Spring is the perfect time of year to give the exterior of your home a deep clean, and one tool that can make a big difference is a garden hose. With the right garden hose, along with the right watering accessories and techniques, you can quickly and easily clean your outdoor space, from siding to patios, gutters to grills. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your home’s exterior sparkling clean, just in time for those backyard barbecues, dips in the pool and other fun in the sun!
Siding
To clean your home’s siding with a garden hose, start by rinsing it with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, apply a cleaning solution or a specialized siding cleaner to a soft-bristled brush and scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Finally, rinse the siding with clean water using a nozzle with a high-pressure setting, such as Swan’s watering wand, to blast away any remaining dirt or debris.
Available in both 28-inch and 18-inch versions, Swan’s watering wands are perfect for those hard-to-reach areas. Simply attach the wand to your garden hose and pick from five different spray patterns, including the powerful “jet stream.”
Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is an important part of maintaining your home’s exterior. To clean them with a garden hose, try Swan’s powerful PressureMASTER Hose and a nozzle with a high-pressure setting to blast away any debris or leaf buildup. You can also use a power washer, or a power washer with a gutter cleaning attachment, for a more demanding gutter cleaning.
Make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear, as well as take safety precautions when cleaning your gutters, to safeguard against debris flying around from the force of the water.
Windows
To clean your windows with a garden hose, use a nozzle with a fan spray, such as Swan’s SoakerFAN Spray Nozzle, to cover a larger area at once. Swan’s SoakerFAN spray nozzle features a special trilobular-shaped head designed to deliver a gentle mist of water in a fan shape for evenly dispersed watering over a large area.
Swan's SoakerFAN Spray Nozzle
Start by rinsing the windows with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, apply a window cleaning solution to the glass and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime. Finally, rinse the windows with clean water and use a squeegee to remove any excess water.
Driveways and Walkways
To clean your driveways and walkways with a garden hose, use a nozzle with a high-pressure setting, such as Swan’s AdjustablePRO Spray Nozzle with ergonomic thumb wheel, to blast away any dirt or debris. You can also use a pressure washer for a more thorough cleaning. If there are stubborn stains or mildew, use a solution of water and bleach, or a specialized cleaner to remove them.
Swan's AdjustablePRO Spray Nozzle
Patios and Decks
Patios and decks can accumulate dirt and grime over time, making them look dull and dingy. To start, remove any furniture or items from the surface. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris such as leaves and twigs. For stubborn stains or dirt, use a pressure washer with a fan spray nozzle, or a specialized deck cleaner. Be careful not to use too much pressure, which can damage the surface.
For wooden decks, use a deck brightener to remove any discoloration caused by weathering. Rinse the surface with a specialized hose, such as Swan’s Deck&PATIO Hose (colored brown to blend in!), along with a nozzle with a high-pressure setting to blast away any remaining dirt or debris. Let the surface dry completely before replacing any furniture or items.
Swan's Deck&PATIO Hose
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can get dirty from exposure to the elements, but cleaning it is easy with a garden hose. To start, remove any cushions or fabric covers and wash them according to their care instructions. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the furniture with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, use a specialized cleaner. Rinse the furniture with a nozzle with a fan spray setting to cover a larger area at once. Make sure to remove any soap residue.
For metal furniture, check for rust and use a rust remover if necessary. For wood furniture, use a wood cleaner and protectant to keep it in good condition. For wicker furniture, use a vacuum to remove loose dirt and a small brush to clean hard-to-reach areas. Let the furniture dry in the sun, or use a clean towel to dry it.
Outdoor Grills
Cleaning your outdoor grill is an important part of maintaining it, and using a garden hose, such as one of Swan’s high-performance residential hoses, can make the process quick and easy. To start, preheat the grill to loosen any leftover food particles and grease. Turn off the grill and disconnect it from the gas source or power supply. Remove the grates and use a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris. Soak the grates in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes; then scrub them clean with a scrub brush or sponge. Then, use a grill brush or scraper to clean the interior of the grill, including the burners, heat deflectors and walls. For stubborn grime or grease, use a degreaser and a hose nozzle with a high-pressure setting to blast away the dirt. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent if needed. Rinse the grill with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
By following these simple steps, you can use a combination of garden hoses, watering accessories and techniques to give the exterior of your home a deep clean. Not only will your home look better, but you’ll also be protecting it from damage caused by dirt and debris. With a little bit of effort, your home’s exterior will look sparkling clean and well-maintained for the spring and summer seasons ahead!
For more general watering information, read the following articles:
2024 Top Watering Trends for Green Living
How to Revive and Overwatered Plant: A Comprehensive Guide
Rain Barrel and Garden Hose: A Perfect Pair for Year-Round Watering
Watering Plants in Different Types of Soil Made Easy
How to Choose a Garden Irrigation System
Garden Watering Made Easy with These Top Tips
Everything You Should Know About Deep Watering
How to Keep Outdoor Plants Watered When You're on Vacation
A Guide to Water-Efficient Gardening
Plants and Water—A Brief Look at How Water Affects Plant Growth
Waterlogging—What It Is and How to Prevent It
