Spring cleaning makes us think of dusting and spritzing the inside of the house from corner to corner to get that clean, fresh feeling.

It’s just as important to take time in early spring to clean and spruce up the outside of your home. You’ll want to make it as inviting from the street as it is when your guests walk through your front door.

Washing the Outside of Your Home

Depending upon your climate and the exterior of your home, you can wash the outside of your home with either a power washer or garden hose. If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, a power washer generally works best.

If you have aluminum or vinyl siding, adjust the power of the spray so that it doesn’t damage the siding. Keep the nozzle at least a foot away from the house and spray the water using a gentle back and forth motion.

Choose the right cleaning solution for your home’s exterior. Dish-washing liquid and water works well for many surfaces. Hardware and home improvement stores also carry special solutions for cleaning siding, masonry, and wood decks.

Don’t forget to scrub and hose down your garage door to get rid of cobwebs, dirt, and pollen during your spring cleaning.

Remove your window screens to scrub or hose them down. A spritz of glass cleaner will make them shine inside and out.

It’s easy to forget about some of the places on your house that you don’t notice as much. Use a brush with an extender handle to brush away cobwebs and other matter under the eaves, on the underside of decks, and in window wells.

Mold, Mildew, and Moss Need Special Attention

If you notice your home, deck or fence turning green, it could be that algae, moss, mold, or mildew is growing on it. This is particularly problematic in wet climates or shady areas.

These plants can grow into your roof or siding and lift up shingles or siding, resulting in a costly repair. It’s easy enough to wash these plants off.

The first thing you’ll need to do to get rid of pesky growths is to wear protective gloves and safety glasses. You’ll also want to lay a tarp over any plants or shrubs near where you are spring cleaning to protect your plants.

For small areas, spray on a cleaning solution and rinse it off with a hose. For large areas, you can use a brush to apply the cleaning solution and then rinse it off with a hose.

If you are using a power washer, mix up a cleaning solution of one cup of bleach and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to a gallon of water. Attach the cleaning solution to your power washer for fast and easy exterior cleaning.

Inspecting for Damage from the Elements

During the winter months, your home has weathered the cold winds, rainstorms, or snow.

Take time for a spring inspection when you are cleaning the outside of your house. Colder temperatures can split wood siding or trim and cause paint to start peeling. Inspect sidewalks and driveways for evidence of cracking or uneven surfaces.

Inspect the roof for signs of loose shingles, missing shingles, or damage from animals. Make plans to remove debris from the gutters and inspect to make sure they are in good condition. Determine if trees are encroaching on the roof or sides of your home, and schedule a service to trim them if necessary.

If you have masonry on all or part of the home, inspect to make sure there was no deterioration of the bricks or mortar over the winter.

Cleaning and Maintenance Prevents Costly Repairs

Spring and fall are good times to give your house a good cleaning and a visual once over. Keeping your home clean and in good repair on the outside extends the life of the dwelling, and it prevents costlier repairs down the line.