Closing the Cottage? Here’s Your Fall Exterior Cleaning Checklist

Ontario cottage season is all about campfires, sunsets, and long weekends at the lake. But when fall arrives, it’s time to think about protecting your property before winter takes over. Closing the cottage isn’t just about draining pipes and locking doors—your exterior needs attention too.

A proper fall exterior cleaning can prevent damage, extend the life of your materials, and make opening day next spring a whole lot easier.

Here’s your fall exterior cleaning checklist from WashCrafters.

1. Dock Cleaning

Cottage docks collect it all—moss, algae, bird droppings, and lake debris. If left untreated over the winter:

• Wood becomes slippery and unsafe
• Stains set in deeper
• Algae eats away at the surface

A professional pressure wash removes buildup and restores your dock before ice and snow set in.

2. Siding & Exterior Walls

Cottage siding—whether wood, vinyl, or aluminum—is exposed to humidity, trees, and lake spray all summer. That means mold, mildew, and green streaks are common. Cleaning now prevents:

• Stains from becoming permanent under snow
• Early rot in wooden siding
• Pest attraction (insects love damp, dirty surfaces)

3. Decks & Railings

Decks are high-traffic cottage features. By fall, they’re often covered in algae and mildew. If left dirty through winter:

• Surfaces become slick and unsafe
• Wood fibers break down faster
• Spring staining or sealing won’t last as long

A soft wash now keeps the surface safe and preps it for next year.

4. Gutters & Roofline

Falling leaves, pine needles, and twigs clog gutters fast. When winter snow arrives, clogged gutters = ice dams, leaks, and water damage to fascia boards.

Cleaning them out in fall ensures melting snow drains properly away from your cottage foundation.

5. Patio Furniture & Outdoor Kitchens

Grime, food spills, and bird droppings attract pests. A quick wash of furniture, BBQ areas, and even the dock shed will keep things cleaner when you return in spring.

Protect Your Cottage Investment

Closing up your cottage is about more than just winterizing pipes. Exterior cleaning protects your property from Ontario’s harsh winter and makes spring opening stress-free.

At WashCrafters, we specialize in eco-friendly exterior cleaning tailored to cottage country—from docks and decks to siding and gutters.

Book Your Cottage Closing Clean Today

Enjoy the last weeks of summer knowing your cottage will be clean, safe, and ready for spring.

📞 Call us: (613) 888-1719
🌐 Book online: www.washcrafters.com
📸 Follow our work: @washcrafters