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| By User:Randall1022 (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons |
Whether your home is two years old or a classic concrete block
ranch from 1950, you can help your house hold its value and scream curb appeal
with a few simple fair weather cleaning projects. Keeping a home in shape in a
little like good dental hygiene… routine attention prevents major renovation!
With the sun shining, here are the top projects you should
schedule before settling into vacation mode. Stay on top of these at least once
a year and you’ll not only help your home shine, but you’ll fend off the threat
of more costly repairs and replacements in the future:
1. Power wash. Blast off mold,
oxidized stains, kicked up mud, and the grim insect life which can build up
over the course of a year. This is good not only for your exterior walls, but
also driveways, patios, and panel fencing (both sides, please!). If you don’t
own a power washer, you can usually rent one affordably. Be careful with power
washers, though, as they can also strip paint when dialed up and used
improperly. If power washing isn’t your bag personally, hire someone with a
track record to handle this wet-and-wild job.
2. Gut the gutters. Freely flowing gutters
prevent a host of problems. Dig out the muck and you’ll be certain that water
isn’t backing up under your roof or running down to the
foundation. While you’re working, check the downspouts for cracks and corrosion. Be sure to run water through the clean gutters to see if there are any holes you may have missed while inspecting the clean gutters.
foundation. While you’re working, check the downspouts for cracks and corrosion. Be sure to run water through the clean gutters to see if there are any holes you may have missed while inspecting the clean gutters.
3. Wash the windows. This is an inside and
outside approach, because if you want to maximize the light your house lets
in, you need to get the panes from both directions. Start with the outside.
While power washing can sometimes be harsh on window seals, using a hose with a
green/garden safe cleaning fluid is a good way to start. Once you’ve take care
of the outside, remove and wash any indoor window treatments (blinds, drapes)
and do a thorough job with the glass. Some people like to use old newspaper as
it makes an excellent eco-friendly alternative to rolls of paper towels.
4. Shore-up sheds and garages. Start by discarding. A
year or even a season can result in piles of unwanted objects or half-used
containers of questionable chemicals. Be ruthless in what you keep. Once you’ve
identified the must-keep items, haul them out and clean the interior of the
shed or garage. Replace items mindfully.
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