Pexels – CC0 LicenseSpring is fully here, and you may have been looking for a free weekend to finally clean your household from the ground up. But there are thousands of spring cleaning guides out there, and most of them give the same kind of common-sense tips you already know.
But what about outside the house? Well, the intensity of winter can be pretty thorough, and the need to remove some of that debris and grime left over can be important. This is especially true if you have outside furnishings you want to restore to their former glory.
In this post, we’ll discuss some ways you can help your household feel brand new, shaking the cobwebs of the colder months off and looking forward to a sunnier set of seasons:
Pool & Water Feature Cleaning
Even if the pool has been covered all winter, there’s a fairly decent chance it’s gathered a layer of dust, leaves, and whatever else the wind felt like dropping in. Water features can be even worse, especially the ones left running through the colder months, as algae, staining, and clogged filters all show up around now.
If you haven’t touched the area yet, it might be a good idea to drain and give things a proper once-over. You could clear any sediment, scrub out stubborn marks that come from heaven knows where, and double-check that the filtration is working properly before warm days call for a swim. Calling a pool maintenance service can also help you treat the water and make certain it’s safe to use.
Pressure Washing & Windows
It’s surprising how much a good wash can bring everything back to life, as anyone who showers daily knows. The same goes for the exterior of your house, as for whatever reason, a winter “film,” for lack of a better word, can remain on your home. A few hours with a pressure washer can bring back a crisp look to surfaces that had started to fade into the background.
It’s worth going gently on certain areas, especially if paint or sealant is starting to wear, and you can use lower-pressure nozzles for that. But paths, driveways, and stone features can usually handle the full pressure without a fuss. Windows, on the other hand, need a softer touch and sometimes a professional hand. The outside panes especially take a beating from wind, rain, and any nearby trees shedding leaves or pollen, which is why squeegees or sponges are used.
Gate Fixtures, Oiling, & Treelines
Garden gates and fences can go through just as much weathering as anything else outside. That’s because hinges can start to seize up. You might also find that the bolts are stiff, and before you know it just leaving your garden leads to an almighty squeal which certainly wakes you up, but doesn’t impress the neighbors. A bit of oil and a quick check of the fittings usually sorts that out, and might even stop things from rusting further. In the same way, it’s good to check your treeline for any branches that need pruning or rot that needs to be managed.
With this advice, you’ll have been certain to spring clean your home’s exterior for the better.
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