No one wants their house to be covered in gross mold and mildew. But getting rid of these unsightly growths can be a true pain. With so many tools, processes, and methods at your disposal, it can be difficult to know where to start or what works best.
No one wants to look at their beautiful home and see a bunch of oil stains marring their driveway. These eye sores take away from the curb appeal of your home and leave your yard looking less fresh and organized.
With spring waiting just around the corner, it's time to start planning for spring cleaning. This year as you prepare, remember spring cleaning isn't just for tidying up the inside of your home; it's also the perfect opportunity to spruce up the exterior as well.
With some new lights brightening your home and a freshly washed patio, your home will be the envy of everyone on your street. In this article, you will learn a few tips and some helpful ideas for sprucing up your outdoor space this season. Once you are armed with these tricks, the outside of your home will look as good as new.
Let's make spring cleaning an outdoor thing!
Spring Cleaning Tasks for the Outside
1. Take Inventory
When beginning to spring clean outdoors, it's important to do some preliminary investigation so you know where to direct your attention. During this phase, you can start to estimate the amount of work you will have and whether you need to call in any professionals.
First, survey the condition of your decks, porches, patios, and other outdoor areas. Are you noticing any damage or wear and tear? If so, you may want to consider replacing or repairing these items. This is also a great time to evaluate the furniture and accessories you have and see if any of them need to be replaced.
If you see any damage or areas that need attention that is outside of your scope of capability, it may be time to start looking at affordable landscaping options in your area.
2. Light It Up
Light can really make or break the look of a home, especially after the sun goes down. Starting this year, you should consider switching older bulbs in your outdoor lights to help restore some luminance to your outside space. You may also consider adding some additional lighting, such as solar lamps or ground lights. This will not only improve the look of your outdoor spaces, but also help to keep your family safe.
2. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing may seem intimidating, but it may also extend the lives of your patio or deck and improve curb appeal. It remains the most effective way to clean dirt and grime that builds up on your property.
Pressure washing also allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas and remove debris that can not be easily dislodged. All that being said, pressure washing can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not adhered to. Remember always to read safety instructions and wear proper protective gear; also, never be afraid to reach out to professionals.
3. Outdoor Kitchen Areas
Many people cherish their outdoor kitchens for the good vibes and fun memories they create, but fewer people remember to clean them. Just like your kitchen inside, your outdoor kitchen needs to be cleaned as well.
Spring is a great time to inspect your kitchen appliances for wear and tear as you prepare for deep cleaning of sinks, grills, counters, and other surfaces. Make sure your outdoor kitchen is summer ready by getting ahead this spring.
4. Don’t Overlook Any Places
It's easy to look past certain areas or fail to consider some important cleaning procedures. Not cleaning these can not only lower curb appeal, but also cause damage to your home over long periods of time. This is why it is important to clean all of these spaces annually.
This can include things like rain gutters. After being pounded by winter storms, many branches, leaves, and other natural debris have likely made their way into your gutter. It is critical to clean this space because blockage can prevent runoff and cause long-term damage. Also, do not forget your downspouts; they can get clogged too.
Your fence could probably also use a fresh cleaning. This structure is most likely the most contact you have with neighbors. As they say, “Good fences may make good neighbors.” So try and make some friends and spruce up your fence. This is also a good time to ensure your fence is still fully enclosed and free of damage.
The idea of purchasing your own pressure washer, suiting it up, heading outside, and spraying down your home with a high-powered jet of water may seem fun, but this practice is actually much more dangerous than many homeowners may be led to believe.
The rising prices of lumber and labor make fences a big investment. While they remain a great way to spruce up your curb appeal or enclose areas, they do not last forever.
If you are going to be shelling out a lot of cash for new fencing, it is important to make sure your fence lasts. Luckily for you, there are many ways to keep your fence looking as good as new.