It’s spring! And as the sun shows itself more and more, you will want to start spending more time outdoors, on the porch or in your yard. Which means it’s also time to get the outside of your home summer-ready. Spring cleaning is not just for the inside of your home. Spring cleaning for outside your home is also important for the general maintenance of your home and will help prevent damage over time.
We put together this guide with 7 essential tasks to keep your home exterior clean and well-maintained.
- Clean exterior windows. You should first tackle your windows. Check your screens for any holes or damage. Then, repair or replace it as needed. If the conditions of your screens are good, take them off and gentle rinse outside with a hose. You can gently rub them with a soft brush. Then, use some soapy water if needed. Clean the outside of glass windows before inside—this will help you see dirt and smudges more easily.
- Clean your gutters. Yes, this is the worst task. But cleaning your gutters is an essential part of spring cleaning the outside of your home. Cleaning your gutters regularly will lessen your chance of water damage. Use a stable ladder to climb up and remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris that has made its way into your gutters. Make sure to wear gloves for protection and consider using some sort of a scoop.
- Repaint shutters, trim, and doors. Take a look at your shutters, trim, and doors and decide if they need to be freshened up. Winter weather can take a toll on paint jobs. Consider a bold new color or adding new light fixtures or a new mailbox to help increase the curb appeal of your home. Make sure to check with your homeowner’s association if applicable before major changes or additions are done.
- Clean the garage. Tackling your garage may be a big project but will make a big difference once complete. Organize your garage by assigning zones for different types of storage and/or uses. Install cabinets, shelves, or hooks to help store things efficiently and make sure to get rid of anything you no longer need or use.
- Clean the porch/patio. Sitting on the patio on a warm spring evening is the best, but not so much when there are cobwebs in all the corners and the patio furniture is dusty and grimy. Sweep away dirt and cobwebs and wipe down patio furniture to freshen up your outdoor space (by the way, you can add cleaning the patio as an optional service on a one time or a recurring basis, if you are a Clean & Simple customer!)
- Wash exterior walls. All throughout the long and wet Pacific Northwest winter, your exterior walls have been splashed with rain and mud. Use a pressure washer or even a regular hose with a jet attachment to clean of exterior walls and siding. Pay special attention to the areas bordered by plants and trees. Regular cleaning helps to improve the longevity of your walls.
- Clean outdoor grill/kitchen area. If it’s been a while since you’ve used your grill or barbeque, don’t forget to scrub it as part of your outdoor spring cleaning routine. You’ll want it to be nice and clean before you use it again.
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the inside of your home, but the outside as well. Spring is the perfect time to give the outside of your home a bit of love and attention. Moreover, it will help you get ready to enjoy the warmer weather and summer fun. And while you’re focusing your time and energy on the outside of your home, Clean & Simple can help with the inside with our deep cleaning or recurring cleaning services.
