Home Care Challenge: Getting Your Home’s Exterior Summer-Ready
Wash Outside Porch, Windows & Siding.
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Before it gets too swelteringly hot and humid out—when any outdoor task instantly turns into a sweaty chore—we decided to check a few exterior cleaning tasks off our home maintenance list. These are the kinds of things that make a big difference in how your home feels and looks, but they’re also easy to keep putting off.
Over the years, from my first townhouse to our current single-family home, I’ve chipped away at these outdoor chores one at a time. Some years I’ll power wash the deck, other years I’ll clean the windows. But this spring, I decided to hire out all of it at once—and honestly, it was worth it. Getting everything done in one go made our whole exterior feel refreshed and ready for the season.
Here’s what we tackled:
Power washing the deck
Soft washing the house
Cleaning the exterior windows
Power washing the driveway and walkway
Do You Really Need to Do These Every Year?
That’s the common debate I see on Reddit and in homeowner groups: How often should you be doing all of this? The real answer is—it depends. Factors like your local climate, how much sun or shade your house gets, how quickly mildew or grime builds up, and your own tolerance for a little dirt all play a role.
For us, doing the big stuff like siding and driveway cleaning every 2–3 years has worked well. I do spot-clean the lower exterior windows about once a year since they’re easy to reach and make a noticeable difference.
At the end of the day, it's about what makes your home feel clean and functional for you. But skipping too many years can lead to staining, material breakdown, or even mold, especially on siding and wood surfaces.
Why Exterior Cleaning Matters
We put a lot of care into keeping the inside of our homes clean and organized—but the outside deserves love too. Outdoor surfaces like decks, siding, and windows take a constant beating from the weather. Dirt, mildew, pollen, and air pollution all collect over time.
Routine maintenance not only improves curb appeal, but it also protects your materials. Mold and mildew can degrade wood or siding over time. A clean deck makes outdoor gatherings more enjoyable. And sparkling windows let in more natural light, making the inside of your home feel fresh and bright.
Let’s walk through each task with practical steps—whether you're DIYing or thinking about hiring help.
Washing Your Deck or Patio
Your deck or patio is probably your go-to spot for everything from backyard dinners to coffee breaks in the sun. But it also takes the brunt of rain, foot traffic, and pollen buildup.
If you’re doing it yourself:
Supplies needed: Garden hose with sprayer, stiff deck brush or scrubber, bucket, and a deck-safe cleaner (check your wood or composite label).
Clear the space: Move furniture, plants, and rugs off to the side. Sweep thoroughly.
Apply cleaner: Mix and apply the solution, let it sit for 5–10 minutes to loosen grime.
Scrub and rinse: Use your brush to scrub in the direction of the boards, then rinse well with the hose.
When to hire out:
If your deck is large, deeply stained, or you haven’t cleaned it in years, bringing in a pro with a pressure washer can save you time (and your back). Just make sure they use the proper pressure to avoid damaging wood or finish.
Soft Washing Your Home’s Siding
Whether you have vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding, regular washing helps maintain your home’s structure and looks. Dirt, mold, and algae don’t just make your home look dingy—they can slowly damage the materials underneath.
If you’re DIYing:
Use the right solution: For vinyl or cement board siding, a mix of water and dish soap often works, or you can buy house-safe exterior cleaners.
Protect landscaping: Cover shrubs and flowers with drop cloths, and avoid harsh bleach sprays.
Apply cleaner: Use a garden sprayer or soft pressure washer with a soap setting. Let it sit a few minutes.
Gently scrub: Use a long-handled soft brush on tough spots.
Rinse thoroughly: Work from top to bottom, and don’t let soap dry on the siding.
Pro tip: If your house is two stories or higher, or if there’s visible mold or moss, I recommend hiring professionals. They’ll use a “soft wash” method with the right mix of cleaner and water pressure to avoid damage.
Cleaning Exterior Windows
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freshly cleaned windows—both from the inside and out. It brightens up your whole home, literally and figuratively.
For lower-level or DIY-cleanable windows:
Supplies needed: Bucket, soft sponge or brush, squeegee, microfiber cloths or paper towels, window cleaning solution (or make your own with vinegar + water).
Start with the frames: Wipe away cobwebs and dirt.
Wash the glass: Apply solution, scrub gently, and use a squeegee in smooth vertical motions.
Final polish: Wipe away any drips or streaks with a lint-free cloth.
For high or second-story windows:
This is another task where hiring a professional can be well worth it. They’ll bring ladders, extension tools, and safety equipment—and likely finish in half the time.
Don’t Forget the Driveway and Walkway
Pavers and concrete can get slippery with mold or just look tired after years of exposure. Pressure washing brightens up these areas dramatically.
DIY Tip: If you’re comfortable renting a pressure washer, make sure to use the appropriate PSI for concrete (usually 2500–3000 PSI). Always test in a small area first to avoid damage.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to do everything every year—but taking the time to care for the outside of your home has a ripple effect. It boosts curb appeal, preserves your materials, and gives you that satisfying "fresh start" feeling every time you walk up your front steps.
If you’re short on time or energy, hiring professionals can make the process smooth and stress-free. And if you're tackling it yourself, spread out the work over a few weekends and know that each bit makes a difference.
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A realistic guide to outdoor cleaning—what I DIY, what I hire out, and why.