Opening Your Cottage in Muskoka: Expert Tips & Tricks for a Stress-Free Start to the Season

As the ice melts and spring awakens the beauty of Muskoka, cottage season is just around the corner. Whether your lakeside retreat is in Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, or tucked away on one of Muskoka’s pristine islands, getting your cottage ready after the winter thaw can be a big job. To help you open your cottage smoothly—and safely—we’ve put together a checklist of essential tips and tricks, including when and how to clean your cottage exterior to avoid costly repairs.

Why Spring Cottage Maintenance in Muskoka Matters: Our harsh Muskoka winters can leave behind more than just snowbanks. Ice damage, debris buildup, and neglected exterior surfaces can quickly lead to mold, wood rot, and structural damage if not addressed early in the season. Here’s your go-to guide for opening your cottage the right way:

Step 1: Safety First – Inspect Before You Settle In Check for power outages or electrical issues. Look for signs of pests like mice or raccoons. Inspect the foundation, deck, and roof for damage from snow or ice. Ensure your propane tanks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.

Step 2: Give Your Cottage Exterior a Deep Clean Why You Need Professional Exterior Cleaning Services: Power washing your siding, decks, and walkways removes layers of dirt, algae, and mold that can damage your cottage’s structure. Gutter cleaning is crucial after winter—clogged gutters lead to water overflow and possible foundation issues. Window washing brings back your panoramic lake views and helps detect cracks or seals broken by the cold. At Cottage Pros, we specialize in cottage exterior cleaning in Muskoka, with services tailored for seasonal homes. We help you protect your investment and enjoy a fresh, clean start to the season.

Step 3: Don’t Forget the Roof and Gutters Your roof takes a beating all winter. Look for missing shingles, ice dam damage, and signs of moss or algae. Pro tip: Don’t risk climbing ladders. Let our team professionally clean your gutters and inspect your roof while we’re at it.

Step 4: Freshen Up Your Outdoor Living Areas Sweep and power wash decks, patios, and docks. Clean outdoor furniture and replace any damaged items. Check and test your BBQ, fire pits, and outdoor lighting.

Step 5: Fix It Before It Fails Address any small issues now before they become big problems. Our cleaning services often reveal hidden concerns like wood rot, loose siding, or drainage problems.

Local, Reliable & Ready When You Are: We proudly serve the entire Muskoka region and know the unique needs of seasonal property owners. Whether you're in Port Carling, Bala, Lake of Bays, or any point in between—our Muskoka cottage cleaning services are just a call away.

Book Your Spring Exterior Cleaning Today Let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on relaxing. Our team offers: Power washing for decks, docks, and siding. Gutter cleaning and inspection. Crystal-clear window washing (yes, we do second-story and hard-to-reach windows!). Moss and mildew removal.

Contact us today to book your spring opening service and enjoy a worry-free start to your cottage season.