After a Toronto winter, your home's exterior has endured 5 months of road salt, freeze-thaw cycles, ice, snow mold, and accumulated grime. Spring cleaning isn't just cosmetic — it prevents damage and extends the life of every exterior surface.
Here's the complete checklist in the correct order (top to bottom, so dirty water flows down and away from cleaned surfaces).
The Right Order Matters
The 12-Step Spring Exterior Checklist
Inspect Roof & Flashing
Walk the perimeter and look up. Check for missing/damaged shingles, lifted flashing around vents and chimneys, and ice dam damage from winter. Use binoculars — don't climb on a wet spring roof.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Remove winter debris, check for ice dam damage, ensure downspouts drain away from foundation. This is the most important spring task — clogged gutters cause foundation damage ($10,000-$50,000).
Wash Siding
Soft wash vinyl/aluminum siding. Low pressure for brick. Remove winter grime, mold, mildew, and salt deposits. Always top to bottom.
Clean Windows (Exterior + Interior)
Remove 5 months of salt film, mineral deposits, and winter grime. ClearCoat™ purified water prevents mineral spots. Clean screens, tracks, and sills at the same time.
Pressure Wash Driveway & Walkways
Remove road salt deposits before they permanently etch concrete. April is the best time — salt has been sitting for 5 months. Interlock needs low pressure + re-sanding.
Clean Deck / Patio
Soft wash wood decks (never high pressure). Clean composite with manufacturer-recommended solution. Remove leaf stains, mold, and winter moisture damage.
Inspect & Clean Exterior Light Fixtures
Remove dead bugs, clean lenses, check bulbs. Replace burned-out fixtures. Good lighting improves curb appeal and security.
Clean Garage Door
Wipe down with soapy water. Check weatherstripping. Lubricate tracks and hinges. The garage door is 30%+ of your home's front face — a dirty one drags down the entire look.
Clean Fence
Soft wash wood fence. Wipe vinyl fence. Check for winter damage (leaning posts, broken boards). Repair before the ground fully thaws and posts settle further.
Garden Bed Cleanup
Remove dead plants, old mulch, and winter debris from beds adjacent to the house. Trim dead branches within 6 feet of the roof (reduces gutter clogging by 50-70%).
Check/Adjust Sprinklers
Turn on the system. Check for broken heads, misaligned spray patterns, and overspray on windows. Adjusting sprinklers away from glass prevents 80% of hard water staining.
Outdoor Furniture Setup
Clean stored furniture before setting up. Wipe frames, wash cushion covers, check for winter mouse damage. Replace anything that looks tired — it affects the overall impression.
Total Cost Summary
| Approach | What You Get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full DIY | Everything you can safely reach | $50 – $200 (supplies) |
| Pro: Windows only | Int + ext windows, screens, tracks | $249 – $599 |
| Pro: Essential 3 | Gutters + windows + driveway | $627 – $1,297 (save $50-75 bundle) |
| Pro: Full exterior | Everything (gutters, siding, windows, driveway, deck) | $1,100 – $2,200 |
Toronto Timing Guide
| Month | What's Happening | Best Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Early April | Snow melting, salt visible | Roof inspection, gutter check |
| Mid-Late April | Ground thawing, first warm days | Gutter cleaning, driveway pressure wash |
| Early May | Pollen starting, consistent warmth | Siding wash, deck cleaning |
| Mid-Late May | Pollen peak passing | Window cleaning (after pollen), garden beds |
| June | Everything growing | Sprinkler check, final touch-ups |
Pro tip: Book window cleaning for late May — after the worst of spring pollen. Cleaning in early April means re-cleaning in May.
Get Your Spring Cleaning Quote
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