6 Steps To Leave Your Home’s Exterior Spotless
Over time, the exterior of your home can fall prey to pollen, dirt, grime, and other unsightly elements. With everything else going on in your busy schedule, it can be hard to find the time to give the exterior of your home a good scrubbing. New homeowners or those of you who just haven’t had the chance to give your home’s exterior a good bath might not know where to begin.
Thankfully, we’re here to help with a step-by-step checklist of what you should do to get the outside of your home back into tip-top shape. Don’t worry– you won’t have to worry about doing this often; once every six months to a year should suffice.
Now, let’s get started.
1. Prepare Your Home For Cleaning
Before you begin hosing your house down and scrubbing away at any built-up dirt and grime, you have to make sure the right conditions are in place. You want to avoid cleaning on a rainy day or when it’s too hot or cold outside. Ideal weather conditions will help ensure that any soap you scrub your house with doesn’t rinse off before you want it to and that you won’t overheat (or freeze) before wrapping things up.
After finding the perfect day and time to start cleaning, you’ll want to move any outdoor furniture out of the way and protect plants and shrubbery with a plastic sheet. Be sure to cover any outdoor electric outlets, light fixtures, and vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Ensuring you have the right coverage over your belongings will help you avoid creating any issues down the line.
2. Start with the Gutters
Now that the ideal conditions are in place, it’s time to start cleaning! The first thing you’ll want to do is dust off the old ladder and get to work on your gutters. Cleaning your gutters will prevent clogging that could cause damaging leaks in your home’s roof and foundation. Gutter cleaning can be handled DIY-style or with the help of professionals (like Window Genie).
If attempting to clean your gutters yourself, be sure you have the necessary materials to get the job done right. If using a ladder to get into the nitty-gritty of your gutters, always prioritize safety first. If possible, try using a long-reaching pole or similar alternative to clean the gutters from ground level.
If you would rather have the pros take care of it, check out Window Genie’s gutter cleaning services or contact us for more information. We make it easy to book a consultation in person or on the phone, and with one quick and easy appointment, your gutters will be crystal clear in no time!
3. On to Your Siding
Not only does cleaning your siding keep your home looking brand new, but it also eliminates harmful substances like mold, mildew, and fungi, which often find a home on yours. If left unchecked, these substances can breed harmful bacteria that can threaten the environment and your health. Power washing your siding and thoroughly cleaning the exterior of your home is a great way to keep them at bay and ensure a healthy environment.
To clean any general griminess off your siding, all you need to do is grab a soapy bucket of water, a soft bristle brush, and your garden hose. For the soapy water mixture, dish soap or laundry detergent works well and cuts through dirt and pollen.
Next, carefully scrub the soapy mixture onto the siding and thoroughly rinse it off with clean water from your garden hose. This process can be time-consuming depending on how much grime is caked on there or how big your home is, which is why it might be beneficial to call in reinforcements from a professional power washing service.
Is Pressure Washing Your Best Option?
Pressure washing can be a great way to quickly clean your home, especially for surfaces like patios, decks, driveways, and siding. It revitalizes the appearance of your property and enhances curb appeal by removing stubborn stains and grime. However, before proceeding, assess your home’s condition to ensure it can withstand the pressure, as delicate surfaces may require gentler methods.
While professional pressure washing services may come with a cost, you can explore DIY options or seek seasonal deals to lower the price.
4. Washing the Windows
Cleaning your windows, window frames, and shutters has benefits beyond improving the visual appeal of your home. It also removes the build-up of substances such as dirt, mold, and algae, which could potentially damage your home over time. Washing your windows and thoroughly cleaning the frames and shutters helps your home remain clean, shiny, and free from damage.
To deal with grime and filth on your windows, gather a bucket of soapy water, a sponge or scrub brush, and a squeegee or microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. Any mild detergent or specialized window cleaner will do the trick and effectively remove dirt, pollen, and smudges.
Start by gently scrubbing the frames and shutters with soapy water, then move on the window glass, always working from top to bottom to prevent dripping onto clean areas. Once scrubbed, use a squeegee or cloth to remove the soapy water, revealing a clean, sparkling window.
Window cleaning can be a lengthy procedure, depending on the size of your home or the level of dirt accumulation. That’s why sometimes it might be more convenient and efficient to bring in help from the Window Genie. Our specialized window cleaning services take the task off your hands and ensure professional-grade cleanliness.
5. Cleansing Your Patio & Deck
Next up is one of the outdoor spaces where people gather the most: your patio or deck. Regularly maintaining and cleaning your patio will ensure you can keep entertaining family and guests for years to come.
If you’re unsure whether your deck needs cleaning, it’s important to look for the tell-tale signs that it’s time for a good scrubbing. You’ll want to look out for accumulations of dirt, algae growth, stains, and discoloration. Neglecting to address these signs promptly could lead to more severe consequences, such as structural damage and slippery surfaces.
Next, gather the necessary materials, including a high-quality deck cleaner, a stiff-bristle brush, and safety equipment. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, ensuring you dilute it correctly if required. Start by removing any furniture and debris from the surface. Then, thoroughly scrub the area with the deck cleaner and brush to dislodge tough grime and stains.
Finally, rinse the patio or deck with a hose or, for better results, consider an annual pressure washing, which we highly recommend for maintaining your outdoor space’s overall condition and appearance.
6. Finish Up with the Driveway
Finally, it’s time to move onto the driveway. Before you begin, look for noticeable dirt buildup, oil stains, mold growth, and discoloration. These are signs that your driveway needs cleaning, and by doing so, you can avoid more dire consequences, such as surface degradation, cracking, and the growth of unsightly weeds.
Before you can wash your driveway effectively, you’ll need a high-quality driveway cleaner, a sturdy broom, and safety gear. Start by removing any loose debris and sweeping the surface thoroughly to prepare it for cleaning. Depending on the level of grime and stains, you can use a mixture of water and driveway cleaner to scrub the surface manually or opt for professional pressure washing.
While DIY methods can be effective for general cleaning, professional pressure washing can tackle tough stains and achieve the best long-term results. Professional pressure washing typically ranges in cost from $100 to $300, depending on the size and condition of the driveway. This investment ensures the removal of stubborn stains and helps preserve your driveway’s overall structural integrity and curb appeal.
Pros and Cons of DIY House Cleaning
Cleaning the exterior of your house yourself comes with its pros and cons. DIY cleaning empowers homeowners by offering them a hands-on approach and potential cost savings. However, it requires significant time, effort, and expertise to achieve the best results, and there may be limitations in tackling tough stains and specialized cleaning tasks.
On the other hand, hiring a professional cleaning service like Window Genie offers numerous advantages. Our expert cleaning services bring convenience, efficiency, and long-lasting results without the hassle. Our team has the right tools, knowledge, and experience to handle various surfaces and challenging cleaning situations, ensuring your home looks its best and is well-maintained.
While DIY cleaning may be suitable for routine maintenance, Window Genie’s professional touch can take your home’s cleanliness to the next level, providing peace of mind and saving you valuable time and energy. Contact us for a quote today and learn how you can enjoy a well-maintained and visually appealing home without the stress of DIY cleaning.
