10 Outdoor Spring Cleaning Projects
Spring cleaning is not always exciting for many of us. But it needs to be done. As the winter near an end and we start looking forward to spring and warm weather, something inside of us encourages us to get our homes in order by cleaning, organizing and getting rid of things we’ve hoarded throughout the winter months.
But who says spring cleaning is only for the inside of your house?
The outside of your home could probably use some refreshing after a cold, dreary winter, too!
It’s Time For Home Exterior Cleaning
Here are home exterior cleaning projects that will improve the appearance of your home in Arlington, and, even more important, will offer much-needed maintenance and care that will save you a lot of money over the years ahead.
1. Gutter Cleaning
Spring is the ideal time to clean your gutters, since so many leaves and debris collect in the fall and winter months. Pollen is at its highest in the spring, making a huge mess in your gutters if they aren’t properly cleaned.
Plus, bugs and animals are scavenging for places to build homes in spring, so getting your gutters cleaned will help to stop an infestation in your home.
Gutter cleaning will consist of cleaning the inside of your gutters, removing mold, mildew, rust stains and returning them to a like-new appearance.
2. Window Cleaning
Home window cleaning is necessary for spring cleaning. First floor windows will not cause you too much of a problem, but second and third floor windows will be tougher to reach.
Cleaning windows by hand is a tiring job, and it will require a lot of supplies, not to mention climbing up and down a ladder! A soft wash or professional cleaning of your home’s windows is the best way to get the panes and the outer frame clean.
3. Pressure Washing
You aren’t going to want clean gutters and clean windows on a dirty house. That means you are going to want to pressure wash your home too!
Pressure washing is quick, effective and affordable. You can clean your house, patio furniture, patios, wood and stone porches and walkways with not too much effort. It will remove dirt and mud so they will not stain your home, and you can also stop the spread of mold, mildew and allergens.
4. Driveway Cleaning
Clearing off your home’s driveway and giving it a good cleaning may seem strange since you’ll just be driving on it, but, a clean, maintained driveway can increase the curb appeal of your home.
A professional pressure washer can do wonders when it comes to driveway cleaning, whether it’s concrete, asphalt, brick or some other material. Also, consider adding a gravel or mulch border to your home’s driveway to really help it pop!
5. Patio Cleaning
Your home’s patio probably gets the most use throughout the summer months, so it’s easy to overlook it in the winter since you aren’t doing as much outdoor entertaining, relaxing or grilling. Your patio might be in pretty bad shape the first time you walk onto it in the spring.
Detergent and water – and a little elbow grease – can sometimes be enough for patio cleaning, but if you notice signs of mold or mildew, you might need to consider a more aggressive option, like power washing, to ensure that friends and family can safely enjoy your patio all summer.
6. Roof Cleaning
Algae and moss are typical roof issues in Arlington. While you are cleaning the outside of your home, it’s an excellent time to clean your home’s roof too, but you’ll need to use a different method than the one you use for the rest of your home’s exterior cleaning.
If you start to notice streaks on your home’s roof, algae is most likely the reason. Moss is typically obvious, too. These contaminants can’t be wiped off of shingles, nor can you power wash the roof of your home. Both of these methods will ruin the shingles on your home’s roof.
The best process for roof cleaning is to spray the shingles with a half-bleach, half-water solution and then let it be. This will kill all organisms on your home’s roof without reducing its lifespan.
7. Clean up the Front
The front of your home is going to be what most people see, so try to make the best impression you can for visitors, neighbors and for yourself! Returning home to a clean exterior will improve your day, and it will even motivate you to spend more time outdoors.
You can clean your front porch with detergent and water or a good power wash. Clean cobwebs and mud off of the front porch, and think about painting it for a bright look! Clean unnoticed areas including the porch ceiling, light fixtures and ceiling fans, too.
8. Organize Garden Tools
You’ll soon be spending more time outside, so spring is a great chance to organize whatever you’ll need for outdoor chores.
Yard tools and pool care equipment must all have a specific place outside your home – somewhere that it is safe from harsh weather and not in sight so it is not a constant eyesore. Spending the time to organize in the spring will allow you to appreciate the outside of your home so much more throughout the time of year when you are going to spend the most time outdoors.
9. Lawn Care & Landscaping
Your yard, trees and bushes make a major impact on the overall look of your home.
Get rid of weeds near your flower beds and walkways and driveway, till up areas where you will be planting later on and brush off walkways. You can also spray pre-emergent weed killer to make lawn care easier on yourself throughout the summer. Trim all the bushes too.
10. Clean the Grill
After sitting unused for several months, your grill could need a good cleaning, too. Leftover grease and food from your grill are unappetizing, but they can also make you and your family ill.
Wet it down to get rid of ash, then scrub the grates with a scrubber (so you don’t leave behind metal particles that can sometimes get into food) and a dish soap or degreaser.
You could probably complete these projects over the course of a few weekends but it is going to be a lot of tough work. Instead, give us a call! Arlington Power Washing offers professional home exterior cleaning services for driveway cleaning, patio cleaning, pressure washing, roof cleaning and more!