Spring is a beautiful time of year when you’re ready to shake off the chill of winter and see what’s ready to start blooming. It’s also the perfect time of year to give your home a fresh start! Having a well-rounded approach to a yearly cleanout is fundamental to protecting the investment that is your home.
Spring cleaning should be a combination of the basics, like dusting shelves and airing out rooms, and essential maintenance that protects your home from long-term wear. By making sure you cover both inside and outside of your property, you ensure that not only does it look great, but it functions just as well.
Outside the Home
The most common approach to spring cleaning is to pick a task and tackle it. While you can do this beginning either indoors or out, we’re going to start our checklist off outside of the home.
1. Roof and Gutter Inspection
We advise that you begin an exterior clean-up from the top town. Roof and gutter inspections can be easily overlooked, but winter storms and falling debris can do some damage. A roof and gutter inspection helps you check for loose shingles, cracked flashing, or blocked gutters.
Block gutters can help prevent expensive water damage, so check for clogs, sagging sections, or leaks. It’s also important to make sure that downspouts drain away from your foundation. You can use a hose to clear out any debris and test your water flow and drainage.
2. Siding and Windows
Dirt and mildew can build up on your siding and window frames after months of harsh weather. You can curb the growth with a gentle power wash or by using a soft-bristle scrub. While you’re at it, don’t forget to look for cracks, peeling paint, or damaged caulking around your windows and doors. These are small issues that can lead to big bills later on.
3. Lawn and Garden Prep
Don’t forget lawn and garden care! You may not be ready for planting yet, but you can still rake dead leaves, prune your shrubs, and refresh the mulch around plants. Not only does it look nicer, but it’ll encourage new growth when you are ready to move on to that stage.
You can also check your irrigation systems for leaks or blockages, and make sure that your outdoor faucets survived the cold season with no damage. If you do find that there’s any leaking, make sure to get it taken care of quickly to save on your water bill.
4. Decks, Patios, and Walkways
Start on your ground surfaces by sweeping away the debris, and then giving it a standard clean to remove any mildew or moss buildup. If you have a wooden deck, inspect it for loose boards or nails and check the sealing on the wood. Cracks on concrete should also be fixed, because left too long, weeds will take root.
Inside the Home
Now we move onto the interior areas!
1. Deep Clean Living Areas
Deep cleaning should start with high-traffic spaces. Dust your fans, vents, and shelves then vacuum and mop floors. Make sure you move your furniture to clean underneath and behind, and check to see if your baseboards need a wipe down.
2. Kitchen and Bathroom Refresh
Both the kitchen and the bathroom are parts of the house that multiple people use daily, so cleaning them is vital. Clean out inside cabinets and drawers, wipe down shelves, and toss expired items. Clean around areas that have running water to make sure you remove soap scum and buildup.
3. HVAC and Air Quality Check
Do your future self a favor and replace HVAC filters and dust vents before the summer heat arrives! Unless you’re an HVAC specialist yourself, schedule a professional inspection. Cleaner air and efficient ventilation reduce allergens and create a healthier living environment for your household.
4. Declutter and Donate
End your spring cleaning spree by tackling all of the things piling up around you. Set aside items you don’t use for donation or recycling, and organize the rest neatly. Decluttering your home frees up space and makes you feel lighter all around.
Bringing It All Together
From gutter inspection to scrubbing the grout, spring cleaning is about more than tidiness. It’s about protecting your investment and creating a space that feels renewed. The key to successful spring cleaning is balance: cleaning, organizing, and maintaining both inside and outside areas of your home.
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