Spring Cleaning: Outdoor Edition

With the fresh, crisp weather coming, get outside for spring cleaning this year to revamp your curbside appearance. From the roof to the ground, there are parts of your house, big and small, that can be forgotten. After the last frost of the year, it’s a good idea to get a jumpstart on outdoor maintenance.

Refresh your memory with these five spring cleaning tips.

1. Garage: Your garage tends to be a catch-all place for a lot of outdoor supplies. Organizing the area will allow you to find things easily without the headache of digging around in a mess. The first step includes purging all your unneeded items in your garage, like that toddler bike that has been rusting for 10 years. Because you want to maximize your space, implement tall shelves where you can stack all your necessary tools high and get them off the ground. After decluttering, hosing down the floor and a good sweep will bring the entire space together.

2. Siding: Siding is definitely a place that can become neglected year after year. Simply hose off your siding, then create a mix of soap and water, or vinegar and water, and apply the solution with a soft brush. If you can, use a power washer to take your siding that extra mile. If you have aluminum or wood siding, consider a new paint job for a clean look that will be the cherry on top of your new, improved curb appeal.

3. Porch: Your porch is the first thing people see when they look at your house, so giving this space some attention as spring arrives will make all the difference. Start by removing all decorative items, outdoor furniture, and plants, and wipe them all down with a soap and water solution. Sweep off all the accumulated dirt and debris from the winter months, then scrub the porch with a long stick brush or a pressure washer. Place all the freshly cleaned furniture and decor back on your porch, and your porch space will look as good as new.

4. Driveway: Cleaning your driveway may seem like a daunting task, but it will make a big difference for your home’s outside presence. The first step is to remove any weeds or growing grass in the cracks on your driveway. Next, mix a driveway cleaning solution with water and use a brush to scrub off the buildup. You’ll be surprised to see the natural color of your driveway after a thorough rinse with your hose.

5. Gutters: A clean gutter not only looks great but is important for water to travel through to keep it off your roof. Safely clean your gutters by removing all the leaves and dirt with a vacuum, hose, or leaf blower. If you have to use a ladder, be sure to follow safety tips.

By completing these outdoor spring-cleaning tips, your home will properly freshened up for the warmer weather ahead and you’ll enjoy the beautiful curb appeal that will make you want to repeat these tips year after year. Here’s to the best-looking home in the neighborhood!