Spring Cleaning Tips – Outside the House

Walls and Windows – Use a Pressure Washer

Every homeowner should have a pressure washer. They help you conserve water and they are an incredibly useful tool for various tasks during your Spring cleaning (not to mention washing your car). There are many brands out there. So, make sure that you buy one that includes a detergent attachment.

Washing your walls is a two-step process:

1. Wash with the detergent attachment to remove stubborn dirt, cobwebs and stains; then
2. Rinse with plain water.

First, use a detergent attachment to wash the walls properly. Then, simply give them a rinse.

For the windows, use a proper window cleaning detergent, then rinse them with water. You should also make sure that you have a squeegee to use on your windows after you have finished ensuring that you leave a streak-free clean. Obviously, you’ll need to limit this to windows you can reach from the ground. In some cases, an extendable squeegee pole will be a good idea. 

 You can learn more about how to clean windows without streaks in our other post. 

Spring Cleaning your Garage Door

You’ve already had the pressure washer out so you should use this to clean your garage door as well. Most pressure cleaner allow you to set the strength of the steam; sometimes using a different attachment. Make sure it’s set up properly so you don’t strip the paint off.

Use a detergent that’s safe for your garage door to remove stubborn dirt and then rinse it clean with fresh water. 

Weed and Fix Driveway – Clear Weeds and Pressure Wash

When you are Spring Cleaning outside the house, the driveway is something you can’t overlook. Driveways can end up with weeds in them. They can end up with stains on the driveway – stains that have fallen from your car.

With the driveway you need to:

1. Clear any weeds that may be sneaking up cracks; and
2. Clean up stains and dirt on your driveway using your high-pressure cleaner.

You’ll also want to check your driveway for cracks and damage. If you are “handy” you should repair this damage yourself. If not, it may be time to get in the professionals

Spring Cleaning your Decking and/or Patio

Your deck and/or patio will become your most important entertaining areas as the weather improves so you need to include it in your outdoor Spring Cleaning activities.

You should do the following:

1. Use a broom to clean loose dirt, dust and cobwebs; then
2. Use your high-pressure cleaner to thoroughly clean your deck/patio.

If it’s been a couple of years, you may also need to reseal your deck.

This means you have these extra steps to consider when taking care of your deck:

1. Sand the decking
2. Reseal your deck with decking oil.

Your local hardware store will be able to help you with the equipment you need to sand and reseal your deck.

Roof and gutters

You should check out your roof and gutters regularly. If it’s just a matter of clearing the gutters of leaves, then you may be able to do this yourself (as long as you can safely climb a ladder – don’t hurt yourself!)

If there are signs of deterioration or other signs of concern you should consider getting in a professional now. Fix problems early so they don’t become major problems later. 

Taking care of your gutters is especially important in spring because new leaves and flowers tench to accumulate. You should also check them again after the leaves have fallen in winter.  

Spring Cleaning your Front Verandah

As you invite guests into your home, the front verandah will inevitably be the first thing that they see. So, you want to make sure that your front verandah is fresh and inviting.

Here’s a suggested process for you to follow when Spring Cleaning your front verandah:

1. Clear the veranda first. Remove plants and other objects.
2. Sweep, dust and power wash verandah. Scrub the walls if needed. Use a long-handled broom to remove cobwebs if needed.
3. Before returning pots and furniture, wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth.
4. Dust your light fittings. It may also be time to replace globes with LED globes if you haven’t already done so.

Everyone should be house proud and spend some time and effort on the outside of your house. However, if you don’t have time to use these tips for spring cleaning outside you house, then it might be time to call in the professionals. If you would like a no-obligation quote then please get in touch today.