While you may take great pride in maintaining the inside of your home, the outside is often neglected. As the seasons change and the weather wreaks havoc on your property, consider these quick and easy tricks for keeping the exterior of your abode looking great.
Pressure Wash the Exterior of your Home
A pressure washer is a low-cost way to keep your exterior beautiful. Many times, your local hardware store will have one for rent, and usually for an extremely affordable price. The nice part of using a pressure washer is that you never have to scrub, and if dirt isn’t fully coming off, you may consider using a specialized detergent (one made specifically for pressure washers) to help break up dirt and grime.
Treat Mold
Mold happens. If the exterior of your home is affected by mold or mildew, then you may want to invest in a treatment spray. Consider a 1 part bleach, to 4 parts water solution for your pressure washer. It is recommended to spray this solution on the mold, let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
Rinse Decks/Patios
A deck can be more delicate than the siding on your home, so consider using a specialized sprayer attachment instead of an actual pressure washer. For most decks, a three-part treatment is required. First, spray your deck with a cleaning solution geared towards tending treated wood or outdoor surfaces. Second, rinse your deck completely. Third, once your deck has dried, consider applying an annual sealant to help reserve your materials.
Clean Screens
Screens typically get neglected, but they’re very easy to clean and repair. Cleaning a screen can be as simple as removing them, washing them with water and dish soap and allowing them to dry in the sun.
Remove Debris from Rain Gutters
You may not look at them every day, but things accumulate in your rain gutters. With a specialty attachment, you should be able to get a hose up to your gutter system to give them a periodic blast of fresh water. This can eliminate build-up, and also prevent pests from nesting there.
Clean Windows
Many windows allow for quick fold-in access so that cleaning them isn’t a problem. Cleaning solutions are common and affordable, but you can also use a dish soap solution if you prefer. A basic ammonia spray should also do the trick for a streak-free shine.
While the suggestions listed here may seem quick and simplistic, they can go a long way towards making your home a beautiful place to be. Plus, they’re cheap, easy, and doable in the space of an afternoon. Try out these quick and easy tips to care for the outside of your home.
