How to Clean Your Mailbox for Instant Curb Appeal

A spotless mailbox can complement your home

A young woman checking her mailbox
Photo: champlifezy@gmail.com / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A young woman checking her mailbox
Photo: champlifezy@gmail.com / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$0-$20
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon
What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Garden hose
  • Bucket
  • Rag
  • Towel
  • Screwdriver (optional)
SUPPLIES
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Paint (optional)
  • Paintbrush (optional)
  • Flowers, plants, or mulch (optional)

The mailbox is often a neglected part of the home. But it has the potential to be so much more, and it doesn't take much to spruce it up. Follow the steps below to get all that dirt, grime, and mold out of your mailbox.

6 Steps to Clean Your Mailbox

  1. Remove Your Mail

    The first thing you'll want to do is take the mail out of the mailbox. This may seem obvious, but sometimes, people forget before they start spraying the mailbox with water. By the time they look inside, it's too late to save the soapy wet mail.

  2. Blast the Mailbox With Water

    Next, you'll want to remove big debris, such as cobwebs, dirt, and leaves. Grab your hose and blast it on the inside and outside of the mailbox.

  3. Wipe It Down With Soap and Water

    Now, it's time to get a little bit gentler and more precise. Get a bucket of warm soapy water and a rag to scrub down the mailbox, both inside and outside. You may need to use some elbow grease to get rid of stubborn mold or mildew.

  4. Rinse It Off

    Grab the hose again and give it a good rinse until you don't see suds from the soapy water anymore.

  5. Dry the Mailbox

    Hands in gloves wiping clean a mailbox
    Photo: 2K Studio / E+ / Getty Images

    Now, grab a towel and give your mailbox a rubdown until you're satisfied.

  6. Spruce Up Your Mailbox

    If you've taken all this trouble to clean it, you might as well spruce it up to maximize its curb appeal. Here are a few things you can do.

    • Make necessary repairs: Your neighbors (and mailperson) aren't going to be impressed with a broken mailbox, so fix any loose screws or broken hinges.

    • Give it a fresh coat of paint: Chances are, your mailbox isn't as bright as it used to be, so give it a new paint job. Choose a different color this time around for added effect.

    • Do some landscaping: Why not plant some flowers around your mailbox to make it a little landscaped oasis?

DIY Mailbox Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro

Cleaning your mailbox isn’t something you need to hire a pro for. All you really need is a hose, some soap and water, and a little bit of sweat. However, if you want to go the extra mile and do some landscaping around it to tie your clean mailbox and home exterior together, you might consider hiring a landscaping company near you to beautify the area around it.

Additional Questions

Can I spray-paint my mailbox?

You can spray-paint your mailbox, and it might be the easiest way to make over its look. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully and avoid getting too much paint on the vegetation around your mailbox.

Should my mailbox match my house?

The color of your mailbox doesn't need to match the color of your house exactly, but it should at least complement the exterior. You don't want the type of mailbox to clash with the look of your home. Think of it as matching your shoes with your outfit.

Can you plant flowers around your mailbox?

Yes, a mailbox is a great place to create a little planting bed where you can put in annuals, perennials, or even shrubbery. You can also use stones and mulch for extra aesthetic appeal.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to home care is here
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The hallway of a mansion with travertine tiles laid
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
The cost to install travertine tile depends on materials and the size of the project. This guide to travertine tile cost will help you budget accordingly.
Living room with cork flooring
Oct 18, 2024
Oct 18, 2024
Cork is a good option if you want a floor that's beautiful and natural. Here are all of the cork flooring costs you can expect as you plan your project.
Mom plays dinosaurs with toddler laying on floor
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
If vinyl flooring sounds like a good fit for your home, read this guide to find out how much a vinyl flooring installation will cost.
Pool with travertine tiles
Aug 12, 2024
Aug 12, 2024
Travertine tile is made from natural stone and can be used to update your flooring, countertops, pool decks, and more. Use this guide to learn all about travertine tile’s various styles, benefits, and drawbacks.
Vinyl flooring installed in a high ceiling living room
Nov 1, 2024
Nov 1, 2024
Many homeowners want to know who installs vinyl flooring. Discover the best professionals to work with, guaranteeing the beautiful floors you deserve.
Interior of a living room with collector’s pieces and marble flooring
Nov 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
How much does marble flooring cost? We’ve got the answers about marble cost per square foot, types of marble, DIY cost, and more.
Share project details to get started.