The exterior of a property is the first thing you’ll see before entering into a building. No matter what the building is, whether it’s a home, store, office building, or something else, people will notice what’s outside. They’ll see how well the landscaping is cared for, if the building has fresh paint, and if overall, things look updated. These touches will have an impact on the person’s first impressions of the place. This can affect whether a person decides to move into an HOA community, rent a commercial or residential property, or leave a good review for a vacation rental. So, it’s essential not to miss these details.
In this blog, we’ll go into specifics for how to keep the exterior of your property beautiful.
Clean the Driveways
Driveways can get dirty quickly. Stains and grime can come from mold, fungus, mildew, vehicle fluids, or something else. These things can make these surfaces an eye sore. That’s why it’s important to make sure to clean them periodically.
To clean an entire driveway, you may want to use a diluted bleach solution prior to spraying it down. This helps to get rid of growth from organic sources. The typical recommendation for this application is 3/4 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. Start this process by cleaning the driveway of debris first, then put down your bleach treatment. Leave it there for roughly ten minutes. Afterward, you can pressure wash the area. You can apply a bleach solution following this and let it dry on the surface to help prevent future growth, but you don’t want to walk on it for about a half an hour. Or, instead of the post treatment, you can use a waterproof sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. But don’t use the area for about 24 hours so the sealer can set and dry.
Another option for cleaning driveways comes from Better Housekeeper who says the “easiest way to clean oil stains is to cover the stained sections with a drying agent. Leave it there for a day, and then scrub the stain using any laundry detergent.” They say you can also “use an oil stain remover from a home supply or auto parts store.” If you want to get rid of “stubborn rust stains from your driveway or garage, you’ll need wood bleach.” You just apply this and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, you scrub the area to remove it.
Clean the Siding
Clean the exterior walls of your building by using a pressure washer. However, be sure it’s set to the correct pressure (this is dependent on the surface type of your building). For example, if you have siding it should be “cleaned with a low-pressure spray tip.”
Clean the Windows
You’ll want to clean the windows from the inside and outside. For the interior, Homes & Gardens says “the experts suggest adding three tablespoons of vinegar into a bucket of warm water before mixing the solution.” They also say not to worry about the smell vinegar puts off since it will quickly fade. They suggest cleaning the frames first then moving onto the glass. Simply use a wet sponge to wipe away the dirt on the frames. They suggest using “a mild detergent” if it’s needed. When you move onto the glass, you can use your vinegar solution. Just spray the windows with this then use a microfiber cloth “and wipe in a Z-shaped motion to stop the smears.” If you have “stubborn marks, you may need to dilute a mild detergent into the water.” They also suggest using old newspaper to help remove any leftover solution and provide a streak-free appearance. It’s suggested that you use a crumpled newspaper and rub it in circular motions. Now to move onto the exterior side of things, you’ll do much the same way. However, skip the vinegar solution. Instead they suggest using warm water and dish soap then using a window cleaning cloth to wipe around “the edge of the windows.”
Clean the Gutters
The gutters should typically be cleaned about twice a year. Like any project, you can hire a professional to do this or take the task on yourself. Just make sure to use a ladder stabilizer and have someone around if you decide to tackle this project. You’ll need to remove any gunk from the gutters. Gutter scoops make this task much easier. Afterward, you’ll want to rinse out the gutters to remove anything left. Don’t forget to also rinse out your downspouts.
Clean up Landscaping
Landscaping entails everything from the flowerbeds to the lawn. Take a look at the greenery outside. When flowers are blooming, remember to remove the dead buds. Trim up overgrown bushes and trees so things look well-kept. Use mulch to give flowerbeds a fresh look. Feed the lawn to help it look more lush.
These are just a few ways you can clean up the exterior of the property. As you’re making an assessment of the exterior, also evaluate whether any paint needs updated (the siding, trim, door, etc.). While these tips can help you keep your properties looking beautiful, we can also assist when you partner with us. At PMI, we offer an extensive list of services and work with trusted vendors. Learn more by visiting our website.
