If you’re looking forward to the change of the season, the brightness of spring, and all of the outdoor activities you can do with your kids, then you need to make sure that you have the right space to enjoy. Over the fall and winter, it’s easy for the weather and general neglect to cause our home’s exterior to look a little worse for wear, and it might not be as well-suited for the outdoor fun that you want to have. Here, we’re going to look at the tips to help you get it back into the right condition, not just for the appearance of a well-cared-for home, but so you can better enjoy spending your time there, as well.
Start With A Total Garden Tidy
Although it might not have been growing too much over the winter months, the wet, cold weather can leave it looking tired and cluttered. Take the time to go over it, removing fallen branches, dead leaves, or any other debris that’s accumulated in your lawns, beds, and borders. Prune back your damaged shrubs and cut away any dead growth so that they can all start growing back strong with new spring shoots. If your mulch is looking a little thin, be sure to top it up so that you can improve soil moisture and stop weeds from taking over your garden once the growing season begins in earnest.
Clear Your Gutters And Drainage Systems
The bad weather can be especially tough on the gutters and downspouts of your home. When the wind is high, it can easily pick up leaves, twigs, and other debris, and this will often land on your roof, sliding down into the gutter, or can directly land there. Alongside moss growth and other general grime, this can lead to blockages, which then cause overflow, potentially damaging the siding, roofing, and even the foundation of the home. Take the time to clear out gutters, whether you use a ladder and a pair of gloves or a scoop that can reach up there for you, and clear them out to ensure that your home’s drainage is healthy.
Power Wash Your Driveways, Patios, And Decking
Over the wet seasons, your hard surfaces can begin to accumulate a layer of grime and slippery residue, as well as moss, which is not only unsightly but could be a real safety hazard, as well. With the help of an electric power washer, you can easily remove this built-up dirt, refreshing your outdoor spaces. Make sure that you’re aware of the different levels of pressure sensitivity of the different surfaces you’re working with, as concrete might be able to withstand higher pressure settings than wood decking, for instance. For the best results, you want to move in consistent sweeping motions, from left to right and back again, moving forward as you go. If there are any stubborn patches, a cleaning solution can be left to soak in and help break down the grime before washing.
Be Gentler With Your Siding And Exterior Walls
While some exterior walls might also be able to tolerate a power washing, you might need to be a little more gentle with it. Dirt, pollution, algae, and mildew can really dull the home’s appearance, so you should look for a gentle cleaning solution, specifically suited to your siding’s material, and scrub with either a soft-bristled brush or a low-pressure hose attachment. You might want to focus, particularly, on the areas that see more shade throughout the day, as they can provide the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive. This way, you can not only brighten your home’s appearance but also preserve the lifespan of paint and siding materials by preventing long-term staining.
Get Back Into The Habit Of Cleaning Your Windows
While they might not get quite as much attention during the window months, the longer days and brighter natural light are going to make any marks or dirt on your window that much more visible. Get rid of streaks and grime by cleaning them both inside and out with the help of a streak-free glass cleaner, or even a simple DIY vinegar-water solution. For windows that are easy to reach, a simple microfiber cloth might be all that you need, but window wiping tools like squeegees can be very helpful for reaching those far corners, and for cleaning more surface area with each movement.
Refresh Your Outdoor Furniture And Decor
If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors this spring, then you have to consider the furniture and other features of the garden that make that a lot easier. Your patio furniture and decorative elements can dull a little over time, and might not be that hygienic after a long winter. Wash their cushions, keeping in mind any care instructions provided by the manufacturer, and wipe down their frames, checking for any rust or loose fittings that could make them unsafe along the way. You might also want to consider refreshing any protective treatments to wood or metal surfaces to extend their lifespan, as well.
Don’t Neglect The Details
There are a lot of little details and fixtures around the home that can be easy to miss, but can really undermine a clean home’s appearance if they’re not also given some care. For instance, take the time to wipe down your outdoor light fixtures, replacing burnt-out bulbs, and polish the metal hardware on your doors and gates. If your front door is looking a little faded, you might even want to consider a fresh coat of paint to make the home immediately look much more welcoming. Taking care of the details, like polishing your house numbers or replacing an old doormat, makes it look like your home is the result of real love and care.
With the tips above, you can make sure that you give the home’s exterior the spring clean that it deserves. This can make it a lot easier to keep up with over time.