Having a clean and shining home has a number of benefits that can include, a boost in curb appeal, preventative maintenance, and an overall sense of pride in the space you live in. However, to keep your home clean and looking like new there are a few ways to accomplish an aesthetically pleasing home that includes power washing, decluttering, routine cleaning, landscaping, and a fresh coat of paint.

1. Power wash your home’s key exterior features 

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior of your home. Some may even say that the exterior appeal of your home has greater importance because that first impression is what drives intrigue for someone to even walk through the front door. To keep your home’s exterior shining power washing some of the most viewed areas such as the driveway, windows, and doors. All of which can make the difference on your home’s appeal.

Windows and doors:

Knowing how to properly power wash windows and doors can mean the difference between a spotless home feature or a damaged one. Before power washing begins it is good practice to wash windows on an overcast day to prevent them from drying too quickly and leaving streaks. In addition, it is also important to check for cracks before any power washing begins to prevent the water from penetrating inside your home or even making the cracks larger. Lastly, when you begin spraying your windows and doors, popper technique would include leading your power washer at an angle as this is more effective at lifting dirt and loose paint. Spraying at an angle also prevents damage as a head-on spray from a power washing can cause harm. With proper cleaning your windows and doors can look like new and make that lasting impression.

Driveway:

For power washing a driveway it would first require preparing the area by removing and loose material like stone, dirt, and other debris from the driveway surface. Following that, apply a degreaser to any stains on the driveway as this will make it easier to clean and will not require higher pressures from your power washer. When you begin power washing start at the higher end of the driveway and work your way down in the direction of water flow to ensure all the dirt and mildew is pushed towards the gutter. When finished, you can expect a clean driveway that limits weeds, eliminates stains, and improves curb appeal.

2. Make your space seem larger by decluttering 

Decluttering your home can have a number of benefits that extend having a clean and organized space. It can also help with reducing stress, less time needed to clean and organize your space, and that leads to more time spent on your other activities. To declutter your home it is vital to first have a plan. Figure out which rooms need the most work and tackle each room one at a time. The entire house does not need to be completed in one day but setting a schedule for each room can help with making this task more manageable and attainable. You can then begin sorting your items by things you want to keep, get rid of, and put in storage. This step may probably be the most time consuming because identifying whether or not an item has a use for you can be both exhausting and require a great deal of thinking. Once completed you can dispose of the items that you want to get rid of. You have options that extend to donating the items, recycling, hosting a garage sale, or throwing them away if they are in a bad condition. Having an organized and clean space can make a better first impression to anyone that enters your home while also making you healthier and happier.

3. Routinely clean frequently used areas 

Every room or area of the home should be cleaned regularly. This could mean wiping down surfaces, vacuuming flooring, or taking out the trash. However, some areas may need extra cleaning based on how frequently they are used such as the bathrooms and the kitchen.

Bathroom:

One way to clean the bathroom is by refreshing the shower curtain. To maintain the shower curtain, wash it at least once a month. You may not see it, but the dampness in the bathroom causes the curtain to develop mold or mildew stains. In addition grout can be easily visible in areas of the bathroom. To remove this eye sore, Make a paste of baking soda and water or combine equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub the grout with a tiny brush, such as a toothbrush, using the solution. If the filth and grime are not really dissolving and the grout is still white, try a harsher solution, such as diluted bleach. Lastly, water stains can be another issue plaguing your bathroom. Rub a teaspoon of lemon oil against the glass of your shower doors twice a month. The water will bead and roll away. For tubs they can be cleared of water stains with similar solutions and a bit of elbow grease.

Kitchen:

This area not only needs to be cleaned to ensure the proper preparations and cooking of edible food but it can be a vital area in making a lasting impression. You can start with scrubbing the sink with soap and water before spraying it with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Be careful to spray each one separately and allow them to dry in between. Since the sink is one of the most germ-infested areas in your kitchen, cleaning it should be at the top of your priority list. The dishwasher is another area that can be plagued with germs and dirt. First, clean the filter at the dishwasher’s bottom. Small particles of food can become stuck in there over time, reducing the dishwasher’s effectiveness. Then, in the lowest level of the dishwasher, insert a bowl or measuring cup of white vinegar and start the cycle without adding any dishes. This will clean the dishwasher and make it gleam. This kitchen item generally gets the most use, thus it should be cleaned routinely.

4. Landscaping can make a difference in making your exterior shine 

Beautiful landscaping is one of the finest ways to make your home stand out and build that lasting impression. In addition there are ways to keep your home shining with a beautiful landscape without needing a large investment. A lovely landscape must have flowers, shrubs, and bushes, as well as trees. They not only offer aesthetic appeal but also give much-needed seclusion and shade.  Consider both function and form while selecting shrubs and bushes. Choose varieties that will grow in your climate and soil type. Also, remember to consider the plants’ mature size. You do not want them taking over your yard. There is a vast range of trees available, from majestic oaks to tiny birches. Trees can be purchased online or at a local nursery. If the addition of added greenery is not to your liking you can improve your landscape with proper maintenance like mowing the lawn, adding appropriate fertilizer for a green landscape, and puring any overgrown hedges.

5. A fresh coat of paint for that fresh and new look 

You do not have to undergo a whole remodel to make your home shine. Instead, utilize one of the most basic and effective tools at your disposal: paint! Painting your walls may radically change the appearance of your home. When choosing a color for your walls, consider the ambiance you want to create. Once you have decided on a hue, you may utilize it to brighten up any room in your home. It can also be used to tone down colors that are too bright. Blue, for example, is renowned for creating a serene and tranquil mood, whilst yellow is recognized for being a bright hue. Neutral colors like white and gray are also great for making a space seem larger and widely appealing, adding to make a better first impression.

Keeping your home shining does not have to be a difficult task, but it can be time consuming and even stressful. You may want to consider professional power washing services that not only save on time but ensure that the task is completed properly. The end result can almost guarantee a better first impression when compared to a dirty or cluttered home. These tips can help maintain your home so that it keeps its appeal and that new look every homeowner admires.