The Fall Checklist: 5 Outdoor Cleaning Tasks Before Winter Hits

As the temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, now is the time to prepare your property for the long winter ahead. Whether you own a home or manage a business, the steps you take in fall can make a big difference in how your property looks—and holds up—throughout the cold months.

At TLC: Making It Easy, we’ve spent years helping property owners in Fort Wayne, Bluffton, Van Wert, Decatur, Berne, Marion, and Lima protect and maintain their homes and buildings through every season. Here’s our checklist of five key cleaning tasks to tackle before winter hits.

1. Clean Your Windows Before Frost Arrives

Dirty windows don’t just affect appearance—they affect efficiency too. Dust, pollen, and grime can trap moisture and reduce natural light. When winter comes, that buildup hardens and becomes much harder to remove.

Clean windows allow more sunlight in, warming rooms naturally and improving energy efficiency. For commercial buildings, spotless glass also leaves a strong first impression during the darker, busier months of the year.

TLC’s window cleaning service removes residue on both interior and exterior glass—even hard-to-reach areas like transoms, skylights, and storefronts—so you can enjoy clear views all winter long.

2. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Few fall tasks are more important than gutter clearing. Leaves, twigs, and roof debris collect quickly in autumn, blocking proper drainage. When temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes and expands, causing sagging gutters, roof leaks, and ice dams.

For homes, that can mean interior water damage. For businesses, it can create dangerous icicles and walkway hazards.

TLC’s gutter and downspout clearing removes clogs and ensures free-flowing drainage, keeping meltwater safely away from your roof, siding, and foundation when the freeze sets in.

3. Wash Away Grime and Algae from Siding

Over the summer, siding collects a surprising amount of dirt, algae, and mildew—especially on shaded or north-facing sides of buildings. If left through winter, this buildup can harden, stain, or even eat into painted and vinyl surfaces.

A professional soft wash in the fall protects your home or building’s exterior before the cold locks that grime in place. It also helps prevent streaking and fading caused by salt spray and freeze-thaw cycles.

At TLC, we tailor each wash to the surface type—vinyl, brick, metal, or wood—ensuring a deep clean without damage.

4. Clean and Seal Concrete Surfaces

Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking lots take a beating during winter. Without proper cleaning and sealing, small cracks can absorb water that freezes, expands, and turns into major damage by spring.

TLC offers both penetrating concrete sealing (for a natural finish) and high-gloss acrylic sealing (for decorative or stamped concrete). Both protect against moisture, de-icing salt, and freeze-thaw damage.

If you notice chalky white residue or darkened spots on your concrete, it’s time for a professional cleaning and sealing before temperatures drop below freezing.

5. Schedule a Pre-Winter Wash for Roofs and Gutters

While it’s tempting to wait until spring to deal with roof dirt or algae, that delay can make matters worse. Organic growth like moss and black streaks feed on shingles and hold moisture—speeding up wear during cold, wet months.

TLC’s roof washing removes those damaging layers using safe, low-pressure methods. A clean roof not only lasts longer but also sheds snow and ice more evenly, reducing the risk of leaks and ice dams.

Bonus Tip: Book Early

Once the first freeze hits, exterior washing and sealing become much harder to schedule. Fall is the perfect window—temperatures are still mild, leaves are falling, and your property can be protected before winter weather takes over.

Whether you’re a homeowner prepping for the holidays or a business owner maintaining curb appeal through winter, TLC makes it easy to stay ahead of the season.

Ready to Cross It Off Your List?

Your property deserves the same care you’d give your car before winter—clean, protected, and ready for anything. Schedule your fall cleaning with TLC: Making It Easy today.

📍 Serving Fort Wayne, Bluffton, Decatur, Berne, Van Wert, Marion, and Lima
📞 Call or visit www.tlceasy.com to book your service online.