Spring Cleaning Outdoors

Now that it is daylight savings time and the days are getting longer, it will not be long before we will be outside barbequing and enjoying the warm weather. Before those days come, we need to get our house in order, at least the outside of the house.

First, walk around the outside of the house and check for any low spots or damaged areas where water, insects, rodents, etc. can enter. These areas need to be repaired before the problem escalates.  Also check for any areas where water collects as it will be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These areas need to be drained to help control these disease carrying insects. Next, trim any tree limbs, vines, etc. that touch the house or any other structures. Water, insects, rodents, and other animals will use these as pathways to enter the house or other structures and will cause much destruction.

Make sure to check the exterior of the house for any chipped paint, loose siding, cracked windows or other damage. It is important to fix any loose siding or small holes in the foundation as they may provide a nesting area for bees, ants and other critters.  Scrape any chipped paint off and replace any cracked windows.

Walk the perimeter of the property to check for problems. Check fencing for rotted or damaged spots and areas that have pulled away from the ground or holes animals may have dug under the fencing. All of these areas need to be repaired particularly to keep unwanted animals from entering the property and destroying flowers and plants and from leaving unwanted deposits on the lawn.

Then, it is time to get into the cleaning mode. Start by removing all the window screens. They can easily be cleaned by using a solution of dishwashing liquid and water and then rinsing them off with the garden hose. Inspect each screen for damage and repair where needed.

Now it is time to clean the outside of the windows on the house. Many people suggest spraying a solution of white vinegar and water with a couple of added drops of dishwashing liquid on the windows. Then rinse the windows off with a garden hose after a minute or so. This method is a lot easier that climbing a ladder to clean each window individually.

There are many ways to clean the outside of the house. Some people use a garden hose to wash off the gross dirt, then lightly scrub using a mild cleaning solution and rinse again. Other people prefer to use a power washer.

Next, clean all the leaves and other debris out of the gutters so the water from the spring rains drain properly. Inspect the roof for cracked, loose or missing shingles and fix and repair where needed. Also, check around the chimney, vents, etc. for areas of water retention and reseal where necessary. It is very important to fix any problems with the roof before the spring rains cause further damage.

Now, it is time to clean and reseal the patio or deck after removing all the items from it. Clean all the furniture before putting it back. Clean the grill and scrub the grates and drip pan. If it is a gas grill, check the hose for cracks and make sure the fittings are tight.

You are now ready to start enjoying the nice weather.

Spring Cleaning for the Lawn

Now that most of us are finally starting to see our lawn again, it is time to prepare things for when we will actually be able to spend more time enjoying our yards. After the very rough winter season we have all just experienced, it will be a great pleasure to put away the snow blower, snow shovel, salt, sand, etc., and bring out the lawn equipment.

Spring is the time to change the spark plugs, air filter and oil on the lawn mower. Then, clean the mowe and sharpen the blades. This should be done before it is needed the mow the lawn Now is also the time to clean and check the weed trimmer and hedge trimmer and to sharpen the pruning shearers.

We will to use those pruning shearers to trim the tree branches and shrubs that were broken, damaged or died over the winter. It is very important to trim back any branches, limbs, vines, etc. that touch the house, garage, shed or other structures as they are simply a highway for moisture as well as insects, rodents and other critters to enter them.

Now is also the time to get out the rake and rake the thatch, leaves and other debris from the lawn, flower beds, garden and around the shrubs. Then, thoroughly weed before they get a chance to flower and seed. If this is not done properly, a lot more time will spend weeding over the coming months than enjoying the lawn. During the weeding process, lift and examine the underside of the leaf of all your plants for the presence of any aphids. These insects are very destructive. If they are present, there are many methods that can be used to control them. Some of those methods are biological, some are chemical.

Next, aerate the lawn. If the soil is very compacted, it will be hard for water, air and roots to penetrate it thus making it more difficult to get a thick lawn.  Once this is completed, it is time to re-seed any areas of the lawn that require it. Then, fertilize the lawn with a slow release fertilizer. Do not over fertilize the lawn as it will result in too much top growth instead of nice lawn roots.  It is a good idea to take some samples of the soil in to the local county extension for testing. The results of the soil tests will indicate what additional chemicals may need to be spread on the lawn to get it nice and thick, green and healthy.

Get out the garden hose and check it for any leaks and cracks. It will be needed to water the lawn thoroughly after it is fertilized. As long as the garden hose is out, why not use it to clean off the lawn furniture and hose down the driveway?

