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06/29/2016

Summer Cleaning Tips for your Deck, Grill, Sliding Glass Door & More.

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When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there isn’t a better time for entertaining friends at your home. But before you fire-up the burners on the grill and finish marinating the kebabs for a barbeque, consider some of these cleaning tips to help you show off your beautiful home this summer.

Wash Vinyl Siding:

Vinyl siding is durable and cost effective. Although a low maintenance type of siding, vinyl can become dirty after weathering the elements over time. At least once a year, we recommend washing your siding to keep your house looking its best. Use your garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer, aim straight at eye level and refrain from pointing upward as water may collect behind the siding.

Water is often not always enough, so if your siding needs additional cleaning apply a mold and mildew remover. Dip a long-handled soft bristle brush or a soft clothe in the cleaning solution and scrub the vinyl siding gently starting at the bottom and working your way up. Rinse off the solution from the top and work your way down.

Consider a homemade cleaner using 1 gallon of water, 1/3 cup powered laundry detergent and 2/3 cup TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner. You can read more on how to clean vinyl siding here.

Wash Windows:

Even when your windows don’t look dirty, they are likely coated with a faint film of dust or pollen. Giving your windows a wipe down once a month will bring more sunlight into the room and illuminate the natural lighting.

If you have a home with older sliding windows, generally single sliding, you might find it difficult to wash when you’re dealing with these double panes. If you foresee an update for your windows in the future, consider double-hung windows with pivoting sashes. You’ll find that you can clean both the inside and outside of your windows standing in one place.

Pressure-Wash Deck:

A deck is the perfect place to read, relax, and grill with family and friends. Built to endure the exposure of sunlight and harsh weather, your deck is likely more dirty than you’d think. Fire up the power washer and see for yourself. It’s recommended that you power wash your deck once every year and seal with a coat of stain every couple of years to help extend the life of the decking and prevent splintering.

Clean Grill:

Keep your grilled foods tasting great for you and your guests with a basic cleaning before every use. Cleaning your grill increases its lifespan and makes food tastier. Start your regular cleaning by letting the heat of the grill do most of the work for you. Ignite the grill, close the hood and wait for a few minutes. Open the warm grill to give the grates a good scrapping with a wire brush.

Using a charcoal grill? Line the grate with aluminum foil and clean up is a breeze.

**Refer to your grill’s manufacturers manual for any specific cleaning instructions.

Clean & Lubricate Sliding Door

Having difficulty with your sliding door sticking? Summer calls for constant opening and closing of the door as guests return in and out of the house. We suggest lubricating the wheels that roll the door along the track of its frame. To get the most effective cleaning, it’s best to remove the door from track itself so you can clear out any mud or debris wedged underneath the door. Grease the wheels and the track, and return the door into place for improved sliding.

Check out this video below for some tips on how to best remove your sliding door for cleaning, which door parts to lubricate and instructions how to return the door to it’s track. Your guests won’t run into any issues getting back outside for the party.


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Authored by Herb Schoen, President & CEO of Garfield 12323, The Home Corporation