Your home’s exterior is exposed to rain, wind, dust, dirt, and ice, and faces tough conditions throughout the year. Subsequently, you will have to endure heavy repair costs if the grime and buildup gather for a longer period of time, as they tend to cause significant damage and wear down surfaces.
Hence, frequent home exterior cleaning is crucial to avoid costly repairs and boost visual appeal. Furthermore, we suggest dividing the work into different seasons rather than performing everything at once. This will allow you to effectively and easily carry out cleaning duties, as every season has its own weather conditions and tasks.
This seasonal checklist will provide your key cleaning measures for each season, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. You can refer to this easy process to ensure your home looks its best throughout the year.
Spring Cleaning
Since winter usually leaves behind a layer of dirt, stains, and debris, it becomes crucial to wash those in spring, as it is a great time to mitigate the damage produced by cold weather.
Pressure Wash Away Winter Grime
You can start with a simple cleanse of your siding, doors, and windows with the use of a garden hose that has a spray vent or a low-pressure washer. Furthermore, focus more on the ground areas where the backsplash gathers, and make a mixture of mild soap with water for persistent marks and scrub it with a soft-bristle brush.
However, for a more detailed cleaning, several house owners opt for a professional, such as Seaside Pro Wash, who manages pressure washing safely and efficiently.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
The next step is to climb up and clean leaves, sprigs, and debris from gutters and drains. If the gutter or downspout is clogged, it will form algae and mold or cause water damage. Hence, it is essential to ensure a seamless flow of water by ensuring that no sections are droopy or loose.
Check for Mold and Mildew
Since mold and mildew tend to grow in shady and moist areas, it is essential to examine your siding and foundation for any green or black spots. Subsequently, use a specialized cleaner for outdoor surfaces if you go through any of these spots and scrub them carefully.
Summer Upkeep
While summer carries heat, dust, and pedestrian traffic, it is also an optimal time to carry out cleaning duties. These tasks prevent deterioration and keep your home looking at its best.
Power Wash High-Traffic Areas
It is advisable to focus on driveways, patios, and walkways, as these surfaces tend to gather spots from dirt, dust, and spilled drinks.
Furthermore, using a pressure washer gives the best results for deep cleaning. However, if you lack a pressure washer, simply use a stiff broom and a pipe that will assist you in preventing a slippery surface during summer rains.
Screens and Window Cleaning
The spring leaves often leave dirt and dust on your windows and screens. Hence, it is essential to gently clean the screens with soap and water after carefully removing them. Afterward, put them back after rinsing and drying them.
Furthermore, you can take the help of a glass cleaner or a vinegar-water mixture to clean marks from windows. It is essential to keep your windows clean to allow more light and enhance visual appeal.
Inspect Paint and Siding
Since the summer sun has the tendency to fade or peel paint, it becomes essential to touch up the paint on those areas where you will find cracks, chips, or blistering to elevate curb appeal. Subsequently, check thoroughly and fix any issues of gaps or peeling of paint in the siding.
Fall Maintenance
When the temperature starts to drop and leaves start falling, it’s an appropriate time to ready your home for winter. Fall is the crucial phase of time that you can utilize to perform cleaning and stop small problems from creating further damage.
Clear Leaves from Gutters and Roof
Since leaves often clog the gutter and gather on the roof, you can utilize a scoop or a leaf blower to get rid of them before they freeze. It is crucial to flush gutters with a hose after roof clearing to analyze the water flow, as ice buildup usually brings water damage.
Clean Outdoor Fixtures and Furniture
Clean furniture and further store it inside or cover it to prevent it from rain and frost. Furthermore, scrub off outdoor wall lights, mailboxes, and door hardware, along with clearing dirt, bugs, and debris, to boost the visual charm of your home and allow your furniture to last longer without losing its shape.
Rinse Off Siding and Foundation
It is advisable to rinse off your siding and foundation again before winter arrives, as this will assist in clearing dust and spiderwebs and sealing any potential cracks or damage.
Winter Prep
Winter is among the most pleasant times of the year; however, it can cause wear and tear to your home. Hence, it’s a smart decision to store the essentials to perform cleaning duties before the cold arrives, as these small measures have significant potential to mitigate big problems later.
Remove Dirt and Salt
Since the steps, pathways, and entry areas are often dusty and salty early in this season, it becomes crucial to clean them using a scrub brush or outdoor-safe cleaners to ensure the surface is not slippery. Consequently, it also assists in preventing stains and damage caused by salt.
Cover or Store Equipment
To prevent your equipment, such as garden hoses, outdoor furniture, and tools, from freezing, we suggest draining and rolling up hoses before storing them inside. Furthermore, shield grills and air conditioners with weatherproof covers to ensure their optimal protection against ice and snow.
Check for Ice Buildup
It is essential to check for ice near gutters, vents, and roof edges after the first snowfall. Subsequently, cleaning them requires a roof rake or broom, as we advise to carefully clean them and avoid sharp equipment for gutter cleaning.
Year-Round Care, Long-Term Results
Performing home exterior cleaning won’t require much effort when you make sure to utilize the seasonal checklists.
The seasonal checklists provide you with easy steps, such as rinsing off siding and clearing gutters, to ensure your home has enhanced curb appeal. You can manage tasks efficiently, little by little, with the use of this guide, along with having optimal cost savings by mitigating repair requirements.
Make sure to use this seasonal guide as your go-to routine for all weather conditions.
