Three Must-Do Outdoor Summer Maintenance Chores

With spring gone and summer here, it’s time to start thinking about the essential outdoor summer maintenance chores you need to complete before the full heat of summer hits. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Clean Grimy Exterior Windows

Whether you have vinyl, fiberglass, or wood windows, dust, grime, and pollen can build over the winter and spring months, limiting the amount of light that filters into your home. As your first summer task, pull out the ladder, grab the garden hose, and follow these tips:

• Rinse the window off with the hose first before you start cleaning.
• Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to a bucket of cool water, then go over the glass using the soapy water and a soft cloth (microfiber is best), rinsing when done.
• Spray the window with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, then wipe clean with a rubber squeegee.
• The same solution can be used to clean window screens. Just rinse them with water, spray with the vinegar-water solution, and rinse again.

Scrub Down the Grill

Summer is a time of backyard barbecues and entertaining, so it’s important to make sure your grill is ready to go at a moment’s notice. To ensure peak performance, give your grill a thorough cleaning before grilling season begins.

• Charcoal grills. Start by completely emptying the grill of ashes and wiping out any remaining residue. After thoroughly cleaning the grill grates, clean the grill itself inside and out with hot soapy water and a scrubby sponge or brush. Make sure the grill is completely dry before firing it up again.
• Gas grills. Set the grill to a high temperature, then let it heat up with the lid closed. After about 30 minutes, turn off the grill. Once it’s cooled, scrub the grates with a grill brush, wipe off the exterior with a soft cloth and mild cleanser, and clean out the drip pans.

Spruce Up the Porch

Your porch is one of the first things your guests see as they approach your home, so you should make sure that it’s clean and inviting. Begin by sweeping off any dirt and debris, then mopping with an all-purpose cleanser. If you have stubborn patches of dirt that don’t want to come off, you may need to take a scrub brush to it. Just be careful on painted porch floors, as you don’t want to take the paint off. Set a summery door mat with a coarse texture outside your entry door to catch the majority of summer dirt and mud, and place a softer cloth door mat on the interior to take care of anything that passes over the threshold.

Need Home Remodeling Services? Call Callen

Ready to start that remodeling project you’ve been dreaming of? Then Call Callen today at 414-765-2585. From bathroom and kitchen remodeling to replacement windows our talented team can make your dream a reality.