How To Prep Your Exterior For Spring Cleaning

By:

After a long winter, you’re probably ready to open the windows, let in some fresh air, and tackle a little spring cleaning. While interior cleaning usually steals the spotlight, your home’s exterior deserves just as much love!

Months of cold weather, wind, and debris can leave your siding, walkways, and other outdoor features looking tired. In this guide, we’ll share how you can prepare your exterior for spring cleaning, so your home gets a fresh, seasonal reset.

Start With a Spring Cleaning Walkaround Inspection

Before jumping into any spring cleaning tasks, take a few minutes to walk around your home and evaluate what winter left behind for you.

Cold weather is tough on exterior surfaces, and snow, wind, and ice often leave behind dirt buildup and loose debris. Look closely at your siding, trim, gutters, and foundation areas.

During your inspection, keep an eye out for any:

  • Dirt or mildew on siding
  • Leaves or debris
  • Loose or clogged gutters
  • Peeling paint or worn finishes
  • Cracks in walkways or patios

Think of this first step as a quick exterior checkup. A short walkthrough can help you prioritize what needs the most attention and keep small issues from becoming larger repairs later. 

A b&b virtual porch after spring cleaning.

Clear Debris From Your Landscaping

Winter tends to scatter leaves, branches, and other debris across the yard. Cleaning these areas first can make the rest of your spring cleaning much easier.

Start by removing fallen branches and leftover leaves from garden beds and lawn areas. Then, trim back any dead growth on shrubs or perennials so new spring growth has room to thrive.

If you have mulch beds, refreshing the mulch layer can instantly improve the appearance of your landscaping. A fresh layer of mulch also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds as the season progresses. This step alone can make your yard feel noticeably more refreshed!

Spring cleaning effects on a virtual exterior by b&b.

Clean Your Siding and Other Exterior Surfaces

Siding often collects dust, pollen, and grime during the colder months. A gentle wash can make a surprising difference in how bright and clean your home looks.

Depending on your siding material, you can use:

  • A garden hose with mild soap
  • A soft brush for stubborn spots
  • A pressure washer on a low setting

Always test a small area first and follow manufacturer guidelines, especially for painted siding or wood surfaces. You’ll be surprised how much brighter your exterior looks once the winter layer of dust disappears!

Refresh Your Front Entryway

Your front entry is one of the most visible parts of your home, so it deserves special attention during spring cleaning.

Start by wiping down the front door, light fixtures, and any decorative hardware. Then, clean the glass in nearby windows and check that house numbers or door hardware are still securely mounted.

This is also a great time to swap out seasonal décor! A fresh doormat, new planters, or a spring wreath can instantly make your entry feel welcoming again.

A brick&batten virtual exterior home design.

Give Walkways and Driveways Some Spring Cleaning Attention

Walkways and driveways tend to collect dirt, salt residue, and stains during winter. A thorough cleaning helps restore their appearance and improves safety as well.

Power washing is often the easiest way to clean these surfaces. It removes built-up grime and reveals the original color of stone, concrete, or pavers.

While cleaning, check for:

  • Cracks in concrete or pavers
  • Loose stones along walkways
  • Areas where drainage may be poor

Addressing small, necessary repairs now helps prevent more significant issues later in the season!

Check and Clean Those Gutters!

Gutters quietly do a lot of work protecting your home, and winter can leave them full of nasty debris. As part of your exterior spring cleaning, hop up on that ladder and remove any leaves, twigs, and other buildup from gutters and downspouts. Make sure water flows freely and is directed away from your home’s foundation.

While you’re up there, look for any loose brackets or areas where the gutters may have shifted during storms. Gutters aren’t the most glamorous part of your home, but they are one of the most important!

Update Your Outdoor Lighting for Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is also a good opportunity to check your outdoor lighting. Wipe down fixtures, remove cobwebs, and replace any burnt-out bulbs. If your fixtures have glass covers, cleaning them can dramatically improve brightness.

Take a moment to check the alignment of pathway lights or accent lighting as well. A quick adjustment can make your exterior feel more intentional and welcoming after dark.

A brick&batten home.

Revive Your Outdoor Living Area

Patios, decks, and outdoor seating areas often go dormant during winter. As warmer weather returns, these soon-to-be-busy spaces deserve attention.

Start by sweeping debris from decks or patios. Wash outdoor furniture cushions if needed and wipe down tables and chairs. If your deck is wood, inspect it for areas that may need resealing or light maintenance. Keeping these surfaces protected will help them last longer and continue looking great through the summer.

Once everything is clean, you may suddenly remember why you liked that patio so much in the first place.

Take a Step Back and Look It Over

Once your exterior spring cleaning is complete, take another walk around your home and view it from the street. Sometimes a clean exterior reveals opportunities for improvement you may not have noticed before. Maybe the landscaping feels slightly uneven, the front entry could use a color refresh, or the garage door would benefit from an update.

Spring is a natural time to think about exterior improvements. After all, once everything is clean, design decisions become much easier to see clearly!

Final Thoughts: Bring Your Home Back to Life This Spring

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to restore your exterior and prepare it for the warmer months ahead. By giving your home a fresh cleaning and maintaining your favorite outdoor features, you can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal without a major renovation.

Thinking about an exterior update this spring? We’re here to help. If spring cleaning reveals areas where your exterior could use a bigger refresh, our designers can give you a clear visual of your idea. Get started on your design today and see the potential your home has been hiding under all that winter grime!

Author

Alexis Bishop is a professional writer and journalist based in East Tennessee. As a writer for over a decade, she has created content on a wide variety of topics ranging from tech to healthcare for small businesses. As a journalist, she primarily follows the latest music and entertainment trends and has written for publications like WUOT, K FUSE, and Teen Vogue.  Outside of writing, Alexis has worked as a secondary science teacher and a professional development consultant in higher education. She is also a homeowner passionate about home design and regularly finds herself DIYing throughout her house on the weekends. 

Schedule a Complimentary Call