How to Clean Your Mailbox for Instant Curb Appeal
A spotless mailbox can complement your home
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Rag
- Towel
- Screwdriver (optional)
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Rinse It Off
Grab the hose again and give it a good rinse until you don't see suds from the soapy water anymore.
Dry the Mailbox
Photo: 2K Studio / E+ / Getty ImagesNow, grab a towel and give your mailbox a rubdown until you're satisfied.
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.
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