When should I start spring cleaning outside?

With spring just around the corner, many homeowners start thinking about spring cleaning. While deep cleaning the inside of your home is important, don’t forget about the outside! Tackling spring cleaning outdoors helps make your yard look tidy and inviting for the warmer months ahead.

When is the best time to start spring cleaning outside?

The ideal time to start your outdoor spring cleaning depends on where you live. In warmer climates, February or March is a good time to get started. For northern areas that experience winter weather longer, early to mid April is better. You’ll want to wait until after the last frost so you don’t damage plants.

Some signs it’s time to start spring cleaning outdoors include:

• Daytime temperatures consistently reach above 50°F
• Nights stay above freezing temperatures
• Snow has melted
• Trees and plants are budding

Aim to finish up your outdoor spring cleaning before peak pollen season starts.

Where should I start with outdoor spring cleaning?

Make a plan to tackle spring cleaning systematically from top to bottom. Consider starting with:

1. Gutters – Clear out leaves, sticks and other debris
2. Roof – Inspect for damage and clean
3. Windows – Wash outside windows and screens
4. Siding – Use a pressure washer for siding and fences
5. Yard – Rake leaves and remove sticks/rocks
6. Flower beds – Remove weeds and dead plants
7. Lawn – Give the lawn a good mowing
8. Driveway/Sidewalks – Sweep away debris
9. Outdoor furniture – Clean and put back furniture

What supplies do I need for outdoor spring cleaning?

Having the right cleaning supplies on hand will make your outdoor spring cleaning faster and easier. Here are some must-have items:

Supply	Purpose
Garden hose	Washing outdoor surfaces
Pressure washer	Cleaning siding, patio, decks
Broom & dustpan	Sweeping debris from surfaces
Leaf rake	Removing leaves and debris from lawn
Weed puller	Removing weeds from flower beds
Scrub brushes	Scrubbing outdoor furniture and surfaces
Buckets	Carrying cleaning solutions around the yard
Gardening gloves	Protecting hands while gardening
Trash bags	Collecting debris and weeds

You’ll also need cleaning solutions like all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, power washer soap, etc. An outdoor power outlet and extension cord can also come in handy.

How should I clean the outside of my windows?

Here are some tips for getting the outside of your windows spotless:

1. Use a garden hose to rinse away loose dirt and debris.
2. Apply an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water mixture with a scrub brush.
3. Use a squeegee to wipe water and cleaner off windows.
4. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
5. Clean screens by removing them and spraying them down with the hose.
6. Use a soft brush and mild cleaner to scrub screens.
7. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry before replacing screens.

Work in sections starting at the top of windows and working your way down. Take your time on each section to avoid streaks.

What’s the best way to clean outside siding?

Power washing is the most effective way to deeply clean exterior siding. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a garden hose to rinse the siding and wet the surface.
2. Mix power washer detergent according to package directions.
3. Set the power washer to a wide fan spray at medium pressure.
4. Start at the bottom and work upwards methodically.
5. Overlap sections to cover evenly.
6. Avoid getting too close or using too much pressure which can damage siding.
7. Rinse off cleaner and let dry.

Power wash fences, decks, and outdoor furniture too. Allow all surfaces to dry completely when finished.

What’s the proper way to rake and dispose of leaves?

Here are some good techniques for raking up leaves from your yard:

• Use a fan rake with tines that can grab leaves easily.
• Try raking across lawn sections back and forth.
• Collect leaves into piles to scoop up and remove.
• Place leaves in paper lawn bags or reusable containers.
• Take leaves to a compost site if available in your area.
• Or chop leaves with a mower to mulch into your lawn.

Avoid raking leaves onto flower beds or vegetable gardens. Remove diseased leaves and sticks before composting or mulching.

How do I prep my lawn for spring?

Your lawn needs some TLC after winter. Here are lawn care tips for spring:

• Rake thoroughly to remove leaves and debris.
• Sharp mower blades to cut cleanly and evenly.
• Mow at lower setting to remove dead grass and weeds.
• Aerate compacted areas with an aerator tool.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds.
• Fill in bare patches by overseeding with grass seed.
• Fertilize to nourish the soil and encourage growth.
• Water thoroughly if rainfall is lacking.

Your lawn should look lush and healthy for spring after this care regimen.

What’s the best technique for weeding flower beds?

Spring is a critical time to get control of weeds in your flower beds. Here are some effective tips:

• Pull weeds by hand as soon as you see them.
• Use a tool like a hoe or weed puller for tough weeds.
• Carefully dig down to remove the entire root system.
• Add a fresh layer of mulch to suppress future weeds.
• Water plants well so they outcompete weeds.
• Apply corn gluten as an organic pre-emergent in beds.
• Do not let weeds flower and spread seeds.
• Be persistent and do frequent weeding as needed.

Catching weeds early before they take over is key. Be diligent and weed weekly or after rain showers for best control.

How should I clean outdoor furniture?

Outdoor furniture takes a beating during winter. Here are tips to clean it up for spring:

1. Remove cushions and wash removable covers.
2. Use a hose and scrub brush with an all-purpose cleaner on surfaces.
3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully.
4. Check for rust spots and touch up paint as needed.
5. Spray vinyl or plastic furniture with protectant/conditioner.
6. Wipe down metal furniture with mineral spirits.
7. Treat wood furniture with teak oil or restaining as needed.
8. Replace old furniture cushions or store cushions indoors.

Take time to make repairs so furniture looks and functions its best. Proper cleaning now helps outdoor furniture last.

What kind of maintenance should be done on decks?

Wood and composite decks need spring cleaning too. Follow these maintenance tips:

• Clear debris between deck boards with a hose and broom.
• Remove stubborn spots and stains with a power washer.
• Allow deck to dry completely before applying protectants.
• Apply water repellent sealant to wood decks every 1-2 years.
• Re-stain wood decks when color looks faded.
• Inspect deck boards and rails for any damage or rotting.
• Make all necessary repairs before sealing or staining.

Your deck will look like new after a thorough spring cleaning session. Don’t forget to check the deck stairs as well.

How can I make my patio look nice for spring?

Patios tend to collect dirt and debris over winter. Refresh patio areas with these steps:

1. Use a broom to sweep off dirt, leaves, weeds, etc.
2. Spray down the patio and use a hard bristle brush to scrub.
3. For tough stains, apply a paving cleaner and use a pressure washer.
4. Rinse thoroughly and allow patio to dry completely.
5. Check for cracked or broken pavers and make repairs as needed.
6. Refresh old pavers with a fresh coat of concrete sealer.
7. Add fresh patio furniture cushions and decor items.

A clean, updated patio makes an ideal outdoor living space to enjoy in spring weather.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces provides a fresh start to the new season. By methodically working from top to bottom, you can get your home’s outside sparkling clean and looking its best. Having the right tools and supplies on hand makes the work faster and easier. With some elbow grease and dedication, you’ll have a pristine exterior to welcome springtime.