Looking for more excuses to get outside the house after a long year of quarantine? While seasonal chores aren’t the most relaxing options, they are sure to help you spend time outside working up a sweat, but all for a good reason.
Once the outside of your house looks just as clean and tidy as the inside, you’ll really want to spend more time there enjoying the sunny days and relaxing nights with your family and friends!
To create a great space to host get-togethers, cookouts, pool parties or just morning coffee or a nightcap for two, check these items off your summer outdoor cleaning checklist.
Clean the Exterior
Start with the obvious! Clean the exterior of your home, ideally using a pressure washer to finish the task quickly. Wood and softer materials can be damaged by the pressure, though, so be careful. Add cleaners intended for use in pressure washers and specific to the surface you’re cleaning to help remove stubborn dirt.
Repair Your Driveway
Spruce up your sidewalks and driveways. Start by removing any weeds or grass growing through the cracks, then follow up with a thorough pressure washing. Patch any cracks or holes that you can to make your driveway or sidewalk look as good as new.
Give Your Deck a Thorough Cleaning
Protect your deck from the elements with a routine scrubbing and sealing as needed. First, apply a cleaner that’s safe for your deck’s material. Follow that up with pressure washing or scrubbing the surface. Rinse and let it dry. If needed, apply a smooth layer of sealant or stain.
Clean and Repair Window Screens
Remove window screens and soak them in warm soapy water. Scrub gently and rinse on a low-pressure setting from a water hose, for example. Small tears can be repaired by flattening the fibers and using clear fingernail polish for a seamless finish. Larger holes require replacing the entire screen.
Repair the Roof
Once the weather warms up, it’s a good time to inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles that need replacement or repair. Carefully check any vents or openings that may need to be sealed or otherwise secured. Clear any sticks, leaves or other debris that has collected around chimneys, porches, etc.
Prep the Grill
Get the grill ready for barbecues and more with a thorough cleaning! Scrub the wire racks and make sure burners on gas grills are free and clear of any debris. Give your grill a makeover if needed by sanding any rust spots, removing any grease on the outside and spraying it with a high-heat spray paint.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Scoop out as much debris from your gutters as you can. Then rinse gutters and run water through downspouts, and unclog as necessary. Inspect gutter joints for leaks, and repair with sealant.
Make Windows Sparkle
Rinse pollen and dirt from windows, then follow with a thorough clean. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water is effective and natural too! Follow with crumpled newspaper to dry windows for a streak-free finish.
Put a Stop to Bugs
Well, at least temporarily. Planning to spend time outside? Spray outdoor bug spray around the perimeter of your house and yard to help keep pests at bay. Inspect seals around windows and doors and caulk if needed to keep bugs and ants from getting inside as well.
Give Your Yard Some Attention
Refresh your yard by removing dead limbs or leaves from trees and plants. Placing mulch in flower beds will also keep weeds away. It’s also a great time to prune bushes, do some weeding and add new plants and flowers to create an inviting space for outdoor gatherings.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
Give your patio furniture a new look by washing away any accumulated dirt and dust. Simply spray it down with your garden hose to rinse it off, and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth and warm soapy water. Allow it to dry, then enjoy!
Give New Shine to Outdoor Lights
Don’t wait until a bulb burns out to give your outdoor lighting some attention. Take some time to make them shine by cleaning dust, leaves and bugs off the figures, globes and bulbs. Of course, make sure the light is off, then take everything apart and wipe everything down, making sure open sockets don’t get wet. Reassemble once everything has dried.
Got your hands full with outdoor cleaning? Let the professionals at Sweet Home Cleaning Service take care of the inside! We take pride in cleaning homes on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, including Fairhope, Point Clear, Montrose, Daphne and Spanish Fort, as well as Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We’re also available for commercial and rental property cleanings in the same area. To get started, contact us today!
