by
Lisa Ryan, REALTOR
Even if your home is not currently on the market, don’t forget to spruce up its exterior! I ran across these great tips for springtime tasks from
Danny Lipford, the home improvement expert on the CBS Morning Show. Here are a few highlights:
Clean Exterior
A pressure washer can make quick work of cleaning the outside of your home, but be careful since the extremely high pressure can damage wood and other softer materials.
While scrubbing is not necessary with a pressure washer, adding detergent to the reservoir on the machine serves to loosen stubborn dirt and get the job done faster. Be sure to use a cleaner that is made for pressure washers and intended for the type of surface you’re cleaning. Cleaners are available for specific applications such as siding, decks, and masonry surfaces.
If mold or mildew is present, spray it with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 4 parts which can be effective on mold on nonporous surfaces. Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves when working with bleach or other harmful chemicals, and cover or wet down any plants or grass with water before applying. Allow the bleach mixture to remain on for 10 – 15 minutes, then wash it off with a hose or pressure washer.
Repair Driveway
Driveways and sidewalks need periodic maintenance, too.
- Start by removing any grass or weeds that are encroaching on the driveway or growing in cracks.
- Follow this by a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.
- Next, patch any cracks or holes in concrete surfaces with a concrete resurfacer.
- Worn asphalt drives can be restored by applying a coat of latex asphalt sealer to make them look good as new.
Clean Deck
Wood decks take a lot of abuse from the elements, and they need a good cleaning from time to time to look their best.
- Start by applying a specially formulated deck cleaner in a pump up sprayer.
- Once it has had time to work, clean the deck with a pressure washer—being careful not to damage the wood—or a long handled scrub brush.
- Rinse the deck, and allow it to dry.
- If refinishing is needed, apply a sealer or stain with a pump up sprayer, going over it with a brush to smooth it out.
- Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly before using the deck.
Clean and Repair Screens
Window screens can be cleaned by soaking them in a child’s wading pool filled with soapy water, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft scrub brush on a flat surface. As a final step, rinse the screen with a garden hose using a fine spray setting to keep from damaging the screen.
Clean and Repair Gutters
Gutters are an often overlooked project that needs special attention in the spring. To clean and repair them:
- Make a homemade gutter scoop by cutting down a narrow plastic container such as an antifreeze jug, and use it to remove the bulk of the debris.
- Rinse out gutters without leaving the ground, by making a U-shaped gutter spray wand from ½” or ¾” PVC pipe and couplings. Glue a cap to one end of the pipe with several small holes drilled in it, then use two 90° elbow fittings to create the proper shape, with a threaded adaptor on the other end attached to a garden hose.
- Downspouts have a tendency to clog, so check them by running water through them, and use a plumber’s snake to unclog if needed.
- Check for leaks at gutter joints. When dry, repair gutter leaks from inside the gutter with gutter sealant.
Clean Windows
Spring pollen and dirt can work a number on your windows, so take the time to wash them down and clean them once the pollen has settled.
- Work in the shade to keep the cleaner from drying out too quickly.
- A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water makes a great natural window cleaner.
- Use crumpled up newspaper, rather than paper towels, to clean and dry your windows.
