Outside chores for you to tackle this spring

Spring has sprung and that means It’s time to tackle spring cleaning chores at your home.

Last week we gave you a list of inside chores to do during the spring. Today we’re being optimistic about the weather and given you our list of what is good to do outside each spring.

OUTSIDE TO DO LIST

• Wash the outside siding and trim of the house with 30 Second cleaner. Follow directions. You’ll be amazed what a difference a good wash will make to your home’s exterior.

• Wash the outside of all your windows. Use a gallon of hot water and a half cup of suds-free ammonia. Rinse very well with the hose.

• Check out your windows and screens. Fixing broken windows needs to be a priority. If the glazing putty or caulking is chipped, now’s the time to make those repairs. Ripped screens invite insects, spiders and bees.

• Look for missing or damaged siding or trim. Repair and replace missing pieces and protect your exterior with paint to avoid moisture, rot and insect problems.

• Examine your roof. Are there any missing shingles or damaged sections? Take notes to plan your summer projects.

• Clean gutters of any leaves, branches, needles or gunk from winter’s storms. Make sure downspouts with splash blocks convey the water away from the foundation.

• Open any foundation vents you closed. During a cold spell, it’s okay to close or board up foundations vents for a few days. However, it is critical for the health of your house to open those vents come spring. Also, check the plastic ground cover under the house to be sure it is intact and secure.

• Make sure that soil and bark don’t touch untreated wood framing or siding. Having soil and bark at least 6 inches from your house’s siding discourages rot and bug infestation.

• Take a critical look at your overall property. Create “use someday soon” project piles and “throw out” piles. Make a plan to finish the project piles, then donate or properly dispose of the throw-away pile.

• Now go out to the street. What do you see that could make your curb appeal better for your neighborhood? Edging the sidewalks and parking strip are one of the best and easiest fixes, even if the grass isn’t that great. Same for spin-trimming the grasses growing out of every crack and around power poles along the street, through the fence and around the skirting of the house. How about addressing those low or broken tree limbs hanging over the sidewalk?

• Looking at your home like a prospective homebuyer can change your mind about what you see. Try it then fix it!

Reminder of Spring Cleanup dates

Do you have items you need to throw away? If so, depending on where you live in the county, you may be able to take advantage of a free trip to the LeMay Transfer Station at 29 Gavett Lane N., Montesano.

For Aberdeen residents – Your time is now – and running out. You have until April 30 to bring one load to the transfer station free of charge. Just present the yellow voucher sent to you from the City for a one-ton, one-load limit.

A maximum of four car tires (and no truck tires) can be included, as well as one refrigerator or freezer. No cement, medical waste, asbestos, ammunition or explosives will be accepted.

McCleary – On April 24, (That’s next Saturday!) large containers will be set up in the City of McCleary for residents to use for a free Spring Cleanup day.

Westport – From May 1-31, residents of Westport have Spring Cleanup. During this time, they can have a free trip to the transfer station for one car or truck load up to one ton. Regular household garbage and hazardous waste are not allowed. Up to four small tires can be disposed of. Charges apply for refrigerators, freezers and large tires.

Cosmopolis – A free trip to the dump for a pick-up load or small trailer size of truck bed is available to residents from June 14-19. Contact City Hall for more information, including how to pick up a voucher.

The Spring Cleanup hours for those with vouchers are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. (That is, they end an hour before normal transfer station hours.) The transfer station is closed on Sundays. If you have questions about your city’s program, give your City Hall a call.