Spring cleaning is an annual rite of passage for many homeowners. After a long winter it’s time to get outdoors, enjoy the spring sun, & the wash away the grime.
Unfortunately, we sometimes do more damage than good. Worse yet, every year homeowners sustain injuries while maintaining their homes. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of damage & injury during spring cleaning projects.
Toss the ‘red tip’: When you purchase a pressure washer, it typically comes with 4 colored tips - white, green, yellow, & red. If you plan on doing some pressure washing at your home, toss the 'red tip' in the trash.
"But that's the most powerful tip of all?!?"
Well, yes, that's true. However, it's also the tip that does by far the most damage. Plus, since it's a zero-degree tip, using it to clean would be like trying to clean your floors with a cotton swab. It ends up looking like a child’s doodle.
If you are going to pressure wash at home, try the green 25-degree tip or the white 40-degree tip. They make cleaning much easier and reduce the risk of damage to the surface you're cleaning. Your home will thank you!
Take the pressure off: Not all surfaces should be cleaned with pressure. In fact, cleaning some areas of your home with pressure can create serious problems.
For example, using pressure to clean siding can force water behind the siding creating mold issues, damage window seals & caulk, & can create an uneven appearance that is difficult or impossible to fix.
Cleaning composite decking with high pressure can blast away the factory surface. Using pressure to remove the ‘black streaks’ from your roof also removes the granules on the shingles and can take years off of a roof & void the warranty.
Because of the risk of damage, it is better to use a detergent-based method when cleaning these areas. There are over-the-counter options available for purchase at any hardware store. While results may vary, using this approach will reduce the risk of damage.
What goes up must come down - SAFELY: It seems so simple – throw a ladder up and clean the windows, gutters, or just grab that stick laying on the roof. Unfortunately, this can be one of the greatest risks we take around our home. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, each year in the US alone 500,000 people are treated for ladder related injuries. Even more alarming, 97.3% of these injuries occurred around the house in a non-occupational setting!
Here are a few tips to increase your safety when using an extension ladder around the house:
- Secure the foot of the ladder by tying it off or having someone hold the bottom. This prevents the ladder from kicking out.
- Set the ladder at the proper angle. When you stand at the foot of the ladder, the ladder should be at arm’s length.
- Use the ladder on a level surface. This reduces the risk that the ladder will tip over.
- Do not stand on a step above the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Always watch for power lines overhead & keep a metal ladder at least 10 feet away.
- Use a ladder stabilizer. These can be purchased at any hardware store. They greatly reduce the risk of the ladder tipping & make it much easier to climb & work safely.
These are just a few tips designed to reduce the risk of damage & injury when you tackle your spring cleaning. Enjoy your outdoor spaces & have a safe & happy summer!
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