Schedule a Deep Cleaning
After a long winter, the exterior of your home likely needs some extra attention. I like to do a deep clean of the outside of my house each spring to make sure it looks fresh and inviting for the warmer months. Here are some tips for scheduling and preparing for an exterior deep clean.
Pick a Weekend When You Have Time
Don’t try to rush through cleaning the exterior of your home. Set aside an entire weekend or break the work up into smaller tasks over a couple weekends. Rushing will make the process stressful and you won’t get the deep clean you want.
Gather Supplies in Advance
Before the weekend, take stock of what supplies you already have for outdoor cleaning. Make a list of any additional cleaning tools, brushes, buckets, hoses, cleaners, etc. that you need to buy. Having all the proper supplies will make the cleaning go faster and easier.
Check the Weather Forecast
Pick weekends with sunny weather in the forecast. Cleaning when it’s wet or cold out will be unpleasant. Aim for temperatures above 50°F to ensure surfaces dry quickly. Check for rain or extreme wind in the forecast that could impact your cleaning plans.
Focus Areas for Deep Exterior Cleaning
When doing a deep clean on the exterior of your home, there are several areas that need special attention. Here are some of the most important exterior focus areas to tackle.
Windows
- Clean windows and window screens thoroughly. Use a mild cleaner and soft cloths.
- Check for any cracked window panes that need repair.
- Lubricate and adjust any sticky window hardware.
- Consider hiring a professional if you have hard-to-reach second story windows.
Gutters
- Remove debris from gutters using a small trowel or gutter cleaning tool.
- Use a hose attachment to spray out any remaining dirt or buildup.
- Check gutters for leaks and make any necessary repairs.
- Re-secure any loose gutter sections with sealant or brackets.
Siding
- Use an extendable duster to remove cobwebs and dust from siding.
- For vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding, spray with hose and use soft brush to clean.
- Check for any damaged pieces of siding that need replacement.
- Re-caulk around fixtures to fill any gaps or cracks.
Outdoor Furniture
- Wipe down outdoor furniture with mild soap and water.
- Use a stiff bristle brush for stubborn dirt, mold, or mildew.
- Apply protectant to wood furniture to prevent future damage.
- Wash outdoor cushions in mild detergent and allow to fully dry.
Deep Cleaning the Exterior by Section
Here is an example checklist of tasks for deep cleaning the exterior of your home section-by-section:
Front of House
- Sweep front steps, walkway, and porch.
- Use degreaser on oil stains from driveway.
- Clean entryway light fixtures.
- Dust decor items, benches, plant pots, etc.
- Wash windows and door.
- Check front door and hardware for any issues.
Back and Side Yards
- Clear brush and overgrown plants near foundation.
- Pressure wash or scrub outdoor walls and fences.
- Clean outdoor kitchens and grilling areas.
- Wash outdoor toys and sports equipment.
- Sweep debris from pool area.
- Check for any cracks or holes in concrete to patch.
Roof
- Use a leaf blower to remove debris from roof and gutters.
- Inspect for damaged shingles and have them replaced professionally if needed.
- Look for any missing or loose flashing around roof penetrations.
- Clear plants or moss from roof using soft brush or hose sprayer.
Enjoy Your Freshly Deep Cleaned Exterior!
After putting in the work to thoroughly clean the outside of your home, take time to sit back and enjoy the difference. Host a backyard gathering to show off your refreshed exterior spaces. With rain and sun, the exterior will inevitably need cleaning again next year, but a deep clean now will make maintaining the outside of your home easier all season long.
