Outdoor Home Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring has already sprung, and you still haven’t started your cleaning, right?  Well, here are a few helpful insider tips to make your to-do’s smidge easier, thanks to Home Improvement expert Danny Lipford.

Roof.  Use a leaf blower and broom to remove leaves and other debris from valleys and behind chimneys. Start at the top and blow and sweep downward. Be sure to wear rubber soled shoes and stay off steep roofs.

Gutter and Downspout Repair.  Clean and repair any leaks in gutters and downspouts. Make sure gutters are securely attached, and replace any loose spikes with gutter screws.

Mold and Mildew Removal.  Mold and mildew can be a real problem on outdoor surfaces. You can use a pressure washer to remove mildew, if you’re careful not to damage softer surfaces. There are also products, such as Wet & Forget, that are formulated to remove mold and mildew on exterior surfaces.

Doors and Windows.  To stop door hinges from squeaking, apply dry lubricant to the hinge and pin. For exterior gate hinges and latches, a wet spray lubricant works best.  To loosen sticky door locks, squirt a small amount of powdered graphite into the lock, insert a key, and work it back and forth. To keep garage doors working smoothly, lubricate the track and chain or worm drive.  Silicone spray can be used to lubricate tracks on windows. To clean windows mix vinegar with warm water and apply with newspaper.

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