Take advantage of the mild spring weather by starting your annual spring cleaning early. With this checklist, we’ve made it easy to get your home ready for those April showers and summer storms. [1]
Wipe down outdoor furniture
You can help your outdoor furniture last longer by cleaning it after the long winter. First, spray with a garden hose on the strongest setting to loosen the dust and dirt. Then, mix a quarter cup of dishwashing soap in a decent-sized bucket of water and wipe down the furniture with a sponge or rag. Finally, rinse again with the water from your garden hose. You should clean your outdoor furniture once or twice a year. [2]
Clean the grill
It’s always a good idea to clean your grill at the end of the grilling season, but if you skipped that, you could get it ready with a spring cleaning. You’ll want to start by heating your grill to singe any food or grease that has been stuck on from last year. Once your grill has heated up for about 30 minutes with the hood closed, you can scrub all the grates with a wire brush and warm, soapy water. When all the grime has been removed, turn the gas off and let the grill cool completely. Next, remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water for about 30 minutes while you vacuum the inside of the grill, which is now exposed. After soaking the grates, give them a scrub with a wire brush and rinse them. To finish, spray an appropriate cleaner for the grill’s surface, wait a few minutes, then wipe off with a clean, dry cloth. [3]
Power-wash your house
Power-washing your house can restore the beauty of its exterior. It can also help remove mold and mildew that can settle on the surface. Start using a pressure washer detergent with smooth, overlapping strokes under low pressure. Use a rotating or utility brush to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Let the solution soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then set the washer to low pressure to rinse off the detergent. [4]
Repaint house exterior
Whether repainting your house to get it ready to sell or repairing damages to protect it from the elements, there are a few things to know before you start. Make sure to repair cracks in the exterior of your home. Remove peeling paint and power wash the exterior to start with a clean slate. You’ll need a drop cloth, masking tape, rags, and paint to get started. You may need a ladder or step ladder to get higher spots, but always be safe and have help. Plan to have a few days of good weather, as extreme heat, cold, humidity, and precipitation can negatively affect the job and how the paint dries. Start from the top and work down to ensure an even, drip-free finish. [5]
Paint exterior trim
If you want a pristine look to your home, you’ll also need to paint the trim. First, you’ll want to prime and tape the edges of the existing trim. When you start painting, work from the top down so the paint doesn’t drip. It’s recommended that you paint multiple coats to hide any cracks or holes that develop in the trim. [6]
Clean out the gutters
Winter storms can fill your uncapped gutters with leaves, sticks, and other debris, causing clogs and potential water leaks. To prevent this from happening, you should clean your gutters at least once a year. First, grab a sturdy ladder and place it on an even, firm surface. It’s a wise precaution to have help whenever you’re using a taller ladder. Use a small plastic scoop to gather the gunk collected in the gutter. Once you’ve removed the bulk of the debris, grab a garden hose and rinse the gutters clean. [7]
Mow the lawn
Cutting your grass to a 3- or 4-inch height in the warm-weather seasons is recommended. It would be best if you aimed to cut less than 1/3 of the height of the grass every time you mow. So if your grass is about 5 to 6 inches tall, you’re safe taking off an inch to an inch and a half. If you consistently cut your grass too short, it can cause long-term damage and make your yard more susceptible to drought, disease, and pests. Depending on the growth rate of your grass, it’s recommended that you mow your lawn at least once a week. [8]
After you’ve followed all these home maintenance tips to get your home in great shape for the warm-weather seasons, ensure you go the extra mile to protect it with home insurance.
Sources:
[1] “Home Maintenance Checklist: 15 Things to Do for Spring,” https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/home-improvement/spring-home-maintenance-checklist/?gm-vt=1 (March 13, 2021).
[2] “How to clean outdoor furniture, according to experts,” https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-outdoor-furniture (May 24, 2022).
[3] “How to Clean Your BBQ Grill,” https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/food-drink/how-to/a26737/how-to-clean-bbq-grill/ (May 12, 2022).
[4] “Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding,” https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/172-How-to-Clean-Siding-With-a-Power-Washer.html (accessed March 30, 2023).
[5] “Everything You Need to Know About Exterior House Painting,” https://mywallworks.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-exterior-house-painting/ (accessed March 30, 2023).
[6] “Guide To Exterior Trim Paint,” https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/guide-to-exterior-trim-paint/#how-to-paint-exterior-trim (May 3, 2022).
[7] “The Best Way to Clean Gutters to Help Prevent Ice Dams and Other Problems,” https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/the-right-way-to-clean-your-gutters/ (Jan. 13, 2023).
[8] “The Importance of Mowing and Trimming for a Healthy Lawn,” https://otolawn.com/blogs/lawn-care-101/the-importance-of-mowing-and-trimming-for-a-healthy-lawn (accessed March 30, 2023).
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