Wendy houses can provide endless fun and imaginative play, but they do go through a lot in terms of wear and tear. Whether it’s an accidental battering during playtime or the unpredictability of British weather, playhouses of all shapes and sizes can sometimes end up looking a little worse for wear over the years. But don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do with a simple tool kit and a few cleaning supplies to extend the life of your pint-sized palace for (hopefully) plenty of playtime to come.
Perform regular checkups
Wendy house maintenance works best when you deal with little problems as they arise, rather than trying to solve big problems when it may be too late. Schedule a monthly inspection in your family calendar where you can run through a few checks, such as checking for loose screws, warped wood and signs of cracks. If you notice loose screws, give them a tighten and have wood filler handy to address splits.
Before the season changes drastically, give your Wendy house a thorough once over. In spring - especially if we’ve had a particularly cold winter - look for signs of frost damage. When autumn rolls around, clear the roof, gutters and inside of leaves and debris that may have collected.
Regular cleaning
Keeping on top of the scrubbing is key to not letting things become overwhelming; the more daunting a task looks, the more likely you are to put it off! Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay on top of the sweeping, both inside the house and around the exterior and porch to remove dirt, dust and leaves that may gather.
- Wash down walls and floors with mild soap, water and a sponge. Take extra care when it comes to wooden surfaces, as harsh chemicals can cause long-lasting damage.
- Don’t forget the windows! Use a non-abrasive cloth and normal window cleaning spray for glass windows; soapy water will do for plastic. If you want to protect from damages, consider adding protective window film to help prevent scratches.
- And don't forget those corners! Use a dustpan and broom to remove cobwebs, especially around windows and the ceiling, where the eight-legged creatures will often gather. If you want to go a step further in preventing bugs, add essential oils - like eucalyptus, lavender, bergamot and tree - to the water you clean with. It’ll also make the Wendy house smell amazing!
Take steps to weatherproof
We all know how harsh and unpredictable the British weather can be and it can take its toll on a Wendy house, but there are steps you can take to weatherproof:
- Every few years, be sure to give the entire Wendy house a thorough repaint with top quality exterior paint - using the right type is key! Be sure to choose a colour that not only complements your garden, but also provides protection.
- Check the roof regularly for missing or broken shingles and repair or replace promptly to prevent leaks and further damage. Consider adding guards to keep leaves and debris from clogging the gutter system.
- Make sure your Wendy house sits on a level, stable foundation. Water damage can come from below; elevating the foundations slightly off the floor using Shedboot can help stop wood rot and movement. If your Wendy house is placed on soil, check drainage regularly and add gravel if needed.
Safety first
When going about your regular checks, there’s a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safety:
- If your children play outside a lot, be extra vigilant when it comes to protruding nails or screws and splinters in any wooden surfaces. Hammer or screw in stragglers and sand down rough grains to avoid splinters and scratches.
- Keep door and window hinges in top condition by lubricating regularly and checking door latches to ensure they close properly. If doors and windows can swing open on their own, this can let in critters, dirt, water and debris.
- If the porch floor is slippery, apply a non-slip coating for safer playtime.
If you take steps to properly look after your Wendy house, it’ll last for years to come! The perfect playhouse goes beyond the initial investment; you’ll need to invest time, money and effort to keep it looking as good as new.