If you’re a homeowner, your house is surely one of your biggest investments. Because of that, it’s essential to keep it in excellent condition as much as possible, especially its exterior. Even if you meticulously clean the rooms inside, the façade of your house is the first thing people will see when they come visit. It’s a must to keep it clean if you want to make a good impression.
The cleanliness of your home’s exterior is about so much more than curb appeal. If you don’t provide your house with proper care and maintenance, it may result in damage that would be costly to repair. Regular maintenance will significantly help keep your home attractive and safe at the same time.
Once you decide to clean the exterior of your home, here are several tips that’ll help you maximize the results and make the most of your efforts:
Do The Proper Preparations
If you’re going to clean the exterior of your house, it’s not a task you can jump into all of a sudden. The best way to go about it is to take the necessary precautions first in order to avoid any potential obstacles along the way.
It starts with choosing the right day for the cleaning task. Although cleaning during severe weather isn’t advisable, a gentle breeze can still make the task challenging. If you want to achieve the best outcome, choose a dry, warm day that isn’t windy. Good weather will save you from many problems that might arise.
As part of the cleaning preparations, make sure that your home and the surrounding areas are safe and secure. Close all the windows and doors. In case any of them are faulty or likely to open without warning, secure them in place beforehand. Cover all outlets, vents, lights, and plants with plastic sheeting while moving all outdoor furniture or decorations to a safe location.
Prior to cleaning, carry out an inspection to determine the tasks you should prioritize. Certain types of stains don’t require hosing down or pressure washing. When you find minor blemishes, discolorations, or stains, use soap and brush to remove them.
Do Power Washing For Deep Cleaning
One way to effectively clean the exterior of your house is through power washing. The process involves utilizing water at a high pressure to eliminate the buildup of dirt, mold, and unsightly debris that regular cleaning cannot remove.
If you don’t have the time or equipment to tackle this kind of task, it might be best to turn to a professional to ensure quality results. When you need deep cleaning for your house’s exterior, companies specializing in power washing Columbus Ohio can transform your home’s exterior into a sparkling clean façade you can be proud of.
Aside from the walls, paving, and driveway, power washing can be used to clean any hard surfaces in the exterior of your home.
Do A Landscaping Update
Any dead or withering plants and as well as weed growth can make the outdoor spaces of your home unpleasant to look at. If you have the time, you can easily pull out weeds and get rid of old leaves and other organic debris in your yard.
After removing all those elements, it’s a good idea to plant a few shrubs or flowers in front of or at the sides of your yard. You can find annuals and perennials at affordable prices in most nurseries. Choose plants that are suitable for the soil type on your property to ensure proper growth. Make sure to add a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist. Plants will make the exterior of your home inviting and appealing in no time.
Do Driveway Cleaning
The constant exposure of the driveway to natural elements, oil, and wear and tear can take its toll over time. Whether it has stubborn stains or visible cracks, thorough cleaning and sealing of your driveway will make it look good as new.
Purchase a high-quality sealant at any local hardware store. See to it that you clean the driveway thoroughly before applying the sealant. Don’t forget to check the weather updates to ensure that there’s enough time for the sealant to cure and dry without rain getting in the way.
Do Not Forget The Deck Or Patio
When you have a patio or deck, it’s likely for mold or gunk to accumulate on it due to constant exposure to the elements. Pressure washing the areas yourself or requesting pressure washing services will allow you to get rid of any dirt or debris buildup to ensure that those parts of your house are thoroughly clean.
Aside from pressure washing, there are other options to clean the deck or patio. One alternative is to use a solution specifically for wood and concrete pavers to quickly and safely eliminate buildup and discoloration. You can also try DIY remedies such as combining either baking soda or dish soap with water to clean the surfaces. Depending on the cleaning method you’ll use, you can clean your deck or patio without spending a lot.
Do Clean The Gutters
As part of regular maintenance for your home, you should pay close attention to your gutters. The removal of debris there isn’t a chore that should be reserved only for the fall season. In some yards with maple and oak trees, the gutters may end up with a significant amount of plant debris during the spring and summer seasons.
While cleaning the gutters, check for any cracks or damage in the seams. It’s best to use an old chisel to scrape away the old caulking and dry the area thoroughly. Apply bead silicone sealing to prevent water from seeping behind the gutters and result in the boards rotting over time.
Do Not Pressure Wash The Windows
Pressure washing isn’t advisable for windows since the force from it can shatter glass. To clean your windows without damaging them, do it manually. You can always clean them from inside your home, but don’t overlook their exterior parts. If it’s too difficult or dangerous to reach those areas, you can still clean them from the outside.
Use glass cleaner and a soft piece of cloth when cleaning the outside windows to prevent scratching them. Clean windows can boost your home’s curb appeal, provide you with a clear view of the outdoors, and allow you to let natural light into your home.
Conclusion
If you want to keep the exterior of your home in top condition all year round, the key is to clean it on a regular basis. Proper care and maintenance will improve the overall appearance of your property and prevent damage along the way. Although cleaning supplies like soap and a brush might be enough in some situations, there are times when deep cleaning is necessary. In such cases, power washing may be your best bet.
