When people talk about spring cleaning, they’re usually referring to purging, dusting, and scrubbing the far reaches of their home’s interior. But a clean home should also include the exterior. If you’d prefer to get out into the fresh air after a long winter, follow this outdoor spring cleaning checklist for some valuable activity.
Rake the yard and gardens
Clean up all the dead leaves, grass, twigs, branches, and other things that hibernated under the snow in your yard and gardens.
Pressure wash the exterior
Borrow, rent, or buy a pressure washer so you can deep-clean your home’s exterior siding, as well as the porch, deck, patio, driveway, and any other surfaces.
Wash the windows
So much grime builds up on your windows over the winter. Treat yourself to a new outlook by scrubbing your windows (or hiring someone to do it for you).
Clean out the gutters
The same leaves, twigs, and other debris that spread across your yard also collected in your gutter through the winter months. Protect your home from water damage that can occur when blocked gutters can’t drain effectively. Be sure to wear gloves because there may be sharp shards under those leaves.
Pick up all leftovers
Take a barrel around the yard and pick up the toys, planters, and miscellaneous items that were left to weather the winter outside.
Prep the patio
You’ll soon be lounging, dining, and entertaining in your outdoor living space. Check the structure for damage, rot, exposed nails, or other features that need repair. Hose down your furniture. Maybe invest in new cushions, pillows, and an outdoor rug for your patio or deck. Clean and lubricate the grill and check the fuel level to make sure you have a sufficient supply. Add some fresh planters to perk up the space.
Rethink your curb appeal
With all the exterior housework done, walk to the edge of your front yard and take a fresh look at your home. What could you do to perk up the curb appeal? Paint the door and trim? Repave the walk? Plant new shrubs? Resurface the driveway? Replace the mailbox? Browse through magazines and home improvement websites to gather ideas on a makeover.
Welcome, spring. What took you so long?
