A Guide For Deep Cleaning Your Shed, Barn, or Garage

As a shed, barn, or garage owner, cleaning should be part of the regular maintenance for your structure. Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to give your building a deep cleaning inside and out. Here are some guidelines and tips for deep cleaning your shed, barn, or garage.

Sweep the Inside

As time goes on, the inside of your shed, barn, or garage is bound to accumulate some dirt, dust, and debris. Sweeping or vacuuming out your structure’s interior is essential when it comes to deep cleaning. In addition, leaf blowers can also be used to rid the building of debris.

While it may be time-consuming, taking everything out of your storage building is the best way to clean the interior to the fullest. Plus, it’s also a great time to organize what’s inside and get rid of any unwanted or unnecessary items.

Use a Power Washer

When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your shed, barn, or garage, power washing is extremely effective at getting rid of dirt and grime. Depending on how often you plan on using it, you can either purchase a power washer, or simply rent one. Either way, the exterior of your structure will thank you after the cleaning is all said and done. 

Most power washers come with a variety of different nozzles and attachments, so make sure to use one that won’t damage the siding of your building. By the same token, it’s important that you power wash your structure using a low-pressure setting to prevent the siding from getting damaged. This is especially crucial if your structure has wood or vinyl siding, as these materials aren’t quite as strong as metal.

Eliminate Mold and Mildew

If you come across any mold or mildew on your structure’s exterior, be sure to get rid of it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing damage. Although it’s possible to effectively remove mildew with a power washer, the best option is to get rid of it with a gentle cleaning solution.

While mold and mildew removal sprays are available to purchase in home improvement stores, you can make a solution that works just as well by using common household items! One great option is to use a mixture of water and vinegar, and a soft cloth or rag. The acidity of the vinegar works wonders in getting rid of any unpleasant mold or mildew.

Clean Windows By Hand

Sometimes, you’ll need some good old-fashioned elbow grease to clean your structure to the fullest. While power washers work very well for cleaning siding, they should not be used on windows because too much pressure can crack or break the glass.

Instead, clean your windows by hand with some window cleaner and a gentle cloth. Don’t forget to wash both the outside and the inside in order to keep your windows looking crystal clear!

Wipe Everything Down

Aside from the windows, the inside of your shed, barn, or garage could probably use a cleaning, too. Wipe down the surfaces in your structure, like shelves, workbenches, and anything else that accumulates dust. Additionally, be on the lookout for cobwebs, and knock down any that you come across.

Cleaning Tips and Precautions

There are a few things to keep in mind before deep cleaning your shed, barn, or garage. 

• Clean on a sunny day. If you plan on cleaning the outside of your storage building, be sure to do so on a sunny day with no rain in the forecast. This will ensure that the building has time to dry after washing the outside.
• Don’t forget about the surroundings. While cleaning, don’t forget about the area surrounding your structure! Make sure all plants and vegetation are trimmed back, and don’t leave anything around your storage building that may attract pests, like logs and firewood.
• Be systematic. In order to clean your structure effectively, it’s beneficial to use a systematic approach and start with a plan. We suggest working from the back of the building to the front, or using a four-corners approach.

With a little time and effort, you can make your shed, barn, or garage look as good as new! If you’re in the market for a new storage building, check out the options available at Raber Storage Barns today.