Keeping the outside of your home clean doesn’t have to feel like a huge weekend project. There’s just a few simple tricks that you can use to keep your exterior looking fresh, bright, and well cared for. It’s like giving your home a little spa day, but without soothing music and the cucumber slices. Let’s take a look at some easy cleaning tips for your home’s exterior.
Start with a simple rinse.
Before you start pulling out any fancy tools or boosting up the pressure washing equipment, give your home a good rinse for the garden hose. You’d be surprised how much dust, pollen, and loose dirt comes off with just a gentle spray. This helps you to see what actually needs attention and what is just surface level grime. You know when you brush the crumbs off a table before you wipe it down, you get the big stuff out of the way first, and that’s what this job’s for.
Use mild soap for siding.
Sliding, whether vinyl, wood or fibre cement, appreciates a gentle touch. Mix a bucket of warm water with a little mild dish soap. A soft brush or a sponge can be used to scrub away any dirt, bird droppings, or mystery smudges that appear out of nowhere. Work in small sections and rinse each area before the soap dries. Slow and steady wins the clean house race.
Don’t forget about the windows.
Clean windows instantly make the whole exterior look brighter. Start by wiping off dust and cobwebs from the frames and then use a mix of water and a splash of vinegar for a streak free shine. A squeegee can save time and prevent smudges here, and it makes you feel a bit like a pro janitor in the best way possible. Remember, though, that cleaning windows on a cloudy day helps to prevent streaking. Sunshine is great, but not when it’s baking your cleaning solution.
Sweep the porch and the walkways.
Leeds dirt and random debris live together around porches and walkways. A quick sweep every few days can make your entryway look inviting without much effort. If you want to level it up, scrub the porch floor occasionally with a broom and soapy water. It’s amazing how much better everything looks when the ground is clean. It sets the tone for your whole exterior.
Tidy up the gutters.
OK, this part’s not actually glamorous, but it is important. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, and nobody wants to deal with that. Scoop out leaves and debris and then flush the gutters with water to make sure everything flows smoothly. If heights aren’t your thing, hiring help is not a bad idea. There’s no shame in being safely on the ground.
Don’t forget the driveway.
Here’s where you can get really creative with the pressure washing equipment. Giving the driveway a complete spray down of any oil, petrol and dirt is a great idea.
Cleaning the home’s exterior doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small steps add up and before you know it, your home will be the bright, clean star of the neighborhood. No cucumbers required.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
