How to Clean Up the Exterior of a Home

Dirt and debris needs to be removed to keep the exterior of your home looking great.

Cleaning the exterior of a home will help keep it looking attractive. Removing unsightly dirt and debris will make a positive lasting first impression for guests. Home exteriors need cleaning once a year to keep the house looking great and it helps preserve the exterior by removing mold and mildew that can damage the siding. Power washers help to blast away the debris, but you also need to remove stubborn stains by hand.

Things You'll Need

• Power washer
• Commercial cleaner
• Diluted bleach
• Spray bottle
• Wire brush
• Washcloths
• Kerosene
• Water hose

Instructions

1. Use a power washer to remove dirt from the side of your house. When using a power washer with a commercial cleaner, start washing at the bottom of the wall, and then rinse the wall from the top. This will help alleviate streaks.

2. Remove mildew spots by hand. Dilute bleach in a spray bottle with water, and apply the bleach directly to the mildew. Use a wire brush or a cloth to remove the stain, and then rinse the bleach away with clean water.

3. Soak an old washcloth in kerosene. Use this to remove rust around window screens. Use a wire brush to help scrub away tough rust.

4. Inspect areas for damage while you clean. Check for peeling paint and softened wood because these will need to be fixed to keep the exterior of your house looking great.

5. Clean out the gutters. Use a high-pressure hose to knock out dirt and debris such as leaves and twigs.

References

• Housekeeping Channel: Basic Housekeeping: Exterior House Cleaning
• Home Tips: How to Pressure/Power Wash House Siding
• Avian Web: Non-toxic Cleaning & Household Products