“I swear we’re like the coolest people on the block because everyone wants to borrow it,” said Casey Finn, founder of TheDIYPlaybook.com of her power washer. She said it’s one investment that can help make the spring cleaning process a breeze.
Finn joined WBBM Newsradio’s Rob Hart this week on the Noon Business Hour to discuss how to DIY homes out of winter grime and into spring joy without going broke.
If they decide to get one of those power washers this year, the price tag is around $150 to $200 at stores like Ace Hardware and Home Depot. There’s also the potentially riskier Temu option for around $80. They’re not exactly cheap, but Finn said it’s worth it.
“I like to give everything a good hose down, from my furniture to the cushions – yes, you can pressure wash your cushions,” she told Hart. “The best way to get them clean, and then… inspect all your pots and even take that pressure wash to your deck, to your patio. It just somehow magically makes everything look so much better.”
She also said getting one can bring neighbors around asking to borrow it.
“So, you know, if you want to meet some neighbors, maybe you should invest in one,” she joked.
Now, those not looking to invest in one can scout out their other neighbors or even rent a power washer from their local hardware store. Home Depot offers one-day power washer rentals for around $50.
Once everything is hosed down, Finn recommends taking an inventory of everything that survived the winter. Beyond getting everything clean, decks might need to be re-sealed or stained. That can be a DIY project as well, with products available at local hardware stores.
“It’s a great little weekend project and can really just bring new life to your entire yard,” Finn said.
Going further into the yard, some people may also want to start spring planting – weather permitting. Finn recommends waiting for the week of Mother’s Day to start planting.
“The first two weeks of May is usually a great time to head to the nursery,” she told Hart. Another trip to Home Depot can also come with a good deal on mulch, something Finn said can freshen things up and serve a dual purpose.
“It can be a really good workout,” Finn explained. “I mean, lugging all those bags around, you’re going to get a nice workout outside.”
