Spring Cleaning Outdoors
Now that it is daylight savings time and the days are getting longer, it will not be long before we will be outside barbequing and enjoying the warm weather. Before those days come, we need to get our house in order, at least the outside of the house.
First, walk around the outside of the house and check for any low spots or damaged areas where water, insects, rodents, etc. can enter. These areas need to be repaired before the problem escalates. Also check for any areas where water collects as it will be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These areas need to be drained to help control these disease carrying insects. Next, trim any tree limbs, vines, etc. that touch the house or any other structures. Water, insects, rodents, and other animals will use these as pathways to enter the house or other structures and will cause much destruction.
Make sure to check the exterior of the house for any chipped paint, loose siding, cracked windows or other damage. It is important to fix any loose siding or small holes in the foundation as they may provide a nesting area for bees, ants and other critters. Scrape any chipped paint off and replace any cracked windows.
Walk the perimeter of the property to check for problems. Check fencing for rotted or damaged spots and areas that have pulled away from the ground or holes animals may have dug under the fencing. All of these areas need to be repaired particularly to keep unwanted animals from entering the property and destroying flowers and plants and from leaving unwanted deposits on the lawn.
Then, it is time to get into the cleaning mode. Start by removing all the window screens. They can easily be cleaned by using a solution of dishwashing liquid and water and then rinsing them off with the garden hose. Inspect each screen for damage and repair where needed.
Now it is time to clean the outside of the windows on the house. Many people suggest spraying a solution of white vinegar and water with a couple of added drops of dishwashing liquid on the windows. Then rinse the windows off with a garden hose after a minute or so. This method is a lot easier that climbing a ladder to clean each window individually.
There are many ways to clean the outside of the house. Some people use a garden hose to wash off the gross dirt, then lightly scrub using a mild cleaning solution and rinse again. Other people prefer to use a power washer.
Next, clean all the leaves and other debris out of the gutters so the water from the spring rains drain properly. Inspect the roof for cracked, loose or missing shingles and fix and repair where needed. Also, check around the chimney, vents, etc. for areas of water retention and reseal where necessary. It is very important to fix any problems with the roof before the spring rains cause further damage.
Now, it is time to clean and reseal the patio or deck after removing all the items from it. Clean all the furniture before putting it back. Clean the grill and scrub the grates and drip pan. If it is a gas grill, check the hose for cracks and make sure the fittings are tight.
You are now ready to start enjoying the nice weather.
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