Jaw-dropping interiors with gleaming surfaces are what we all like. But more often than not, the exteriors give our homes a bad view. Whether it’s the messy paint job or the unkempt lawn, a home’s exterior says a lot about its owner.
And when it comes to selling the property, it’s the deplorable state of the exterior that could dip the price by a significant margin.
So, if you’re planning to put your home on the market or want to give it a makeover, start with the outside. Follow our helpful tips that’ll help you keep your home’s exterior clean:
Take care of the stains on concrete
Concrete is a common outdoor flooring material. Homeowners choose it for its high durability and low maintenance. But over time, it can start to show wear and tear, with ugly stains from spilled oil or rust. Wood bleach, drying agent, and trisodium phosphate are some chemicals you can use to remove these stains.
But if you’re looking for a more effective solution, drench the surface with a liquid dishwashing detergent and let it rest for a few minutes. Now, using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the area in a circular motion. If the stubborn stains are still visible, use a pressure washer to deal with them.
Pressure washers are readily available for rent at most hardware stores. Use the right settings and nozzle tip to avoid damaging the concrete. If you’re unsure how it works, learn more about it here or ask the staff at the store.
Regular roof inspections
The roof is your home’s structural support. It keeps the plumbing, HVAC, and wiring together. It also protects the rest of your property from the harsh elements while taking a beating itself. So, you must give it some TLC now and then.
Dead leaves, twigs, bird droppings, and moss are common culprits that pollute your roof and make it look dilapidated.
So, get hold of a leaf blower and a garden hose and give your roof a good cleaning twice a year. You can use chlorine bleach and water solution to get rid of mold, mildew, and moss.
A few essentials to remember when cleaning your roof are:
- Don’t choose a sunny day as the chemicals can dry out too quickly and damage the roof
- Wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping
- Work your way downwards
- Trim overgrown branches and leaves to ensure they don’t rub against the roof and cause damage
Remove moss from siding and walkway
Moss growing on the sides of your house looks picturesque. But it’s not suitable for the siding as it holds moisture against the surface, leading to rot. And when that happens, you’ll have to replace the entire section, which is quite costly. So, nip it in the bud by using a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled brush to remove the moss.
You can also remove moss from the siding with a wire brush or a putty knife. But for a more natural solution, mix one cup of baking soda with two cups of water and pour it over the moss. On the following day, scrub the area with a brush and rinse it with water.
As for the walkway, mix two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol with a pint of water and pour it over the moss. Now, you can rinse it away without worrying about damaging the concrete.
Clean streaks and smudges from your windows
We’ve all had our share of streaky and smudged windows. But no matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to get rid of them. Fingerprints, dust, and water spots are some of the common causes that can be your window’s undoing.
The relieving bit is that you don’t need any fancy solutions to clean your windows. You only need a bottle of distilled vinegar, warm water, and a squeegee.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in the bucket
- Using the squeegee, apply it to the windows in a zig-zag pattern
- Start from the top and work your way down
And that’s it. You’ll have streak-free windows in no time.
If you’ve neglected your windows for long enough to have cakes of dirt, scrap it off using a putty knife or razor blade. But be scrupulous not to scratch the glass in the process.
Vacuum your window screens
Cleaning the glass of your windows is only part of the equation. The screens need some love too.
Dust, pollen, and bugs can accumulate on your window screens, making it difficult to see through them. Not to forget the allergies they can cause. So, giving them a thorough cleaning every few months is essential.
Now, you could remove the screen, spritz it down with water, and scrub it with a bristled brush. But that’s a lot of work. Instead, vacuum both sides of the screen using the soft brush attachment.
If any areas seem to be caked on, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub them off. Just rinse it afterward so the soap doesn’t damage the screen.
If your doors have screens, don’t forget to give them a good cleaning too.
Show love to your patio furniture
Do you leave your patio furniture out in the open throughout the year? If so, it must be dreading the weather. Sun, rain, and dust can affect even the most durable furniture. So, it’s important to give it a good cleaning at least once a year.
For metal furniture, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and spritz it all over the surface. Allow it to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it with a wire brush. Rinse it off with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
As for wicker furniture, vacuum it to remove the dust first. Then, mix two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of dish soap in a bowl. Soak a sponge in the solution and wipe down the furniture. Rinse it off with water and let it air dry.
Conclusion:
Maintaining your home’s exterior is time-consuming, but what’s the alternative? Letting it fall into disrepair? No, thank you. So, plan your cleaning schedule according to your availability and the mess you’re dealing with. We hope our tips will help you achieve a spotless and inviting home. If you keep up with these cleaning tips, you may as well reduce the number of times you have to call in professional help. And that’s always a plus. Happy cleaning!