

• Inspect the external walls. Cracks, rust, or warping in siding or stucco must be repaired before they become leaks. If you see brown, red, black or green spots, this is a sign of mold that needs to be cleaned up.

• Look for nests or pest damage. Look for insect nests or burrows, as well as other entry points for rodents , carpenter ants, and other pests. Nests will need to be removed (be careful when dealing with stinging insects such as hornets) and holes sealed, but before doing so, make sure your walls are clear of any living creatures or you’ll soon have an odor problem. .

• Inspect the roof. Signs that your roof needs attention (even if you don’t notice an active leak) include missing shingles, obvious mold growth, water pooling , and cracks or visible sagging. You should also look for cracked trim or cracks that need to be repaired.

• Inspect the decks. Look for warped or cracked boards, loose screws or other damage.

If you notice any holes, cracks or other damage, repair them as necessary before you begin the actual cleaning.

Clean up the trash

Once you’ve assessed any damage or pest intrusion, your next step is to remove the debris that has accumulated over the cold weather before it becomes a haven for pests, a barrier to drainage, and a truly ugly scene after sunrise. shines again. Here are a few things to do:

• Collect leaves that have been rotting under the snow cover for several months.

• Remove dead branches, cobwebs, and any debris that winter storms may have brought into your home.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. It’s also a good idea to run a hose to your gutters and check the water flow to make sure there’s no blockage somewhere.

• Clean the roof by removing branches and other debris. If you (understandably) don’t feel like getting up there, a roof rake can do all the work for you.

Wash your house

After you’ve cleared out the trash, it’s time to clean the house. While a pressure washer can be useful, you don’t necessarily need one—you can purchase an attachment that turns your garden hose into an effective pressure washer, as well as attachments that turn it into a spray cleaner . A few places to focus on:

• Walls. If your siding or stucco has mold or other dirt on it, wash it with a bleach-free cleaning solution that is labeled as plant-safe (like this one ). You may need a soft brush or sponge to clean some areas.

• Terraces and patios. If you have a wood or composite deck or patio, a good pressure washing will help keep it looking like new.

• Access road. A pressure washer or garden hose with a pressure washer attachment can work wonders. Use a driveway cleaning solution to remove winter stains.

• Outdoor furniture. Even if it’s been covered or left in the garage all winter, your garden set needs a quick cleaning and inspection for insects or damage.

• Roof. Once you’ve cleared the debris and made repairs, you’ll only need to clean your roof if it shows clear signs of mold, mildew , or other substances growing on it. You can buy roof cleaning products that attach to a hose to make this job much easier.

• Fireplace. This is the perfect time to inspect your chimney and give it a good cleaning (or hire someone to clean it for you).

• Windows and doors. Your windows have likely accumulated a lot of dirt over the winter, so take the time to clean them with an exterior glass cleaning solution . You should also clean the screens, which can become very dusty over time.

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