Spring Cleaning & Your Home’s Exterior
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to clean up your living space—inside and out. Spring brings a renewed sense of energy and opportunity to spruce up your home’s exterior. The experts at The Helping Company have some pro tips and tricks for exterior maintenance, from washing windows and siding to cleaning gutters. We want to ensure your home looks its best this season. And remember, if you need professional help, The Helping Company is ready to assist with our exterior maintenance services.
Embrace the Freshness of Spring
After a long winter, your home’s exterior might have accumulated dirt, grime, and seasonal debris. Spring cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics. It also plays an important role in home maintenance. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of harmful substances that can damage your siding, windows, and gutters, potentially leading to expensive repairs down the line. By putting in some time spring cleaning, you can extend the life of your home’s exterior and maintain a healthier, more inviting environment.
Wash Your Windows: Let the Sunshine In
Washing your windows is one of the most rewarding ways to start spring cleaning. Sparkling clean windows boost curb appeal, allow natural light to shine into your home, and give you an inviting view of the season’s blooming colors.
Tips for Washing Windows
Cloudy Days Are Best
Intuitively, you might think a nice, sunny day is the best time for window cleaning. Surprisingly, it’s better to tackle this job on a cloudy day so the sun isn’t directly on your windows. When it’s cloudy, the cleaning solution dries slower and doesn’t leave streaks. It’s also easier for you to see missed spots when the sky is overcast.
Use the Right Tools
Skip the Windex and paper towels. Instead, invest in microfiber cloths and a high-quality squeegee. Add a bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish soap, and you’re ready to go!
Pro Technique Tip
Always start at the top and work your way down. This is the best way to catch stray drips and avoid dirtying areas you’ve already cleaned.
Don’t Forget the Screens
Screens accumulate dirt over the course of the year. Remove them and gently hose them down. A soft brush will help loosen and remove any stubborn dirt.
Siding Cleaning: Step Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Your home’s siding is constantly exposed to the elements. Snow, rain, wind, dust, and pollen can all cause discoloration and wear. Spring siding cleaning keeps your home looking fresh and protects your siding from long-term damage.
How to Clean Your Siding
Survey Your Siding
Take a walk around your home and inspect the siding for damage, mold, mildew, and stains. The Helping Company offers siding services if you find any areas in need of repair or replacement.
Choose the Right Cleaners
Not all siding cleaners are created equal. Using the wrong cleaner for your siding could cause discoloration, damage to the finish, or even weaken the materials. Look at the manufacturer’s website for specific recommendations for your siding type (vinyl, wood, brick, etc.). Most surfaces clean up well with a 70% water and 30% white vinegar solution.
Pressure Washing
Before you roll out the pressure washer, remember that using high pressure may damage your siding materials. For the safest, most effective results, use a lower pressure setting.
Spot Cleaning Works, Too!
If your siding looks good and only has a few spots with mold or mildew, spot clean. Start with the vinegar-water solution above. For more stubborn stains, you may need to use a diluted (1:10) bleach and water solution. Always check the manufacturer’s website to make sure these are safe for your siding before you get started.
Cleaning Gutters: Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Gutters play a critical role in protecting your home’s foundation by directing water away from the structure. During fall and winter, gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. Cleaning your gutters is essential to prevent water overflow, which can lead to roof leaks, foundation issues, and landscaping damage.
Steps for Cleaning Gutters
Safety First
Make sure your ladder is in good shape. Enlist a cleaning buddy to hold the ladder or hand you any supplies you may need. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the debris—you never know what you’ll encounter!
Remove the Debris
Use your (gloved) hands or a small scoop to pull the debris out of the gutter. For stubborn debris, use a hose or pressure washer on a gentle setting.
Flush the Gutters
After you’ve removed the large debris by hand, flush the gutters with water to flush out the rest. This ensures that there’s no remaining buildup.
Consider Gutter Guards
If your gutters are often clogged, you may want to consider gutter guards to minimize the collection of debris.
Inspect & Repair Damage
Another benefit of cleaning your gutters is finding damage early. If you notice that your gutters are cracked, leaking, or falling down, call The Helping Company at 610-234-2210 (make click to call) and ask about our comprehensive gutter services.
Do You Need a Professional?
While DIY spring cleaning can be very satisfying, sometimes professional assistance is the best route to ensure every detail is attended to, especially when dealing with high or hard-to-reach areas. Here’s why reaching out to The Helping Company can make all the difference.
Expertise and Efficiency
Our professional teams have the experience and tools to handle exterior maintenance safely and efficiently. From using the right cleaning solutions to working with advanced equipment like industrial-grade pressure washers, we ensure your home’s exterior is cleaned thoroughly without causing damage.
Safety Considerations
Working on ladders or dealing with chemicals can be risky if you’re not properly educated and equipped. Our professionals are trained in safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the job is done right.
Time Saving and Convenient
Spring is a busy time for many homeowners. Hiring professionals allows you to focus on other important tasks or simply enjoy the season without the stress of an extensive exterior cleaning project.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Regular exterior maintenance boosts curb appeal and helps prevent costly repairs in the future. Investing in professional cleaning can extend the lifespan of your siding, windows, and gutters, ultimately saving you money over time.
Show Your Home Some Spring Love
Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation. By taking the time to clean and maintain your home’s exterior, you’re enhancing its appearance and protecting your investment for years to come. From washing windows to cleaning gutters and siding, every step of your spring cleaning routine contributes to a safer and more attractive home environment.
Happy cleaning! Don’t hesitate to reach out to The Helping Company for any exterior maintenance needs. Your home deserves the best care—and we’re here to help make that happen!