Every spring, Indianapolis homeowners face the same reveal: whatever winter hid under snow, salt, and grime is suddenly visible again. Here's a practical checklist for tackling it in the right order.
1. Gutters First
Before anything else, check gutters for the debris that built up over fall and winter — seed pods, leftover leaves, and anything that blew in during winter storms. Clogged gutters back up during spring's heavier rain, sending water down your siding and undoing any cleaning you do next. See our full gutter cleaning guide for what to look for.
2. Siding and House Exterior
Look for black or green streaking (algae), especially on north-facing or shaded walls that stayed damp through winter. This is the single most common spring service we're called out for, and it's most effective when done before summer's heat and humidity give algae an even bigger growth window.
3. Driveway and Walkways
Months of road salt tracked in from your car, combined with the freeze-thaw cycle pushing dirt deeper into concrete pores, means driveways almost always need attention by spring. Check for white salt haze, tire-track staining near where cars park, and moss along shaded edges.
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4. Deck, Fence, and Outdoor Wood
Wood surfaces take a beating over an Indiana winter — moisture gets into the grain, and any existing stain or sealant starts to break down. If you're planning to re-stain or reseal this year, cleaning needs to happen first; sealant won't adhere properly over winter grime. Our deck and fence cleaning guide covers the full prep process.
5. Roof (If It's Been 2+ Years)
Black streaking on shingles is easiest to spot in bright spring sunlight. If it's been more than a couple of years since your last roof soft washing, spring is a good time to check for the telltale dark streaks running down from the ridge — that's algae, not permanent damage, and it's addressed separately from gutters or siding.
6. Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures
Patio furniture, light fixtures, and mailbox posts collect the same grime as the rest of your exterior over winter. A quick wash-down as part of a broader spring cleaning visit is an easy add-on rather than a separate trip.
Turning the Checklist Into a Booking
Most of what's on this list can be handled in a single visit if you bundle services — house wash, driveway, and gutters together, for example. We serve homes throughout Lawrence and the rest of the Indianapolis area every spring; reach out early in the season since April and May book up fastest.