Outdoor Spring-Cleaning Checklist

It is that time of the year when everyone feels obligated to de-winterize their homes and prepare for the beloved spring and summer seasons. When spring-cleaning, most people focus on the inside of their homes, even though the outside is equally important. Maintaining the outside of your home helps increase curb appeal, and can also help increase the longevity of your most used products. Below is an outdoor spring-cleaning checklist to help keep you on the right track!

Outdoor space with custom steps leading to an outdoor room
grand front entrance that helps boost homes value and curb appeal

Decks

Regularly maintaining your wood or composite deck is crucial year after year. Maintenance may include sweeping, power washing, staining and sealing your deck. Additionally, staining and sealing your wood deck with a stain like Ipe Oil will help protect it through even the harshest conditions – which is important in the Midwest.

Before using Ipe Oil, note that it is a deck stain. There are other solutions to clear sealing and cleaning that you can view here, or at your local hardware store.

Ipe Oil Stain

Gossen PVC deck with Timbertech Railing

Concrete

Power washing and sealing regular, decorative or exposed aggregate concrete is important to maintain the look and quality of the concrete as it was when it was first poured. Washing your concrete is especially important after it has been salted throughout the winter months.

Sealing will increase durability, extend the concretes life, provide protection and enhance its color. The cost of replacing concrete far exceeds the investment in regular power washing and sealing. 

custom stamped concrete and stairs

Grills

Evaluating your grill and performing any maintenance necessary for a worry-free grilling experience is important. Throughout each use, your grill can accumulate grease and grime build up, so it is crucial to clean it to increase the grills life span and performance. To view how to properly clean your stainless-steel grill grates, visit our past blog!

Patio Furniture

Patio furniture spends a significant amount of time outdoors, so it is the perfect prospect for routine cleaning. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a mild soap, or white vinegar for difficult stains. If the furniture cushions have zippers, unzip them and put the covers in the washer on gentle to freshen them up. If there are no zippers, the cushions can easily be cleaned with soap water and a sponge, then left to air dry.

Notably, it is important to follow your manufacturers instructions. Not all cushions and covers can be cleaned the same as above.

Put your Christmas tree next to this fireplace

Windows and Doors

Both windows and doors are susceptible to harsh winter weather, so they can be left looking dingy and dirty. To leave your windows looking sparkly and new, it only takes a little soap, water and a good sponge. Checking the window seals, weather strips and caulking/silicone will also maximize your HVAC efficiency throughout every season.

When planning to clean your doors, take into consideration what material they are made of. If you have a wood door, it may need to be cleaned with a wood cleaner and have a new coat of polyurethane applied. If you have a fiberglass door, it can be treated the same as your windows – soap, water and a sponge will do the trick. You can also add a coat of polyurethane to fiberglass doors.

Note that it is important to also check your manufacturers cleaning and maintenance instructions.

grand front entrance that helps boost homes value and curb appeal
Therma Tru Entry door

Shutters

Dirt and grime can easily build up on exterior shutters throughout the winter season, leaving your shutters looking dingy. To clean a standard vinyl exterior shutter, it is important to first brush or hose off any loose dirt or build up. Next, the shutters can be washed with soap and water and a soft sponge or cloth.

Siding

Like windows and doors, siding is also affected by harsh weather conditions. During your outdoor spring-cleaning, siding can be cleaned easily. To reduce mold, mildew and other winter weather wear and tear, siding can be power washed.

Ask for Help!

We understand that keeping up with yearly maintenance, particularly outdoor maintenance, can be difficult. That is why we are here to help you with anything you may need. Heartlands has a variety of deck maintenance products and grilling accessories. We are also available to help power wash and seal any kind of concrete. Give us a call at (636) 728-0003, or send us a message below!

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