10 Outdoor Spring Cleaning Projects
Spring cleaning is not always fun for a lot of us. But it is important. As the holidays and winter end and we begin looking forward to spring and warmer weather, something within us pushes us to get our homes in order by cleaning, organizing and purging things we’ve piled up throughout the winter.
But who says spring cleaning is only for the inside of your house?
The exterior of your home could probably use a little tidying up after a cold, dreary winter, too!
It’s Time For Home Exterior Cleaning
Here are home exterior cleaning projects that will drastically improve the appearance of your home in Durham, and, even more important, will provide much-needed care and maintenance that will save you money in years to come.
1. Gutter Cleaning
Spring is the best time to clean your gutters, because a lot of leaves and debris pile up in the fall and winter. The pollen count is at its highest in spring, making a big mess in your gutters and downspouts if they are not properly cleaned.
Plus, bugs and animals are searching 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 restoring them to a like-new appearance.
2. Window Cleaning
Residential window cleaning is necessary for spring cleaning. Ground floor windows will not give you much of a problem, but any second and third floor windows are a bit trickier to reach.
Cleaning windows by hand is a tiring job, and will require a lot of supplies, not to mention going up and down a ladder! A soft wash or professional cleaning of your home’s windows is the perfect way to get the panes and the outer frame nice and clean.
3. Pressure Washing
You do not want clean gutters and windows on a dirty house. Which means you will want to pressure wash your home too!
Pressure washing is quick, effective and doesn’t cost too much. You can pressure clean your house, patio furniture, concrete patios, wood and stone porches and walkways with very little effort. It will remove dirt and mud so they will not permanently stain your home, and you can stop the spread of mold, mildew and allergens.
4. Driveway Cleaning
Clearing off your driveway and giving it a deep cleaning may seem counter-productive because you will be driving on it, but, a clean, cared for driveway can increase the curb appeal of your home.
A professional pressure washing company can do wonders when it comes to driveway cleaning, whether it’s concrete, asphalt, stone or another material. Also consider adding a gravel border to your driveway to really make it stand out!
5. Patio Cleaning
Your patio probably gets the most use in the summer, so it is easy to overlook it in the winter since you are not doing as much outdoor entertaining, relaxing or grilling. Your patio might be in rough shape the first time you step onto it in spring.
Detergent and water – and a little elbow grease – can sometimes be enough for patio cleaning, but if you see signs of mold or mildew, you need to consider a more serious option, like power washing, to ensure that friends and family can safely enjoy your patio all summer long.
6. Roof Cleaning
Algae and moss are typical roof problems in Durham. While you’re cleaning the exterior of your home, it’s a great time to pressure clean your roof too, but you will have to use a different method than what you use for the rest of your home’s exterior cleaning.
If you see streaks on your roof, algae is probably the cause. Moss is typically obvious, too. These contaminants cannot be scrubbed off of shingles, nor can you pressure wash the roof. Both of these methods will destroy the shingles on your roof.
The ideal method for roof cleaning is to mist the shingles with a half-water, half-bleach solution and then let it be. This solution will eliminate any organic organisms on your roof without reducing its lifespan.
7. Spruce up the Front
The front of your home is what most people see, so try to make the best impression possible for visitors, neighbors and for yourself! Returning home to a well-maintained exterior will instantly improve your day, and will probably inspire you to spend a lot more time outside.
You can clean your porch with soap and water or a good pressure wash. Wipe cobwebs and mud off of the front porch, and consider painting it for a bright look! Clean overlooked areas like the porch ceiling, light fixtures and ceiling fans, too.
8. Organize Garden Tools
You will be spending a lot more time outdoors, so spring is a great chance to organize everything you will need for outdoor chores.
Gardening tools as well as pool care equipment need to all have an exact 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 allows you to enjoy the exterior of your home much more during the time of year when you are going to spend the most time outside.
9. Lawn Care & Landscaping
Your yard, trees and bushes can make a major impact on the look of your home.
Kill weeds around your flower beds and walkways, till up areas where you might be planting in the future and brush off walkways. You can spray pre-emergent weed killer to make lawn maintenance easier on yourself throughout the next few months. Trim all bushes too.
10. Clean the Grill
After being unused for months, your grill could use a good cleaning, too. Leftover grease and food from your grill are definitely unappetizing, but they can make you and your family ill.
Wet it down to remove leftover ash, then scrub the grates with a scrubber or grill brush (so you do not leave behind particles that can sometimes get into food) and a dish soap or degreaser.
You can probably complete these projects over the course of a few weekends but it will be a lot of hard work. Instead, give us a call! Durham Pressure Washing offers professional residential exterior cleaning services for patio cleaning, roof cleaning, driveway cleaning, pressure washing and more!