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.
beautiful organized custom closet
Nov 26, 2024
Nov 26, 2024
Professional closet organizer costs depend on the size, condition, and number of closets and the pro’s experience level.
Modern bathroom with tile
Nov 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
Tile and grout cleaning brings your tiled rooms back to life. In this guide, find out the details of how much it costs to hire tile and grout cleaners.
woman carrying last box from empty apartment
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
Planning ahead helps ensure an efficient, budget-friendly move. Learn how much move-out cleaning services cost based on factors like home type and size.
stainless steel vanity kitchen sink
Mar 18, 2025
Mar 18, 2025
Sink looking worse for the wear? This guide will break down why your brand new stainless steel sink is rusting and what you can do to fix it.
A man mopping the living room floor
Mar 15, 2025
Mar 15, 2025
Wondering, “Why is my floor dirty even after mopping?” Learn why this issue is happening, how to prevent it, and when to call a professional cleaner.
House cleaners cleaning
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
If you’re thinking of hiring a regular house cleaner, there are several key questions to ask a housekeeper or maid service. Here’s what to expect.
Share project details to get started.