Outdoor Areas to Tackle During Spring-Cleaning

Even if your area still has snow or ice, before you know it, spring will arrive. Spring-cleaning is a tradition for many households — setting aside a weekend to deep clean every part of the house and get ready for the upcoming year. Don't stick to indoor tasks, though. This year, include these four areas in your spring-cleaning endeavors.

1. Windows

Well-kept windows can make an incredible difference between a gloomy room and a sunshine-filled home. Depending on where you live, you could have numerous different particles build up throughout the winter, so a thorough cleaning is definitely in order. Scrub from both the inside and outside so you can make sure the glass gets sparkly clean.

Don't forget about your screens, either. To get rid of the gunk, take them off altogether. Rinse with the hose outside or scrub them with soap and water if they've gotten particularly nasty. You can also use the hose to spray your windows from the outside and save yourself some time — just make sure you attack any problem areas before heading inside.

2. Siding

Whatever material your home's exterior is made of, it can use some love after a long winter. If it's painted, be cautious — you don't want to use anything too harsh, or you could take some paint off along with the dirt. You might be able to spray the walls when you clean the windows, or you might have to devote more time to a thorough scrubbing with dish soap or vinegar.

Additionally, spring-cleaning can be an opportunity to update the siding or paint over it in a new color. Touching up your exterior can make your house feel clean and well-loved, and you'll get a sense of satisfaction from the fresh, new state of your home.

3. Rooftop and Gutters

Snow isn't the only thing that comes down during the winter — leaves and branches also tend to fall. Hopefully, you've been able to take care of your roof throughout the season, but since you're spring-cleaning now, thoroughly purge debris from the top of your home. If you don't, mold and mildew could form, causing costly repairs down the road.

Additionally, your gutters should take a significant portion of your attention too, since any fallen leaves and twigs can cause the gutters to clog and stop working correctly. Wear gloves so that you don't cut yourself on the metal if you're cleaning by hand. Once you've gotten rid of what you can see, run your hose through the system to see if you missed any clogs or plugs.

4. Lawn

Don't forget to show your grass some love, especially if you have a large lawn. Rake away the leaves and twigs — they'll only block the sunlight from reaching blades that desperately need it. Aerate if you've noticed the ground getting packed hard, and put down a layer of fertilizer to promote growth after a winter of hibernation.

If you notice any bare spots that didn't survive the winter, now is the time to buy some grass seed and replenish them. You can also take this opportunity to trim any trees or shrubs that are getting unruly. Ask for advice about anything you aren't sure of — most people are happy to share their wisdom given the opportunity.

If you need any repair work on your roofs, gutters, or siding, don't be afraid to get some expert help. Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., has been working since 1958 to provide quality services in these areas, and we’re ready and able to offer fixes and replacements on the outside of your house. Contact us today for any exterior home improvement projects you want a professional to handle.