Improve your curb appeal this season with a simple spring cleaning checklist for the exterior of your home. Not only will taking the time to spruce up the outside of your home make a great impression on your visitors, but it will also help you get more enjoyment out of your outdoor living space.
You can get started by creating a plan and incorporating some of these tasks into your outdoor maintenance schedule. First, survey the condition of your property. Do you have fallen branches or plants that need to be removed? Are there outdoor structures that need repairs? Is your outdoor plumbing and garden equipment working properly? Make a note of these things to add to your cleaning plan.
You should clean your gutters at least once a year. If you experience a big storm or have large overhanging trees near your gutters, you will want to clean them more frequently. Follow the steps below to prevent problems with your gutters.
1. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Cleaning gutters is a dirty job so make sure you are dressed appropriately with rubber gloves, work pants, safety glasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and work pants.
2. SECURE AN EXTENDABLE LADDER
You will need a sturdy extendable ladder. It is wise to have someone near by for safety purposes during this job.
3. PUT A TARP DOWN
Spread a tarp underneath your workspace to collect any gutter debris. A tarp will also protect your lawn.
4. REMOVE DEBRIS
Use a small plastic scoop to remove the debris from your gutters. A plastic kitchen spatula or a small toy shovel will work too.
5. RINSE THE GUTTERS
Next, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts. This will help clear any remaining debris.
6. INSPECT THE GUTTERS
Inspect your gutter for any repair needs. You can repair sagging metal by mounting a gutter hanger.
Oftentimes garage floors become cluttered, preventing people from using them for their intended purpose. Garages can serve as a workshop space for projects, and they protect vehicles, outdoor power equipment, bikes, etc. from precipitation. Thankfully, cleaning out your garage doesn’t have to be daunting. By implementing a few tips, you will be able to reclaim your parking space in no time!
1. CLEAR THE SPACE
Start by taking everything out. Choose a section to start with and pull everything out on to the driveway to sort through.
2. MAKE A KEEP LIST
Next, decide what to keep. Items you’ve used more than once in the past year, things in working condition, or tools you can’t easily rent or borrow should be kept when decluttering a garage.
3. MAKE A DONATE, SELL, AND PURGE LIST
Have plastic bins, cardboard boxes, or bags on hand for any items you do not keep. You can donate, sell, or pitch these items.
4. DEEP CLEAN THE SPACE
Once your garage is completely cleaned out, you can deep clean the space before putting items back in. The best way to clean a garage is from top to bottom- start by dusting off and wiping down the tops of all surfaces (i.e., cabinets, shelves, refrigerators, etc.). After that, wipe down walls and doors with a warm damp cloth and a mild detergent. Next, sweep the floors to collect any remaining dust or debris. Lastly, mop and hose off the floor. Wait 2-4 hours for the floor to dry before putting things away.
Vinyl siding has become increasingly popular over the years. However, vinyl is vulnerable to dirt, grime, green algae, mold, mildew, insect remains, and other contaminants that can cause damage. Vinyl siding maintenance is key to preventing staining and discoloration. Consider using a pressure washer to cut your cleaning time in half. Follow these steps to prevent damaging your siding during the cleaning process.
1. USE A PRESSURE WASHER TO CLEAN SIDING
Stand 8 to 10 feet away from the home’s siding and use a low-pressure setting. You should never use high-pressure or a focused spray pattern when cleaning vinyl siding as this can cause water to get behind the siding or damage the surface. Likewise, avoid spraying in an upwards motion- this can also force water underneath the siding and dampen the wood beneath it.
2. USE APPROPRIATE SOAP OR DETERGENT
Although soap and water are a better combination than water alone, it is best to use a pressure washer detergent. Most pressure washers come with an injector to blend the cleaning solutions into the jet stream. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions that contain undiluted bleach. Untraditional cleaners like furniture polish or degreasers will damage your siding.
3. APPLY CLEANING SOLUTION
Next, apply the soap mixture under low pressure using smooth, overlapping strokes. Start from the bottom and work your way up to prevent streaking.
4. CLEAN TOUGH SPOTS
You can use a brush for tough spots. Use a rotating or utility brush to help loosen thick layers of dirt. The brush snaps to the end of the pressure washing wand and acts as a foaming brush- releasing a soapy solution as you clean.
