Under Pressure: An Adventure In Spring Cleaning

Now I know, it is technically summer, but this project was on my spring cleaning list and was just delayed a bit.  I whine and complain about pressure washing every year, but I will let you in on a little secret, I love it.  The fact of the matter is that with all the work and back ache involved I enjoy the heck out of it.  The power, the control, and the sheer joy of a bright and shiny house gives me goose bumps.

A couple of weeks ago I started the cleaning in the back yard, with the patio itself, and every inanimate object that was back there.  If it stood still long enough I washed it, I'm talking swings, furniture, plant stands, toys in the toy box, the toy box itself.  I even washed my husband's grill inside and out.

I began the same as I do every year by getting out and prepping the pressure washer.  The washer only makes an appearance once or twice a year so this is a biggie for me. I check to be sure all the parts are present and accounted for.  I get out the correct size extension cord, and make sure to secure the two cords together with my favorite Velcro straps. 

I make sure I am wearing the appropriate foot ware. I have learned from experience that Crocs do not make good pressure washing shoes, a stream of water at 1800 PSI through the holes of the crocks is not a pleasant sensation, trust me.  And lastly I wear my safety glass, you'd be surprised what will fly up in your face.  Better safe than sorry.

I use a little petroleum jelly to lubricate the o rings at each of the wand attachments.

I spent an entire Saturday washing everything on the patio and setting it in the yard to dry while I cleaned the brick and patio itself.  I wasn't ready to show you guys the after shots until I rearranged a few things back there.  So let’s move to the front of the house.

My before picture comes to you courtesy of Google, circa 2011.  I had just cut back all the hedges to 2 feet tall to give them a nice fresh start and expose the windows. Also the beds were lined with rail road ties my entire childhood.  I'm talking real ties that weighed a gazillion pounds apiece and were impossible to move on my own.  I put pictures on Craigslist "Free to a Good Home", and can you imagine, someone came and got them. 

A few weeks back I broke down and paid someone to dig the hedges out for me, because that was a bit more than I could handle myself. I was so pleased with how open it all turned out.

Then the hubby went out this past weekend and washed the front. The before shot shows how the trees and hedges had muddied things up, and the foundation and bricks had a definite aged patina. At least that is what I am calling it.

So he spent most of the day cleaning while I kept an eye on the baby, and the baby kept an eye on the daddy. 

When he began to spray the windows, I was inspired to get my dollar store squeegee and some Rain-X washer fluid and clean the windows.  He would then come behind me and give them a good rinsing.

Word to the wise, if you have older windows as I do, it is a good idea to have someone inside holding a towel against the sash.  This catches any water that finds its way through the crevices at such high pressure. 

While he finished the washing I worked on the inside of the windows.  Note: the reason I used Rain-X to clean the outside is because I haven't bought window cleaner in years.  I use glass cleaning rags that require only water and a good wringing out. 

Here is the reality shot after.  I know, right?!?  Single pane windows sweat quite a bit with the differences in temperatures inside and outside.  This is the result.

Here are the windows after shots, a tremendous improvement I think. 

Also, this gives me an opportunity to inspect the windows for any repairs or maintenance that needs to take place.  For instance a broken pane, flying rock chips, and missing glazing.  Be looking for those fixes coming soon.
 

So here is the beautiful 'front of the house' after shots.  Thanks hubs for all the hard work.  I rewarded him with a good home cooked meal and a cold one. 

How about you, what spring cleaning projects did you mark off your to do list.  Come back soon for a pretty awesome laundry tip (if you are a messy painter), and some recipe goodness I am working on.