Seasonal Outdoor Cleaning Tips

Wash Your Windows

Cleaning your windows as the seasons change will help them survive the strains of various temperature changes. Summer can be just as hard on your windows as the winter season. When you clean, remove the screens, but you don't have to remove the shutters to do a thorough job.

Before you wash with water, use a broom or mop to remove spider webs, excess dirt and other large items from the windows. Watch out for stinging insect nests, and if you see one, proceed carefully.

If your home has several stories or lots of windows, consider attaching a window-washing mixture to your garden hose to help you reach high places.

Walk-Around Maintenance for Your Home

Your seasonal cleaning time is a great marker to remind you to walk around your house and look for small maintenance that needs to be done. Addressing these small issues will keep them from becoming bigger problems, particularly in harsher climates during the winter months.

• Inspect storm windows for holes, cracks or other signs of wear and tear
• Check your roof for missing shingles. Examine your chimney for deteriorating bricks or mortar, and check your foundations for any cracks.
• Clear your gutters and downspouts of any obstructions.
• Repair caulking on windows and doors, and check your weather stripping.

Care for Patio Furniture

Properly storing your patio furniture when out of use will prolong its life and beauty, making sure your investment in your outdoor living environment lasts.

• Before you store your furniture or outdoor toys, rinse them off with a garden hose to clear away debris. When you take them out of storage in the spring, it would be wise to rinse them again to remove dust.
• Cover patio furniture in plastic or old bed sheets, or invest in covers designed to protect your furniture from the elements.
• If you have the storage space, keep your patio furniture in a garage, basement or shed during the off-season.
• Keep umbrellas off the floor where bugs can get in them, which might cause damage.

Care for Outdoor Water Pipes

As the colder temperatures approach, your garden hoses and outdoor water pipes require special care. Prevent frozen pipes with these simple steps:

• Drain and store garden hoses and their reels during the off season. Freezing temperatures can rupture the hose, and cold air can run through your hose into your water pipes, potentially damaging them.
• Have in-ground sprinkler systems professionally blown out and winterized.
• If possible, turn off your outside water supply.