Has your home seen better days? Its facade might just be covered in dirt and grime you’ve left unchecked over the years. A thorough and regular exterior cleaning can help return it to its original splendor.
Cleaning your home’s exterior isn’t simply spraying it down with a hose. There are specific techniques you should follow, especially when cleaning through the seasons. Here’s a practical guide to get you started.
Spring Cleaning
There’s a reason why the phrase ‘spring cleaning’ exists. This season is the ideal time to inspect and address the aftermath of winter. Spring is also great for exterior cleaning and preparing your home for the upcoming warmer months.
Roof, Gutters, and Windows
Use this time to check your house, starting with your roof and gutter. Some trees shed their leaves in winter, often finding their way to your gutters and clogging downspouts. Gutter cleaning clears out the debris. While you’re at it, check and repair any loose or damaged roof tiles.
Next, examine your windows and wash both the inside and outside surfaces. To avoid leaving streaks, use a squeegee to clean the glass. Don’t forget the frames!
Patio, Driveway, and Exterior Walls
Spring is the best time to clean exterior surfaces with a power washer. Strong water pressure can remove deep-seated grime and mold from your home’s siding, patio, driveway, or garage door.
Don’t have a pressure washer? Call the professionals. Experts like Soap & Sea Soft Washing have the equipment to clean your home thoroughly. A professional pressure washing service can remove tough stains, making surfaces spotless.
Summer Maintenance
The summer months call for another set of exterior cleaning and maintenance techniques. This season is when you’ll find many people house hunting. So, if you plan to sell your home, you should give it a positively eye-catching first impression.
Outdoor Furniture
Start by inspecting your outdoor furniture. This step should ensure your patio seats and table remain in excellent condition. Wooden furniture is also prone to mildew buildup, so address the issue immediately. For extra protection from UV damage, cover your furniture when not in use. Remember to clean your deck and windows during summer regularly, too.
Pest Control
The season’s warm weather attracts many pests to nest in homes. Look for potential infestations by checking in outdoor hotspots, such as:
- Waste bins
- Overgrown vegetation and woodpiles
- Cracks in the foundation and entry points
If you spot a creature that shouldn’t be there, contact pest control immediately. Prompt, professional help protects your outdoor living space from pest-related damage. Once pests are gone, clean these spots regularly to keep pests out of your home.
Outdoor Aesthetics
Summer maintenance also involves steps to make your home aesthetically pleasing. If needed, repaint the exterior walls, doors, and window frames. Trim trees, shrubs, and the lawn to do some landscaping.
Your outdoor lighting and fixtures also need some love. Check for faulty wiring, blinking bulbs, and dim lights. Cleaning your lights may help with some problems like weak output and attracting bugs.
Fall Preparation
Fall’s cooler temperatures might make you want to curl up under a blanket, but now’s not the time yet. This season will be the last one before it gets too cold for regular exterior cleaning and maintenance.
Additional Gutter Maintenance
Since many trees are shedding their leaves during this time, you must inspect and clear the gutters again. Proper gutter maintenance in the fall prevents clogs and prepares your home for winter.
Roof Inspections
Check your roof and chimney, too. There shouldn’t be any signs of damage or leaks. If there are, repair them immediately. A meticulous roof cleaning will also clear away debris that could cause harm to the roof’s surface.
Pressure Washing Again
Fall is another time to power wash your driveway, walkway, and exterior walls. There could be oil stains and leftover grime you need to remove. Pressure wash your home’s siding to clean out the dirt accumulated over the summer.
More Landscaping and Window and Door Insulation
For additional outdoor maintenance, prune your trees and shrubs to protect your home from exterior damage. Also, remember to clean, seal, and insulate your windows and doors. You don’t want the winter chill to seep indoors and make your heating system work overtime.
Winter Protection
Home exterior cleaning in winter is more akin to maintenance. Even if the weather’s not the best for staying outside too long, you must still take care of your home.
Ice and Snow Management
Removing ice and snow from your property protects it from moisture damage. Clear snow from your driveway and walkway immediately. If you spot icicles forming in your gutters or ice dams on the roof, eliminate them before they cause damage. To safely remove stubborn ice, use a suitable de-icing material depending on the surface type.
Exterior Pipes and Fixtures
Cold temperatures are the enemies of outdoor pipes. Before winter starts, disconnect and store hoses indoors. Insulate exposed pipes and cover outdoor faucets. Shut off and drain exterior water systems to prevent leaks. A burst pipe or nonstop dripping can lead to expensive repair costs.
To Conclude
Exterior cleaning should be part of a homeowner’s seasonal checklist. It keeps the home’s facade dirt-free and boosts its curb appeal. Regular maintenance also ensures the house is protected from preventable damage.
Many of the tasks are easy to perform on your own. Focus on what you can do and seek help for jobs requiring extra hands. The result will be a home exterior that’s clean and aesthetically pleasing all year round.
