10 Step Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist

As spring arrives, it's time to leave our winter rest and enjoy the outdoor activities we love. Before diving into our favourite pastimes, tidying up the interior and exterior of our homes is essential. By taking care of exterior spring cleaning and keeping our living spaces clean, we can ensure our homes are prepared for the upcoming summer's fun-filled activities. Curb appeal is for your enjoyment too!

Clean Club Calgary has been helping customers keep their homes clean and sanitized. Our experience taught us important things to remember during your outdoor spring cleaning. Spring chores go beyond just planting flowers and bringing out stored patio furniture and grills.

Our 10-step outdoor spring cleaning checklist for your home includes:

  1. Examine walls, driveways, and pathways.

  2. How to Clean Outside House.

  3. Clean the Deck or Outdoor Space

  4. Clean Your Exterior Windows

  5. Refresh Chipping and Flaking Painted Areas

  6. Check And Clean Clogged Gutters

  7. Clean Patio Furniture

  8. Freshen Up Cushions and Decor

  9. Dust light fixtures and change light bulbs

  10. Scrub and upkeep grill

Many homeowners might feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to start cleaning the outside of their homes. We suggest using these spring cleaning tips for the outdoors this season! 

Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist: How to Get Your Backyard Ready for Spring

Examine Walls, Driveways, and Pathways.

During the winter months, the cold weather can harm different parts of our homes. It is essential to inspect the outside of your house in the spring to see if there are any damages. Look for any signs of cracks or damage in the structure to ensure the safety and longevity of the concrete areas. While the damage may seem minor now, ignoring structural issues could result in costly renovations down the line.

How to Clean Outside House

Have you recently cleaned the outside of your house, such as the siding or brick? Is it important to wash the exterior? I'm happy you brought it up!

Frequently utilizing a pressure washer on the exterior of your house, pathways, outdoor spaces, stairs, and walkways can efficiently eliminate slippery and possibly dangerous weed and algae clumps. This practice can contribute to the security of the pedestrian zones surrounding your residence by eliminating any accumulation that could harm your property.

Clean the Deck or Outdoor Space

When spring arrives and the weather warms up, it is advisable to use a power washer to clean your porch and deck to get rid of any dirt, mildew, and weeds. This will give your outdoor areas a fresh look.

A yearly power wash at the beginning of spring is recommended to keep your patio clean and in good condition during the summer months. If there is debris such as leaves and trash on your patio, make sure to clear it away first.

Clean Your Exterior Windows

Even though cleaning windows is a common weekly task for many households, individuals tend to overlook cleaning the exterior of their windows. It is crucial to focus on cleaning the outside of your windows and doors to remove any dirt or stains that may have built up over the winter months.

Bring the sunshine into your home with our window cleaning walkthrough:

  1. Start by opening your windows and taking out the screens. Next, clean them using soapy water. If the screens have been stored away during the colder months, make sure to clean them before putting them back in place.

  2. Then proceed to clean both sides of the window glass. You have the option of utilizing a glass cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use a rag to apply the cleaner and a microfiber cloth or a squeegee to dry and eliminate any streaks or lint.

  3. Be sure to use a detail brush or a paper towel tube attachment to vacuum the window tracks. Wipe down the sills and frames for cleaning. Don't forget to dust the window blinds and curtain hardware as well.

  4. Finally, either use a vacuum or put the window coverings in the washing machine, making sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Refresh Chipping and Flaking Painted Areas

After completing the cleaning of our windows, doors, patios, and the outer parts of our house, it is important to inspect them for any signs of paint deterioration. Paint typically serves as a protective barrier for wooden surfaces against harmful external elements.

By checking and repairing areas where the paint has chipped off, we can guarantee that our house and outdoor areas remain safe from environmental harm and are prepared for long-term use.

Check And Clean Clogged Gutters

Directing water away from our homes through eavestroughs and downspouts helps prevent damage to our foundation. To avoid any unexpected water issues, remove any clogs, leaves, and debris from gutters. Check your foundation for signs of water damage and inspect downspouts for any cracks or damage.

Clean Patio Furniture

Were you aware that using warm water to clean patio furniture can reduce the damage caused by wear and tear? Warm water is necessary to effectively remove grease and dirt. Avoid using boiling water as it can harm and stain wood, wicker, and outdoor fabrics.

Get rid of any small traces of rust on your wrought iron furniture by scrubbing vigorously with sandpaper, a wire brush, or steel wool. Start with a more abrasive tool and then switch to a finer sandpaper for a smooth and neat finish. To stop rust from reoccurring and to lubricate the joints, use a rust inhibitor like WD-40. Remember to carefully check the joints of the furniture, as rust tends to develop there.

Freshen Up Cushions and Decor

During the warmer months, when we all crave outdoor relaxation and enjoyment, refreshing our outdoor spaces becomes a priority. Updating your outdoor space each season can feel like a daunting task, but there are simple solutions to give it a fresh look. One easy way is to incorporate new fabric cushions or switch out the covers with vibrant colours to add a touch of freshness and style.

Additionally, it's essential to pay attention to outdoor decorations that rely on batteries. Take the time to inspect them for any signs of damage and ensure they are in working order by replacing the batteries with new ones. This small step will help maintain the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor space, allowing you to fully enjoy the outdoor season ahead.

Dust Light Fixtures and Change Outdoor Light Bulbs

Outdoor lighting is often overlooked until it doesn't work when you need it. Check the condition of your outdoor lights to make sure they function properly. It is important you add light maintenance to your outdoor spring cleaning checklist. In addition to testing the bulbs for functionality, it's important to clean both the decorative outdoor fixtures and the glass covers.

Regular upkeep of your outdoor lighting will help create a welcoming and well-lit environment for your outdoor activities, making your outdoor space more enjoyable and safe for all occasions.

Scrub and Upkeep Grill

Many families enjoy cooking outdoors as a fun family pastime. It's important to keep your grill clean and well-maintained to ensure it's ready for cooking delicious burgers and steaks. Take some time to clean both the inside and outside of your grill, and inspect for any damage or rust that may have happened during the winter months.

Make sure everything is in working order and get rid of dirt that accumulated over the winter.  Most importantly the grill is cleaned well and ready for cooking all kinds of food your family wants. Checking for damage is crucial to keep your loved ones safe. A grill that doesn't work properly can lead to injuries or damage to property. Take out the propane tanks for the next season and examine the gas lines for cracks or problems that could cause accidents. Replace any broken parts or repair any damages quickly before using your outdoor grill.

What is the difference between a deep clean and a spring clean?

Spring cleaning and deep cleaning are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two. Deep cleaning typically involves a thorough cleaning of all areas of your home, including hard-to-reach areas and spaces that may not get cleaned regularly. This can involve tasks like scrubbing walls, cleaning window screens, and removing dirt and grime from surfaces. On the other hand, an exterior spring clean is more focused on preparing the exterior of your home for the warmer months ahead. This can include tasks like cleaning outdoor furniture, pruning trees and shrubs, and fertilizing garden beds. To tackle your outdoor spring cleaning efficiently, be sure to use our outdoor spring cleaning checklist and use this task list to get through this cleaning quickly and efficiently.

Clean Club Calgary provides top-notch cleaning services that will leave a great impression, tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you require a thorough cleaning, are preparing to sell your home, or are in the process of moving, our skilled cleaners deliver outstanding house cleaning services to ensure your home is sparkling clean.

While you are prepping your outdoor space, let us take care of the weekly cleaning so you can enjoy the outdoor summer fun.  Get in touch with us today!

Judith Virag