Wash Away Winter Grime

Months of harsh weather conditions can take their toll on your home and outdoor features. Often all it takes to get these items spruced up and ready for spring is a serious scrubbing with little more than a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.

When you gear up to wash away the winter, take stock of the entire outdoor area to make your plan of attack:

Windows and Siding

Storm after storm leaves plenty of dirty residue on your home’s exterior, glass surfaces and exterior walls alike. Before you begin, inspect windows and siding for dents, gaps or holes that may allow water to enter. Using a pressure washer with second-story capabilities is a smart solution. Exercise caution, as too much water pressure can damage windows, seals and siding.

Driveways, Decks and Patios

Before you can identify damage and make repairs, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the surface. Use a power washer in high-pressure mode, starting at a distance and moving closer until the desired effect is achieved.

Grills

Nothing signals warmer weather like the smell of dinner on the grill. Get ready for your taste of the new season by scrubbing away months of buildup. For gas grills, disconnect the tank and any electric lines before you begin. Open the hood, remove the grates and treat the entire grill with a degreasing solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Work from the top down to rinse away residue. Let the grill dry thoroughly and coat it with a nonstick oil to prevent future build-up.

Outdoor Furniture, Planters and Play-Things

Left outdoors, patio furniture, planters and children’s outdoor play sets acquire layers of dust and grime during months of disuse. A power washer with variable nozzle settings allows you to safely transition from heavy-duty cleaning to more items such as glass-top tables and light-weight chairs, flower pots and toys without damaging or blasting these items across the yard.

With a little elbow grease and the proper tools, you’ll quickly find your home’s exterior fresh and ready to enjoy for another season outdoors. Find more tips to help wash your way to spring at briggsandstratton.com.

—Family Features