Spring cleaning has long been considered an integral part of home ownership and care, serving to clear away dusty corners and scrub away grimy floors and surfaces that were exposed after months of heating with wood or coal during winter. While spring cleaning today remains important in its own right, its original purpose may have been clearing soot from homes heated with these fuel sources each winter.
As you tackle your spring cleaning tasks, try breaking them into manageable tasks that can be completed step-by-step. Focus on high priority items first before adding less urgent ones over time.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters are one of the primary causes of roof leaks, foundation problems and other home structural issues. Heavy rainstorms often overflow clogged gutter systems during spring rainstorms causing water damage on your roof or walls of your home if the gutter system becomes blocked further. Regular cleaning can help ensure gutter-related problems do not arise again in later seasons.
As spring blossom trees begin to blossom and produce new leaves, their seed pods, pollen, fruits and other debris often end up in the gutter system – thus necessitating early spring cleaning of gutters for most homes in Maryland and the northeast region.
Cleaning gutters regularly in spring will get them prepared for the rainy season ahead. Properly functioning gutters divert water away from foundations, protecting homes from soil erosion and basement flooding.
Cleaning gutters requires adult attention, as well as using a ladder, but if this task feels unsafe to undertake by yourself or is beyond your comfort level, consider calling in professional assistance for this maintenance task. An experienced technician can safely clear out your gutters without endangering you or your family members while also making sure downspouts remain clear of debris accumulation, as well as check their condition to identify whether repair or replacement might be required.
Remove Debris from the Roof
As spring arrives, a variety of cleaning tasks must be accomplished. From clearing gutters to sweeping away dust and dirt collected over winter, a thorough house cleaning will make your home appear cleaner and feel more welcoming once temperatures begin to increase.
Debris can build up on your roof due to various sources, including leaves, pine needles and branches from nearby trees. When left undisturbed for too long, this debris can damage the shingles and lead to leaks if not promptly cleared away. Debris removal may be difficult but should form part of a regular house cleaning schedule.
Start by picking a warm and dry day, using a soft broom to carefully sweep away debris. When finished, dispose of it accordingly. If necessary, use a ladder for reaching more difficult parts of the roof; and whenever possible avoid power washers as their high pressure could erode shingles over time leaving your home susceptible to water damage.
There’s no ideal time or date to begin spring cleaning, but the sooner the better! Don’t feel compelled to complete all rooms in one go; rather focus on one room at a time before giving yourself a break when completed.
Clean the Windows
Windows are an integral component of a building’s curb appeal and function, and therefore regular window cleaning should be part of any thorough spring cleaning program.
Warmer months often see windows being left open more, which allows airborne particles and contaminants to escape, including dirt, dust and cobwebs accumulated from wintertime. Furthermore, clean windows let in more light while improving overall home or office decor and appearance.
Window washing should take place on a cloudy day to reduce streaking from direct sunlight drying out too quickly and leaving behind streaky build-up. Furthermore, tinted window cleaner should only be used if safe for all glass surfaces – including tinted. Furthermore, any debris such as leaves or bird droppings that has collected on windows must also be cleared away before commencing with cleaning operations.
Springtime is also an excellent time to scrub sliding door tracks, which often go unscrubbed when performing regular cleaning duties. Berry recommends using a toothbrush to loosen and vacuum up debris in these areas before following up by washing baseboards and doors (two areas often overlooked when performing weekly chores). Finally, spring is also the ideal season to clean ceiling vents and light fixtures so they are free from dust and cobwebs – something many don’t do every year!
Clean the Exterior
Springtime is an excellent time to think about exterior home cleaning as well. Wash the home thoroughly to remove any buildup left from winter, improving aesthetics while making the environment safer and healthier for living in.
Cleaning all surfaces of your home using either a power washer or garden hose is key to making sure any dirt, pollen or other debris that has built up throughout the winter has been removed. Inspect your roof and siding for cracks or damage that needs repairing as part of this spring cleaning exercise. Finally, this should also provide an opportunity to touch up paint areas of your landscaping that require attention and upgrade landscaping features that require attention.
Beginning your spring cleaning with an organized plan will ensure you make progress quickly and efficiently. By setting aside small blocks of time for each task, you can ensure you don’t overlook anything and the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you require assistance, Superior Pressure Washing provides excellent professional cleaning services which will get the job done efficiently – leaving your home looking its best afterward!