Spring Is Here and so is Spring Cleaning

As of today (at 4:45pm MST to be exact) it’s officially Spring.  Flowers, green grass, birds chirping, and warm weather.  I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer – we’ve  been stuck inside for too long this winter.  Spring also means cleaning…ugh, not my favorite.  I thought I’d post some helpful tips on spring cleaning for your home, windows, siding, and exterior.  Hey, at least you get to be outside for some of it!  Cleaning the windows and siding of your home helps to make sure they last a lifetime and keeps your home looking fabulous.

Tips for Cleaning your Windows

There are so many different types of windows out there, and a lot of them require different techniques for cleaning – I’ll cover some of the basics in this post.

• First of all, never power wash your vinyl or wood windows.  This can damage the caulk and seal of the window as well as the surface material of the frame.
• The best solution for streak-free cleaning on your glass is a 30% vinegar to 70% water solution.  Use a lint-free, soft cloth to clean the window both inside and out.  Dry with a clean cloth.
• Many windows offer methods for easy cleaning from the inside of your home.  This can be especially helpful when cleaning windows on the second story of your home.  Double-hung windows usually offer tilt-in features that allow you to clean both sash of the window.  Many single-hung windows offer the ability for the single sash to tilt in.  Casement windows can usually be cleaned from the inside by opening the window the entire way and cleaning both sides.  See your particular manufacturer instructions for details on your windows.  And read our page for more information on different types of windows.

Tips for Cleaning your Siding

The idea of scrubbing your home’s siding may sound daunting – after all, you probably have a lot of it in hard to reach places.  While this may seem like a task you’d rather skip in your spring cleaning routine, keep in mind that washing your siding once a year can extend it’s life and keep your home looking like new.  The process is the same whether you have wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding.  But be sure to check your manufacturer instructions before starting your project.

• As with windows, never power wash the siding of your home.  Unless you’re very experienced with a power washer, the pressure from the water can damage your siding, costing you a lot of money.  It’s tempting, but avoid this method if you can.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to clean your siding.  There are products out there made specifically for this purpose – check your local home improvement store for options. These brushes are usually around $30 and may be a worthy investment for the project.
• If it’s just dirt and grime you have on your home, using only water will probably work just fine.  Fill a bucket and start scrubbing!
• If you have mold or mildew on your siding, use a solution of 30% vinegar and 70% water or go to your local home improvement store to buy mildew cleaner specifically made for the siding of your home.  Wash with a soft-bristled brush or cloth and rinse with water from your garden hose.
• If there are grease or oil spots on your siding that need cleaning, use a mixture of dishwashing detergent (Dawn®, Ivory®, etc) and water to clean.  You may have to scrub these spots, but this solution should remove the grease.  Be sure to use only a soft-bristled brush and rinse with water from your garden hose.

 A little work during the spring can add years to the look and durability of your windows and siding.  Now for those closets….