Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips

When the temperatures begin to rise, the first thing everyone wants to do is head outside, but before you kick back and enjoy the warmer weather you have to shake off the last remnants of winter by giving your home's outdoor areas a thorough spring cleaning. Use the following outdoor spring cleaning tips and you'll be basking in the sun in no time.

Deck and Patio

The first step to getting your home ready for the spring and summer months is giving your deck and patio a deep cleaning. Use a broom to sweep away all the leaves, twigs and other debris that collected throughout the winter months, Keep an eye out for rot, termites or other problems that could affect the stability of your deck. Next, scrub the area with a special deck cleanser to remove any pollen, mildew or fungus.

Outdoor Furniture

Once your outdoor deck or patio area is clean, it's time to get your outdoor furniture up to speed. Whether you stored the furniture away for the winter or left it out, it's going to need a good cleaning before it's ready for use. Use a multi-purpose outdoor cleaner to wipe down plastic and metal furniture, or a specialized wood cleaner if your furniture is wicker. Don't forget to clean the outdoor cushions as well.

Windows

Washing windows it's just part of indoor spring cleaning. To really make your home shine, you have to do the outside of the windows too. Wipe windows down with glass cleaner and dry with a clean cloth. Don't forget to use a garden hose to spray down your window screens as well.

Gutters

Cleaning out your home's gutters is one of the least enjoyable outdoor spring cleaning tasks but it's also one of the most important, since it can affect the integrity of your home. Use a ladder to get to roof level and then scoop out all the leaves, twigs and other gunk that collected in your gutters over the winter. You can use a scoop or your hands, but make sure to wear heavy duty, waterproof gloves so you don't get cut by any exposed metal or sharp sticks. Once your gutters are debris free, use your water hose to rinse out any of the remaining sludge.

Power Washing

One of the best ways to give you home a facelift is by taking a power washer to your home's exterior siding, sidewalk and driveway. This high-pressured devices will blast away grime that you didn't even know was there, giving your home a fresh, clean appearance. Just make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before getting started.

Pruning

Chances are your shrubs and trees took some damage over the rough and stormy winter months. Make sure they're in the best possible shape by removing damaged, broken and diseased branches. If you have a large tree that needs trimming, hire a professional to do the job. Not only can working with large trees be dangerous for amateurs but a professional will also be able to trim the tree so it will reach its optimal health.