This week, we've been talking about quick tips for spring cleaning. Summer is right around the corner, and you'll want to spend as much time as possible outdoors, enjoying our central New Jersey sunshine. But nobody wants to close out a fun day of playing by coming into a house that's less than fresh, right? Those of you planning to sell your home in the coming months know that a top-to-bottom cleaning is an absolute must.
Today, we're continuing to share some tips from HouseLogic for making the most of your cleaning efforts. We've covered the kitchen and bathroom, as well as the master bedroom and the living room. Apply those hints to other rooms, and you've whipped your home's interior into shape in no time at all.
Now let's take on the windows. You want them sparkling clean, and after our rough winter and spring rains, you're bound to be missing at least some of the great outdoors when you look through those grimy panes! Start by choosing an overcast day to clean your windows. Direct sunlight will dry any cleaning solution too quickly, and you'll end up with a streaky mess.
When you're ready, grab a spray bottle and make an environmentally-friendly solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Don't use paper towels; they'll leave lint-like residue on the windows. Instead, bring in the sparkling outdoor light with a clean reusable cloth; just toss it into the washer when you're finished.
Now that your windows are crystal clear, let's move on to the gutters. They need to be cleaned twice a year if you've got overhanging trees. If you don't feel absolutely confident in doing this yourself, by all means hire someone! It's well worth the cost (which varies depending on the size of your house) for the peace of mind.
If you decide to do it yourself, wear rubber gloves and long sleeves. Use a plastic scoop (like those used for kitty litter) to scoop gunk out of the gutters and drop it onto a tarp on the ground below. When you're finished, be sure to use your hose to flush the gutters and downspouts to ensure that everything's functioning as it should.
Finally, take a look at your siding. Before you do anything, check for damaged spots. You can seal small cracks and holes in stucco with acrylic caulk which comes in colors to match your home.
You can remove mildew yourself; combine one part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle, and whisk those stains away. When you're done, rinse the siding thoroughly with clear water.
Washing your siding can be tricky; you don't want to get water into crevices (creating mold and mildew that you won't be able to see and/or remove). You're better off hiring a professional to do a thorough power washing – call around for prices (expect to pay in the range of $300-$500).
If you've got some great spring cleaning tips, share them below; we'd love to hear your ideas.
The Marchany Team KNOWS central New Jersey. We're right where you are, whether you're in South Brunswick or Monroe (Middlesex County). If you're looking for a terrific new home in Mercer County, we're prepared to search for your place in the sun in Princeton Junction, East Windsor, West Windsor, and Robbinsville. And if you're ready to put your Franklin Park or Hillsborough (Somerset County) home on the market, we're prepared to find the buyers who are looking for your home. Call The Marchany Team today at (732) 997-0019, and don't forget to “Like” us on Facebook! We are dedicated to helping you in every way possible.
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