Essential Supplies for DIY Exterior Home Cleaning

 

When it comes to keeping your home's exterior looking fresh and inviting, having the right cleaning supplies on hand makes all the difference.

Sure, you could hire exterior home cleaning services, but if you want to save money and tackle the project yourself, you'll need more than just a bucket and sponge.

Must-Have Supplies for Washing the Exterior

Here's an overview of the basic exterior house cleaning supplies I recommend having before getting started:

● Garden hose with pressure nozzle - This is key for rinsing dirt and debris off sideings, windows, etc. A pressure nozzle helps provide extra cleaning power when needed.

● Soft bristle brushes and sponges - For gently scrubbing surfaces. Have a variety of sizes.

● Mild detergent or soap - Choose a general-purpose, biodegradable cleaner that's safe for the environment. Dish soap works in a pinch.

● Scrubbrushes with longer handles - For cleaning second-story windows and surfaces without a ladder.

● Painter tape - For masking off the glass, trim, landscaping, etc. before cleaning. Helpful for preventing overspray.

● Window squeegee - After soaping up windows, a squeegee helps scrape water off cleanly.

● Microfiber cloths and towels - For drying, polishing, and buffing. Extra absorbent and gentle.

Other Helpful Items

Here are some other products I recommend having on hand:

● Soft broom - For lightly sweeping dirt and cobwebs from exterior surfaces before washing

● Bug and tar remover spray - Helps break down stubborn gunk like sap and insect residue

● Mold and mildew spray cleaner - For targeting any exterior mold/mildew issues

● Rags - Cheap and disposable for all types of messy cleaning tasks

● Gloves - Protect your hands from harsh detergents and dirt

● Eye protection - Safety glasses or goggles if using a pressure washer

● Knee pads - Cushion your knees when scrubbing low surfaces

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

When washing the outside of your home, keep the environment in mind by following these green cleaning tips:

● Use biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaners

● Look for Safer Choice certified detergents

● Rinse surfaces after washing to prevent runoff into soils and storm drains

● Dispose of wash water responsibly by using a wet/dry to collect it

● Reuse microfiber cloths and scrub brushes to reduce waste

Where to Start When Cleaning House Exteriors?

Grab your supplies and get ready to spend a satisfying day spiffing up your home's exterior. Here are the basic areas you'll want to focus on, along with my best tips for tackling each:

Siding and Trim

Use an extendable scrub brush soaked in detergent to lift dirt from vinyl, wood, and other sidings. For especially dirty areas, let the detergent soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly. Wipe down ornamental trim pieces and hose out gaps around window and door frames where dirt collects.

<div style="text-align: center;">

Supplies	Tasks
Scrub brush	Scrub siding
Sponge	Wipe trim
Microfiber cloth	Buff wet surfaces

 

Windows

Apply detergent solution or glass cleaner to exterior windows with a brush or sponge. Use a pole-mounted squeegee to wipe glass clean starting from the top corner. Buff remaining moisture away with a microfiber cloth so glass dries streak-free.

Gutters

Use a small hand trowel to scoop out piles of gunk from gutters. Flush with garden hose. For stuck-on debris, spray gutter areas with detergent and let sit before rinsing.

Outdoor Furniture

Scrub mold, mildew, and dirt off patio furniture cushions with an exterior surface cleaner or bleach-free mold spray. For metal frames, apply a stainless steel or rust remover cleaner to restore shine.

Front Entryway

Sweep then use detergent and scrub brushes to wash down front door area. Use an old toothbrush dipped in cleaning solution to gently scrub crevices and decorative carvings.

Stay tuned for part two of this home exterior cleaning series where I'll provide tips on safely using a power washer, conquering grease stains on driveways, and more!