When someone mentions cleaning, most would automatically think of different tasks done around the house - sweeping, wiping down, vacuuming, dusting, etc. Simply living results in messes and general up-keep tasks that constantly need taking care of inside the home. So it’s understandable that the outside of our homes often go untouched or neglected. Out of sight, out of mind, right? But with summer around the corner, now is prime time to finally do all those outdoor cleaning tasks we hardly think to do. You’ll be thanking yourself later!
Pressure washing
Home exteriors get dingy over time. A quick and effective way to make your home look new again is a round of pressure washing. You can purchase or rent a power washer for this. Make sure you read all instructions and precautions that come with the washer you’ve chosen. Some areas may need detergent specifically meant for pressure washing, other areas need different spray strengths, so doing the proper research beforehand is crucial to prevent damage to your exterior. You can pressure wash walls, gutters, driveways, and patios. Doing this once a year will remove any grime or debris left from the colder months, and will also prevent build up.
Weeding
Late spring to early summer is the perfect time to start weeding your plant beds and gardens, because this is when the weeds are beginning to grow the most. There are different methods to choose from, like pulling out the weeds and their roots by hand, or using chemical weed killer. You can use any method you prefer. Weeding can be tiring, especially in the summer heat, so try to tackle small sections at a time and take breaks. A good tip to keep the weeds at bay after you’ve finished weeding is to cover the dirt with a layer of some kind of mulch. This deprives weeds of light so they are less likely to regrow, and if they do, they’ll have roots in the mulch so they’ll be much easier to pull out.
Window washing
Wiping down windows from the inside may be a common practice, but after a while this just doesn’t cut it. There’s still dirt and debris clinging to the windows from the outside. This means it’s time to wash your windows. You’ll only need a scrubber or sponge, a squeegee, and a bucket to hold some water and dish soap. Scrub the window first with the sponge, getting into all the edges and corners. Then, squeegee horizontally, starting at the top of the window and working your way down. At the end it’s good to wipe any excess water on the edges with a microfiber towel.
Furniture care
Outdoor furniture collects pollen, dirt, and leaves over time. It’s important to get them clean and ready for your next get together. Different brands usually have tips for cleaning their furniture pieces, but here are some general tips. Remove any cushions first. If the covers are removable, toss them in the washer. If not, spray the surface with a gentle detergent mixture and wipe before hosing them down and letting them dry in the sun. Next, hose down the bare furniture to get rid of excess leaves and debris. After this, you can wipe down the surface with a gentle cleaner and water, then rinse.
Summer is closer than you think - It’s time to give your exterior the same care your interior gets. If you don’t have the time, consider hiring house cleaning services. Professional cleaners will have your home looking new while you take care of your busy schedule. House cleaning doesn’t always have to focus on interiors. Your exteriors deserve the same attention, especially in these warmer months.