Hannah Douglas is a seasoned professional in the cleaning and organization industry, boasting over a decade of experience. She is passionate about assisting others in transforming their spaces into clean, well-organized environments and enjoys imparting her knowledge through her written work. Away from her cleaning and organizing duties, Hannah takes pleasure in hiking, cooking, and quality time with her family.
Keeping the exterior of your home clean is not just about curb appeal, but also about prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its structural integrity. In this guide, I'm going to walk you through how to safely and effectively clean your home's exterior, from the walls to the windows and everything in between.
Let's Round Up Your DIY Exterior House Cleaning Tools 🧹
First things first, you'll need to gather your cleaning supplies. This typically includes a garden hose, a bucket, a long-handled, soft-bristle scrub brush, and a cleaner suitable for your home's exterior. There are many commercial cleaners available, but you can also make your own using a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
First things first, you'll need to gather your cleaning supplies. This typically includes a garden hose, a bucket, a long-handled, soft-bristle scrub brush, and a cleaner suitable for your home's exterior. There are many commercial cleaners available, but you can also make your own using a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap.
If your home is two stories or has areas that are hard to reach, consider investing in a pressure washer. Be sure to use a long-handled, soft-bristle scrub brush like the 'Long Handled Soft Bristle Scrubbing Brush' (ASIN: B0C23PXX9R) for effective cleaning.
If your home is two stories or has areas that are hard to reach, consider investing in a pressure washer. Be sure to use it on the lowest setting to avoid damaging your siding or paint.
Getting Your Home Ready for a Safe and Effective Outdoor Clean-Up 🏡
Before you start cleaning, make sure to cover any outdoor electrical outlets and remove any items that could be damaged by water or cleaning solution, like outdoor furniture or potted plants. It's also a good idea to close all windows and doors to prevent water from getting inside your home.
Ready, Set, Clean! Best Ways to Start Cleaning Your Home's Exterior 🚿
Start by rinsing your home's exterior with your garden hose, starting from the top and working your way down. This will remove any loose dirt and debris and make your cleaning solution more effective.
Next, apply your cleaning solution using your scrub brush. Again, start from the top and work your way down, scrubbing in small sections. Be sure to rinse each section thoroughly before moving on to the next to prevent your cleaning solution from drying on your home's exterior.
If you come across any stubborn stains, like mold or mildew, you may need to use a more specialized cleaner. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're using it safely.
Final Touches: Rinse, Dry and Admire Your Sparkling House Exterior ✨
Once you've scrubbed your entire home, give it one final rinse with your garden hose. Then, let it air dry. If you used a pressure washer, you might want to go over your home one more time with just water to make sure all of the cleaning solution has been rinsed away.
Keep It Up! Regular Maintenance for a Forever Clean Home Exterior 🏠
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your home's exterior clean. Try to clean it at least once a year, or more often if you live in a particularly dusty or humid area. Regular cleaning can also give you the opportunity to inspect your home for any signs of damage, like cracks in the siding or peeling paint, so you can address them before they become bigger problems.
For more detailed cleaning guides, check out our articles on gutter cleaning and DIY methods for cleaning your home's exterior.
Now that we've covered the basics of exterior home cleaning, let's address some common questions you might have:
Cleaning your home's exterior might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make your home sparkle and shine. Remember, regular maintenance is key!