It might be time to get your spring cleaning on with the warmer weather. Chances are when you hear deep cleaning, you might think of the interior of your house. However, you can’t continue neglecting your exterior just because it feels overwhelming to undertake.
Just like interior cleaning, exterior cleaning tends to come with several benefits. For one, it increases your curb appeal, making it look better. Additional benefits include:
- For one, regularly cleaning your exterior will save you money in the long run. That is because, as you remove the dirt and debris, the chances of repainting or replacing your siding will reduce significantly, thus saving you money.
- Cleaning your exterior can protect your home as you’ll remove everything that can affect your home. For instance, dust, dirt, and debris will spoil the paint, clog your gutters, and stain the siding.
- Having a clean exterior can reduce the chances of pests residing in your house. With dirt and debris outside your home, pests tend to get a place to multiply and might destroy your home.
Hiring a professional cleaning company such as pressure washing Spring Hill TN might be wise to help get the job done effectively. However, you might need to do it yourself if you don’t have the budget to cover external cleaning.
But with all the benefits, cleaning your exterior can be challenging, depending on your exterior size. So, to help ease the process, the information below is a guide to deep exterior house cleaning.
Choose your Cleaning Method And Solution
Since cleaning your exterior can be an uphill battle, especially for large houses. As a result, you might need to pressure wash. If you choose to pressure wash, consider the material of your exterior. For instance, if it’s made of brick, wood, or vinyl, stick to the low-pressure setting to be safe.
Take a walk around your home and access your exterior materials and the level of dirt they have accumulated. For instance, mild soap and water will suffice if the dirt and debris are not complicated. However, if you find algae and mold growing on your exterior, you’ll need a mild bleach solution to clean it. Ensure you use a specific solution that works well for the material.
Start With Your Roof
Whether cleaning your exterior or interior, you always start at the top and work your way down. So, starting with your roof is recommended as any debris that falls will be cleaned as you go, cutting down on your cleaning time.
If your roof has been inspected, you can clean your roof using a pressure washer. Concentrate on your shingles and eaves as they have fungus, algae, and mold build-up. With your roof clean, the next step is cleaning your gutters, which tend to collect dirt and debris over time. Use a ladder to clean your gutters, as that’s the safest way to go about it.
However, remember not to lean your ladder against the gutters to avoid destroying them. Sweep away any debris in your gutters, then use a hose to rinse off any dust and dirt. Watch out for any clog that might have formed, then eliminate it to create a clean flow.
Wash Your Siding And Windows
You can wash your siding and windows with the same solution if you rinse it well afterward. Before cleaning, ensure that the solution you make is gentle on your siding material and makes it look as good as new.
For dirt, dust, and grime, a solution of warm water and a general-purpose cleaner will suffice. However, to tackle mold and mildew, you’ll need a stronger solution of seventy percent water and thirty percent vinegar.
Begin at the top, tackling one side at a time by moving the entire length. Once you finish one side, rinse it with a garden hose. Repeat the same process all around the house till you clean everything. If your windows have exterior shutters, spend extra time cleaning them with decorative elements.
Finish With Your Porch And Pavements
Your exterior isn’t clean until you wash your porch and pavement. And just like your siding, consider your porch material before cleaning it. Use a solution made of water, your favorite all-purpose cleaners, and a soft-bristled brush for basic cleaning. Consider getting an oxygen-bleach cleaner that removes algae and mold.
After thoroughly washing your porch, rinse the solution and grime with water from a garden hose. Avoid pressure washers as they tend to destroy the paint used on most porches. Moving on to the pavements, soak them using a soapy solution.
Next, give it a good scrub and rinse off the dirt. Alternatively, you can use a power-washer attachment to eliminate all the dirt. If you notice major grease stains, use a commercial-grade degreaser before rinsing them with a pressure washer.
Bottom Line
The exterior of your home should match the cleanliness of your interior. And to get your exterior clean, you need to wait for the warmer season as it’s easier to work that way. One of the best times has to be during spring when the weather changes. If you find worn-out or destroyed places on your exterior, take time to fix them before completing the cleaning process.