As any homeowner knows, keeping up with the cleaning and maintenance of your home’s exterior can be a big job. Depending on the climate you live in and the materials your home is made of, you may find yourself facing different cleaning challenges. In this article, we’ll take a look at how often you should clean different parts of your home’s exterior, so you can keep your house looking its best. Keep reading for more!
Gutter Cleaning
Cleaning your gutters is an important part of home maintenance, but it’s something that many homeowners forget about or put off. Professionals generally suggest cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. However, if you live in an area with a lot of leaves or other debris, you may need to clean them more often. Dirty gutters can lead to a number of problems, including roof leaks, water damage, and foundation problems.
One of the biggest dangers of dirty gutters is that they can cause water damage to your home. If water backs up and pools on your roof, it can eventually seep inside and cause damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors. Water damage can be very costly to repair, so it’s important to make sure your gutters are clean and clear so that the water can flow freely.
Dirty gutters can also cause foundation problems. When water accumulates and sits in the gutters, it can seep into the soil around your home and cause the ground to soften. This can eventually lead to foundation problems, as the ground will no longer be able to support the weight of your home.
Along with cleaning, it’s also important that you have effective gutters installed that are working properly. A properly installed and working gutter system is an important part of any home. As discussed, gutters help direct water away from your home and help protect your foundation. If you are in need of gutter installation, it’s imperative that you contact professionals as soon as possible to help address the situation.
Window Cleaning
Window cleaning is an important part of home maintenance, but it can be difficult to know how often to clean different parts of your windows. Windows should be cleaned at least once a year, but they may need to be cleaned more often if they are in a high-traffic area or if they are dirty and difficult to clean.
The outside of the window should be cleaned first, using a mixture of water and vinegar. Be sure to use a soft cloth so that you don’t damage the window. The inside of the window should then be cleaned using a mixture of water and ammonia. This will remove any built-up dirt or grease from the window.
Finally, the frames of the window should be cleaned using a mixture of water and bleach. This will remove any build-up of mold or mildew.
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture should be cleaned regularly to protect it from the elements and to extend its lifespan. The frequency with which you should clean outdoor furniture depends on the type of furniture, the material it is made from, and the climate where you live. In general, you should clean outdoor furniture at least once a year, but if it is made from a durable material like teak wood or metal, you can go up to two years without cleaning it. If your furniture is made from a less durable material like plastic or wicker, you will need to clean it more often – every few months in extreme climates and every few weeks in mild climates.
To clean outdoor furniture, first, you’ll need to hose it down to remove any dirt or debris. Then use a detergent solution (either store-bought or homemade) to scrub away any built-up grime. Finally, rinse off the furniture with water and allow it to air dry. Be sure to check for any cracks or damage before using the furniture again.
Sidewalk and Driveway Cleaning
Sweeping sidewalks and driveways should be done regularly, as dirt and debris can build up over time and cause a slip hazard. The frequency with which this needs to be done will depend on the weather conditions in your area. If it rains or snows often, then you may need to sweep more frequently than if it is dry most of the time. In general, though, sweeping at least once a week is a good rule of thumb.
You might also consider pressure washing your driveway and sidewalk occasionally. A good rule of thumb is to pressure wash them at least once a year. This will help to remove any built-up dirt, debris, and stains and will help to keep them looking clean and new. If you live in a particularly dusty or sandy area, you may want to pressure wash them more often than once a year. And if you live in a rainy area, you may not need to pressure wash them as often, as the rain will help to keep them clean. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s time to pressure wash your driveway and sidewalk, or if you need help choosing the right pressure washer for the job, contact a professional pressure washing company for advice.
Overall, it is important to clean different parts of your home’s exterior regularly to maintain its appearance and extend its life.