Now, it is time to put out the newly cleaned lawn furniture. Then, put up and fill the bird feeders and start preparing to plant the flower and vegetable garden.

Time to Spring Clean Your Car

It is finally beginning to get warm outside and spring is near. It is time to spring clean you car. Start by getting the car washed thoroughly, including the under carriage. This will clean all the salt, dirt, etc. off your car that built up over the winter and help prevent it from rusting. A good coat of wax will help protect your car also.

Next, take out and store all of the stuff you put in the car for winter. Things like the snow brush, ice scraper, small snow shovel, bag of sand, warm clothes, etc. Vacuum the interior of your car and the trunk completely. Take out the spare tire and clean its storage well. Then, clean the interior windows, dashboard, etc. and shampoo the carpeting.

Replace the wiper blades as they are probably cracked from the harsh winter we had. Also, check your tires for any signs of wear and to make sure they are properly inflated. If you have snow tires on your car, put the summer tires back on. Spring is an excellent time to have your tires rotated. While that is being done, have the mechanic check your brakes, ball joints, tie rods and alignment. Rough winter driving and pot holes can cause the ball joints and tie rods to become loosened and can knock your car out of alignment. It is also a good time to change the brake fluid in your car to remove water from the cold weather from condensation. This will help to protect the hydraulic parts in your car from rusting.

Check the coolant in your car. If you have not had the coolant system flushed in a while, have it done. Flushing the system will not only help your engine run better, it will improve your gas mileage. With gas price being what they are, any improvement in gas mileage in important.

Change the oil and oil filter in your car. Most car makers recommend a more heavyweight oil during warmer weather because it helps your engine perform better. This will also help your car get better gas mileage.

Another thing that will help improve your cars performance and gas mileage is replacing the air filter. It is a very easy thing to do yourself. While you are doing that, check the battery posts and connections to make sure they are tight and there are no signs of corrosion. If there is some corrosion on the battery, clean it off with baking soda and water. Also, check the spark plugs. Dirty spark plugs will decrease your cars gas mileage by causing misfiring.

If you have any rust starting on your car, sand and paint it. Also, take care of any small scratches your car may have gotten during the winter.

The better you maintain your car, the better service it will provide you and the longer it will serve you. And, when you do finally decide to replace it, your car will have a much higher resale value.

Time for Spring Cleaning

It is time to get ready for the arrival of nice weather by doing some spring cleaning. One good way to get yourself motivated is to just open the windows in your house and let the fresh air in. It will not only get some of the stale air and odors out of your home, it will refresh you as well. As long as you have the windows open, you may as well wash them and the window screens. Then, take down the drapes, curtains and blinds and clean them too.

If you really need to get yourself motivated, put everything for winter away. That includes not just your boots, hats, coats, gloves, heavy sweaters and other winter clothing, but also your snow shovel, snow blower, ice scraper, etc. While you are doing that, straighten up your closets. Put everything you no longer want into a big pile to donate to charity. That should put enough of a smile to your face so as to encourage you clean you patio, patio furniture and grill. You will be using them very soon! That thought should motivate you to keep going with your spring cleaning.

Clean all the walls and ceilings throughout the house. While you are cleaning the ceilings, change the batteries in the smoke detectors. And, do not forget to clean all the lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. Next, polish the furniture and the metal door and window hardware too. Dust the book shelves and clean the upholstered furniture. Spring is a great time to shampoo the carpets. It will get rid of all the winter grime and make the carpet smell nice too!

Now wash all your bedding including the mattress pads, pillows, etc. Clean out underneath the beds, vacuum the mattresses and flip them over. Make the beds with summer sheets and lighter blankets.

Then, it is off to the kitchen to clean all the appliances, cabinets, counter tops, etc. Do not forget the clean above the cabinets too. Move the stove and refrigerator to make it easier to cleanthem and to clean the area where they were. Clean the drip pan on the refrigerator and vacuum the refrigerator coils and the stove vents. Then, wash and wax the kitchen floor.

Next, do a thorough cleaning of the bathroom. That should include washing the shower curtain and cleaning out the medicine cabinet.

Now, you are ready for the basement. Vacuum the dust from the furnace, hot water heater, washer, and especially the dryer. A buildup of lint and dust near the dryer is a fire hazard since it is highly combustible.

Then, it is time to tackle the garage. Remove everything from the garage so you can dust the entire interior. Sweep and then mop the floor to get rid of all the sand and salt that accumulated over the winter. Put everything back in the garage neatly.

Now, congratulate yourself for a job well done. Your whole house is clean and smells great. You are ready to start enjoying the nice weather.