As the cold, wet Toronto winter melts away to reveal nature renewed, so too does it show all the dirt and grime that has accumulated on your home over the past few months. The debris not only looks unattractive but also has the potential to cause long-term damage, stressing the importance of exterior spring cleaning.
While an inspection shouldn’t replace professional cleaning services, it always helps to know where to identify potential issues before they cause a nasty surprise. The following inspection checklist gives you the tools to conduct a thorough inspection while identifying the areas that will require cleaning or maintenance.
- Surface inspection: Check for cracks, peeling paint, water stains, or other signs of possible weather damage or deeper concerns. For example, if the siding of your home gets too weak, it can lead to structural damage. Likewise, you’ll want to replace any windows with cracks in them, no matter how small they are.
- Debris removal: Using a broom or a leaf blower, clear out the debris from the gutters, driveways, and walkways while checking for mold or rust.
- Regular schedule: Staying proactive with a regular maintenance schedule prevents minor concerns from escalating into massive problems.
Following these simple best practices for exterior cleaning and home maintenance ensures your property stays in the best possible condition and keeps its curb appeal at the same time.
Essential Tools & Materials for Exterior Cleaning
Cleaning your home’s exterior after seasonal transitions can be a tiring and time-consuming process, making it all the more useful to consider hiring professional services. But for homeowners who want to take action with their own hands, a few cleaning tools come recommended.
Ladders are one essential tool for exterior maintenance, especially for upper floor window cleaning. On the other hand, a pressure washer extension wand can help you with gutter cleaning without having to stand on a ladder.
Bristle brushes can help scrape tough grime off of your home, unless it’s a material that requires special consideration. For example, if your home uses stone surfaces, then siding cleaning will instead require a soft scrub brush to prevent new damage.
Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Exterior House Cleaning Services
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Considerations
Some household cleaners contain phosphorous, sulfur, and nitrogen, all of which disrupt natural biological processes in the human body and in nature. To reduce the effects of harsh chemicals on the environment, consider making your own cleaning solutions; a simple supply of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda can go a long way toward cleaning most exterior surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exterior Spring Cleaning
Spring brings in the promise of renewal, but it’s important to know how to prepare your home’s exterior for the seasons ahead.
Cleaning Windows & Sliding Doors
A quick hose-off prepares your windows and sliding doors for a deeper clean, while using a squeegee can remove cleaning solutions without leaving behind streaks. Don’t forget to clean out the tracks and wheels as well; these keep the doors easy to open and close.
Siding & Exterior Walls
Removing the algae and dirt from your home’s siding and exterior walls can be incredibly satisfying but also time-consuming. Consider hiring a pro to tackle this job every 12 months to ensure your home keeps looking fresh.
Gutters & Downspouts
Using gloves, cleaning debris out of the gutters and putting them directly into the garbage bag as you go is your best bet. Afterwards, run a hose to check for clogs in the downspouts, using a straightened hanger to dislodge any uncovered.
Outdoor Furniture & Decks
Take off any cushions and obvious debris from your outdoor furniture, and then scrub it all down with a gentle solution of soapy water. Most decks can undergo simple power washing.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Tossing all your winter items in a bin might be an easy fix, but implementing improper storage techniques means coming back to odoriferous, moth-eaten clothes in the spring. Be sure all your items are as clean as possible before putting them away for the season; pests are attracted to the stains on clothes rather than the fabric itself.
Next, carefully inspect your home’s exterior for possible signs of damage on a regularly basis. For example, you might see loose or warping panels that need to be addressed, as well as gaps or worn weatherstripping that might lead to cold drafts.
Be sure to also pay special attention to areas where different materials meet each other; these are the most prone to losing their seal, making these joints vulnerable to water infiltration, which can cause far more interior damage. Likewise, you’ll want to look at the caulking around any doors or windows, replacing any that have deteriorated or have visible cracks.
Benefits of Professional Exterior Cleaning Services
The best way to keep your home looking its best is to rely on the professionals to handle the job. Their expertise allows you to enjoy more than your home’s refreshed appearance; in fact, there are several advantages:
- Cost-effective: Though you’ll generally pay more at first, you’ll save much money in the long-run as the pros prevent damage from accumulating.
- Increased property value: A clean home keeps its curb appeal and prevents the buildup responsible for discoloration and fading. If you plan to sell in the future, this is crucial.
- Removes allergens: Mold and other allergens can cling stubbornly to home exteriors. Professionals can eliminate these irritants to keep your home healthy.
With a professional company like Splash Window Cleaning, you can benefit from window cleaning, gutter cleaning, asphalt sealing, power washing, and much more.
Contact Splash Window Cleaning
Dirty home exteriors left unchecked makes your property look run down and unwelcoming. That compounds its decrease in value, making it harder for potential buyers to see its worth when its time to sell. Get in touch with Splash Window Cleaning today to talk to the experts about setting up an appointment for your home.
