Spring is the season for fresh starts. That’s the spirit behind “Spring Cleaning” efforts! The last week of March is National Cleaning Week, making it the prime time to get your spring cleaning started.

You know the drill for inside the house: sweep, mop, dust, declutter, disinfect. What about the exterior of your home? Here are some tips for cleaning your home’s exterior, depending on the type of siding you have.

Vinyl Siding

A pressure washer will clean vinyl siding quickly. However, to help extend the durability of the siding, try cleaning with a brush and cloth. Wipe it down from top to bottom, rinsing often. Use vinegar and water for routine cleaning, or if you’ve got more serious stains, use something a bit stronger, like bleach, in the mix.

Wood Siding

Siding made from wood is not as sturdy as vinyl, so it’s best not to use a pressure washer. A mixture of water and vinegar, or bleach and oxygen are highly recommended. After cleaning wood siding, it may be a good idea to use a sealant to protect it from weather. Check with a professional to see if your specific siding needs sealant.

Metal Siding

To clean metal siding, use a soft brush to remove heavy debris and dirt; be careful not to use anything too abrasive that may scratch the paint or metal. Use a mixture of water and laundry detergent to clean. If you want to use a pressure washer, make sure to use the lowest power setting. Be careful not to leave behind any cleaning solution because it may promote corrosion.

Fiber Cement Siding

Whenever you notice any stains or dirt on your cement siding, spot clean it with soap, water, and a cloth! Be careful when using any cleaning products as they can cause corrosion over time. For a gentle clean, use your garden hose to rinse. Aside from spot cleaning your cement siding, most siding can just be cleaned once a year! Add it to your annual spring cleaning checklist to make sure your exterior stays beautiful.

This year we’ll celebrate the 100th annual Fire Prevention Week from October 9th to 15th. This occasion provides you and your family the perfect opportunity to address fire safety in your home ahead of the holiday season.    

Fires are incredibly dangerous and can ignite and spread quickly. From the time a fire alarm sounds, you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely. Because time is so limited, your family should have fire prevention strategies in place and an evacuation plan that everyone knows and can execute when smoke detectors go off.  

Here are some ways to prepare your family for fire safety and emergency responses.

1. Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallways outside bedrooms, stairwells, and living areas on every level of the home, including basements. Test monthly to ensure they are all working properly and change batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.  
2. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. For small fires that may start in the home, using a fire extinguisher may be all the fire-fighting that is needed. Educate yourself, your spouse, and any older children on using one safely. 
3. Plan your escapes. Find the safest and quickest route to get out of every room. Set up a family meeting spot that everyone will go to in case of an emergency so you know everyone’s out and safe from fire. Practice evacuating and meeting. 
4. Make sure everyone knows to call 911. Explain to your children why a smoke detector could go off and teach them about different reasons that warrant a call.   
5. Practice stop, drop, and roll.  
6. Monitor children and pets around any open flames, like a candle or a gas stove.  
7. Keep space heaters, curling irons, wax warmers, etc. away from other objects. Make sure they have cooled off before storing them. 
8. Store lighters and matches out of reach of children.  
9. Practice fire safety in the kitchen: Keep stoves clean. When using the stove, keep the handles on your pans pushed back.  
10. Never overload electrical outlets or power strips.

With the summer on its way, it’s time to get your home prepped for warmer weather. From spending time outside to keeping your yard healthy, there are a few things to consider when transitioning from spring to summer.

1. Take care of the flower beds

Get rid of weeds and fertilize your greenery. Purchase new summer plants to spruce up your garden. Make it a fun activity to do with the family on a nice day. The prettier your outdoor space, the more you will want to spend time in it there this summer.

2. Check your irrigation system

Sprinklers may have some damage from the winter freezing or may just need a little TLC after inactive months. Make sure all are in working order and make repairs or replacements as needed.

3. Fill in grass

Remove debris and mow the lawn to find any spots that are a little bare. Purchase seeds and dethatch the brown grass that needs to be replaced. Apply the new seeds and fertilizer and watch it grow this summer!

4. Move winter clothes into storage

Aside from a sweatshirt on the porch, you probably won’t need your winter gear this summer. Swap out your sweaters for swimsuits and flannels for flip flops.

5. Prep the grill

Clean all the residue of last summer’s barbecues off your grill before you fire it up! To do so, close the hood and let the grill heat up all the way. Wait for at least 20 minutes before turning it off. Disconnect the gas line, and, once it’s completely cooled, remove the grates and burners and let them soak in warm, soapy water. Scrub down the whole grill and all its pieces before reassembling. For cleaning instructions, be sure to check your grill’s specific manual.

Enjoy the warmer weather and sunshine this summer!

Often when starting a new year, we make resolutions. The universal goal is to make this year better than the last. Here are a few resolutions you can make for your home to create a more calming, organized, and family-friendly space to love.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

There are things you do every week and every day, like laundry and dishes. Make a cleaning schedule for your home, from a monthly or quarterly closet declutter all the way down to sweeping. Assign a date for each item and who will be responsible for completing it.  Sticking to the schedule means tasks do not go unnoticed and nothing piles up on you.

Complete a Home Safety Check

Change the batteries in your smoke detector. Test your home for harmful chemicals. Do a safety check throughout the home to protect your family for the whole year. Consider having a home security system or a smart doorbell installed to keep your home and family even safer!

Cut Energy Use and Costs

Consider keeping the house a degree warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter. Make sure you turn off lights and appliances that aren’t in use. Install eco-friendly LED bulbs and check for Energy Saver ratings when investing in appliances. Saving on energy won’t just help the planet, it will help save you money.

Revamp and Refresh Your Space

Start the New Year with a fresh start by revamping your space! Spruce up by having walls repainted or updating the décor in an area of your home. Rearrange the furniture or change out your throw pillows to make a big impact easily.  Check out this article on refreshing your space with the 2022 Colors of the Year.