The most effective way to clean a window is to use a foam applicator to apply soapy water and a squeegee to wipe off the water. You can take care of streaks with a microfiber cloth- wipe in vertical or horizontal motions rather than circular for best results. However, this method can be very time consuming.
If you want to wash your windows quickly as part of a general exterior cleaning project, a pressure washer is a great option. You will want to clean the windows separately from the siding. Follow these guidelines for pressure washing your windows:
- Spray using low pressure (up to 2,000 psi).
- Use a wide spray pattern.
- Mix the cleaning solution and water in the spray.
Windows with wooden frames should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition. Look for issues with caulking along the window frame and siding as well as weather stripping to avoid having water spray inside your home. Are your windows in good condition? If so, pressure washing is a good choice to tackle your exterior window cleaning needs.
2. SET UP THE PRESSURE WASHER
Set up the pressure washer by connecting it to a source of water. Set the nozzle to its widest pattern before you turn it on. You can also screw on a 40-degree or 65-degree nozzle. Set the pressure to 1,500-2,000 psi. Fill the soap reservoir with a detergent that is safe for your window frame material.
3. POSITION THE SPRAYER
The tip of the sprayer should be a safe distance from the window. Spray from the edge of the pane toward the center at about a 30-degree angle.
4. RINSE WITH CLEAN WATER
Before the cleaning solution dries, turn off the soap dispenser and spray the window with clear water.
5. WASH UPPER FLOOR WINDOWS
If your home has a second story, add an extension wand or second story nozzle to pressure wash them.
Pressure washing your driveway will help erase years of wear and tear. Follow these steps to tackle the job.
1. SWEEP THE CONCRETE
The first step is to use a broom (or leaf blower) to clear debris and excess dirt from concrete areas.
2. DEGREASE THE SURFACE
To ensure proper cleaning, spray the concrete on your driveway with degreaser (maintain a distance of 6 inches from the surface). Use a stiff brush or pressure washer attachment tool to scrub the degreaser into the concrete.
3. ASSEMBLE PRESSURE WASHER ATTACHMENTS
First, select a tip for washing (often labeled “soap”). Snap the part into place at the head of the sprayer wand. Next, connect the supplied pressure washer hose and wand to the pressure washer. Lastly, attach a garden hose to the pressure washer’s water supply and turn on the water.
4. PREPARE AND SPRAY DETERGENT
Place the detergent tube directly into the detergent container. The tube will immediately bring detergent into the water stream of the spray wand once the pressure washer is started. Apply the detergent by holding down the spray handle at 8-18 inches from the surface. Work your way back and forth in a vertical motion, overlapping each stroke by a few inches. Let the cleaning solution sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing.
5. PRESSURE WASH THE CONCRETE
Change the tip so the soap dispenser is turned off and you are spraying clear water. Pressure wash concrete by working your way back and froth from one side of the surface to the other. For tough stains, hold the tip closer to the concrete and move in slow (nearly still) strokes.
6. SEAL THE CONCRETE
Add waterproof sealer into a paint pan. Use an extender pole and roll in the sealer. Next, roll the waterproof sealer from the middle to all edges of the concrete. Wait 24 hours for the sealer to dry before driving or parking on the concrete.
It’s the season for grilling, picnics, and outdoor time. Bring your deck and patio back to life so you can enjoy it during the warmer seasons. Taking the time to follow these steps will make a big difference.
1. PRESSURE WASH SURFACES
Natural elements can wreak havoc on decks and patios. Dirt, rainwater, pollen, dust, or general wind will damage your deck and start to erode. Pressure washing twice a year will help with wear and tear.
2. STAIN OR PAINT YOUR DECK
You can update wooden decks by painting or staining them. Wait until the wood is completely clean and dry. Quality paint will last around 6-8 years and stain needs to be reapplied about every 2 years.
3. CLEAN OR UPDATE RUGS AND FURNITURE
Taking the time to clean rugs and outdoor furniture will make your space have a nice, refreshed look.
4. ADD PLANTS
For a final touch, add potted plants. You can’t go wrong by adding lush and growing plants to your deck and/or patio. They not only bring life back to your space, but they can also add color. Consider the amount of shade your outdoor space has when selecting plants that will thrive all season long.
Good luck tackling your projects for the exterior of your home! Check out our selection of pressure washer parts at onthewayoutdoor.com.
