While decorating for Halloween was fun, Halloween clean up might be more challenging. If all you have to do is take down decorations, your burden is light. But if you’ve been visited by pranksters, the mess they leave behind can do some damage if not dealt with as soon as you get a chance. Here are some tips to get your home’s exterior back into shape.
Start Up: Start up and work your way down. Do a quick inspection of the roof, gutters and downspouts. Remove foreign objects from the roof; they might harm roofing tiles when they’re being blown about by the wind. Check the gutters for things that have been thrown at them or in them. Look into the mouth of downspouts to ensure they haven’t been pranked. Using binoculars to check the roof and gutters will save you from hauling out the ladder unless you have to.
Shaving Cream: Shaving cream should be wiped off with a damp cloth as soon as possible; it can leave permanent marks on a car’s finish or on siding. When it’s hardened, it’s more difficult to remove, but the method is the same. You can use a garden hose – direct the spray slightly above the mess until it has been dissolved.
Egg: Splattered eggs can actually scratch or stain your siding. Resist the urge to scrub at the clump – if there are egg shells present, they could be ground into the surface, scratching siding boards. Don’t leave egg yolk unattended for too long. It can discolour siding and be difficult to remove. Use a garden hose long enough to loosen the stuck on matter; aim the stream of water below the egg mess, then point the hose above the stain.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper hanging from trees is a particular favourite of Halloween pranksters. Removing it as soon as possible is best. However, if it’s been hanging around over night, give it some time to dry out. The same goes if it’s rained between the time it was done and when you discovered it. Cleaning up wet toilet paper can be difficult and frustrating. Once dried, pull it out of the tree with a rake or long broom handle. You can also use a leaf blower, but check first if there are bylaws in your area restricting if and when it can be operated.
