First and foremost, your home is a reflection of your personality. By taking care of it and making it fresh and presentable after accumulating months of winter grime, you make a better impression on neighbors and guests. If you plan outdoor activities in the spring and summer, a fresh, clean home is more enjoyable and you’ll find yourself wanting to spend even more time outside. Exterior cleaning can also help you convert your lawn, garden, and yard from a dormant winter state to a rejuvenated spring appearance, ready for growth and blooming.

Exterior Spring Cleaning Chores

Just like any spring cleaning list, it is easiest to approach a wide range of chores by dividing them into manageable areas.

For the House

Cleaning the actual structure of your house is easy and will instantly improve its appearance.

• Windows: Washing windows and screens will give you a sparkling view of spring even if it’s still a bit too cold to be outside enjoying it as much as you want.
• Gutters: Cleaning out rain gutters is a fall chore for many homeowners, but checking them again in the spring will ensure that no debris has become clogged in them during winter storms.
• Siding: Pressure wash the siding of your home to remove grime. Be sure to start at the highest points of your home to avoid washing dirt down onto clean areas.
• Garage: Cleaning out the garage will give you more space for summer equipment such as bikes, outdoor games, and gardening equipment. This may be a good time to hold a yard sale as well.

For the Deck

Whether you have a deck or patio, a few simple cleaning chores can turn it from a winter-neglected spot into a fun outdoor gathering space.

• Flooring: If you have a wood deck, inspect the wood for signs of rot or decay and make repairs as necessary. Sweep first, then scrub the wood with oxalic acid to kill microbes, and restain the deck if necessary. For a concrete patio, check for chips or cracks that need repair, and scrub away any stains.
• Furniture: If your patio furniture has been out in the weather all winter, it will need to be scrubbed clean. If it has been stored instead, now is the time to brush it off and return it to the patio or deck.
• Grills: If you have a grill, check its connections and operations, following all safety guidelines. Clean the grills and handles, lubricate the lid, and get ready for great barbecues.
• Lighting: If your patio area includes exterior lighting, check that bulbs are snugly screwed in and that all fixtures are working appropriately. Remove any rodent, bird, or insect nests and clean the fixtures so they will shine as brightly as possible.