The Early Show

Spring Cleaning, Inside And Out

By Polly Leider

March 13, 2006 / 3:20 PM EST / CBS

Spring fever is spreading like wildfire, and that means the time is right to freshen up your home, from windows to patios.

The job can seem overwhelming, so home improvement expert Danny Lipford visited The Early Show on Tuesday with tips on how to make a clean start for the new season. Lipford is the host of the syndicated show, "Today's Homeowner," and has a Web site with lots of useful tips and information.

Easy window washing

Lots of homeowners dread this job, but it improves the look of your house both inside and out. Lipford recommends using a window-cleaning solution and an inexpensive window squeegee. If your windows are divided into small panes, consider trimming the squeegee to the size of the window.

Start with a bucket of soapy water, a spongy applicator, a clean rag and a squeegee. Dip the applicator in the soapy water, then sponge the soap on an individual pane of glass in a back-and-forth motion. Wipe the edges of the pane with the rag to remove any residue, then bring the squeegee down from the top of the pane, removing the soap. Wipe the squeegee with the rag and repeat this step until the pane is clean.

Water spots can be treated with the same tools, and with the addition of a very fine grade of steel wool. Once the soap is applied, scrub the pane gently with the steel wool (a fine grade won't scratch glass). Clear off with the squeegee (again, in a downward motion). If the spots are still visible, check with your local hardware store for cleaning solutions that treat lime and calcium deposits.

For cleaning windows from the inside, an opposite pattern should be followed with the squeegee. Lay some towels below each window to catch any drips, then apply soap with the spongy applicator. Wipe the perimeter with a rag, then, instead of the up-and-down motion of the squeegee, wipe away the soap working from left to right and from top to bottom. This will reveal any streaks that may have been left behind outside.

You can get the job done without a window cleaner, using two tablespoons of white vinegar mixed into two quarts of water. Dip a clean rag in this solution, then wipe down the windows. Wipe them dry with wadded-up newspaper.

Using a pressure washer

Homeowners are starting to discover the practicality of pressure washers to help maintain their homes. The models available are becoming more and more user-friendly, allowing even novice homeowners to clean exterior surfaces, including siding, decking, walkways and even outdoor furniture. All you need to run the power washer is a garden hose and a power source. Be extra careful not to hurt yourself or damage the surface you are cleaning.

Keep the nozzle in motion, spraying at a steady speed with long, even strokes to ensure consistent results.

Maintain a consistent distance between the nozzle and the cleaning surface.

When cleaning heavily soiled or stained surfaces, use cleaning detergents formulated for pressure washers.

Consider using brush attachments or a turbo nozzle to help remove stubborn dirt, grime, and stains.

Work in identifiable sections, such as the area between the expansion joints in concrete.

When cleaning a new surface, start with a wide spray pattern and hold the nozzle four to five feet from the surface. Move closer to the surface until the desired effect is achieved.

When cleaning heavily soiled or stained surfaces, use cleaning detergents formulated for pressure washers.

Consider using brush attachments or a turbo nozzle to help remove stubborn dirt, grime, and stains.

Blistered, peeling paint

If you have problem areas on your exterior paint, you can touch them up without having to repaint the entire area. First remove a flake of the paint color you need to match and place it in a plastic baggy. Then take it to a paint store that has a color match computer in order to select a perfect paint match for the problem area.

Once you have the paint, the next step is to properly prepare the surface. Scrape off the large flakes, then carefully "feather" the old paint using a disc sander. This needs to be done carefully and lightly to prevent any scarring of the wood siding. After that, wipe down the surface and apply a coat of exterior primer. Let it dry, then apply two coats of the matching paint. This will prevent moisture from penetrating into the siding and causing water damage.

Repairing cracks in bricks or concrete

After cleaning the exterior of your home, driveway, and sidewalks, you may discover cracks, which are a common problem with concrete. Most cracks are harmless, except that they allow water into the underside of the concrete, which can cause settling and major damage. It's easy to fix by using a cold chisel to clean out the cracks, along with a water hose to flush out all debris. Then use one of two methods to seal off the crack. Concrete repair caulks are effective for repairing smaller cracks. For larger cracks, use a grout bag, which is similar to the icing bag a pastry chef uses. Use mortar mixed wet enough that it flows from the grout bag easily and soaks down into the cracks.

Lipford's spring checklist

Lubricate locks, hinges and gate hardware

Clean out tracks on sliding doors

Clean all gutters

Have air conditioning serviced

Check roof from ladder and with binoculars

Inspect window screens