With summer right around the corner, there is no better time to start cleaning a patio than now. A clean patio is a perfect place to spend those beautiful summer nights with close friends and family.
It is important to know how to go about cleaning a patio depending on the materials that it is made from. The process of cleaning a concrete patio is a little different from that of a stone patio or a flagstone patio.
Whether you’re wanting to declutter your patio or start pressure washing your patio, there is a perfect solution for you. Continue reading to learn more about cleaning a patio and the best approaches to take.
Cleaning a Patio
So you want your patio to be in perfect shape for hosting friends and family, or even relaxing on those perfect summer nights? There are steps that you can take that will make the cleaning process a breeze.
You should start the cleaning process by removing all of the furniture, plants, and your barbecue grill if you have one on your patio. From there, you’ll want to give your patio a good sweep and a wash. Pressure washing your patio is also an option.
If you have patio furniture with cushions then rinse and wash the cushions using a mild soap mixed with water. Let them dry completely before you put them back on your furniture. This is the best way to prevent the development of mildew on them.
Another thing you should do to clean your patio is to clean and polish the metal frames of our patio furniture. Using a polish will make them shine and look their best. It is important to keep your decor for patios clean.
If you have any glass tabletops you should also use a glass cleaner to wipe them down and make them look perfect. If your grill’s grates are greasy and dirty then you’ll also want to clean them and make sure they’re ready for summer.
When it comes to your plants, you’ll want to get rid of the old potting soil from the previous year. Bugs and bacteria like to hang out in the old soil during winter. Bleach the pots and then replant your plants in fresh soil.
Cleaning Different Patio Surfaces
There are a variety of different surfaces that people choose for their home’s patio. These different surfaces require different cleaning methods in order to get the optimal level of cleanliness.
Here is a closer look at how to clean the surface of your patio, no matter the building material that was used to make it.
Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are loved for their simplicity, and it is no different when it comes to cleaning your home’s concrete patio.
The best way to start when cleaning a concrete patio is to sweep everything off of it, like dead leaves that accumulated through the previous seasons. Once it is swept, hose it down using your home’s garden hose. For the best results, use a nozzle that produces a strong stream of water.
If there are any stains on your patio, there is a solution for removing them. You’ll want to use a bristle brush and some degreaser to remove tough stains, especially stails that developed from your barbecue grill.
Avoid using wire brushes. Wire brushes will leave rust stains on your concrete patio and possibly even scratch the surface and leave permanent damage.
If it has been a few years since you last cleaned your patio, you might need to use a detergent to help with removing surface stains. Dishwashing soap mixed with water is a great way to remove buildup and stains. It leaves your concrete patio looking like new.
If your patio is heavily discolored then it is a good idea to call a professional patio cleaner to help get your patio into perfect condition again.
Flagstone Patios
The process for a flagstone patio is a little different from that of a concrete patio. Start by hosing off the patio and proceeding to use dish soap to clean it. The dish soap removes residue buildup from your patio’s surface.
If you discover stains that are darker and tougher, it is a good idea to use a mix of bleach and water to remove them. Using this solution removes mildew, mold, and even moss.
From there you’ll want to flush the surface of your patio with plain water. Repeat this process as many times as is necessary in order to clean your patio. Pressure washing your patio with a bleach solution is also a great way to get it ready for summer.
Manufactured Paving Stone Patios
Cleaning a patio made of manufactured paving stones is a simple process. All you’ll need to successfully clean it is a garden hose with a nozzle that produces a steady stream of water.
Manufactured paving stone patios are immensely popular because they require minimal upkeep in order to keep them nice. The hose is all that is needed for blasting and removing debris laying on the surface of your home’s patio.
If you live in an area with a lot of trees it is also a good idea to use a broom to sweep up any leaves that have accumulated on your patio over the past year. This is the best way to ensure a beautiful and clean patio for your summer gatherings.
Start Cleaning Your Patio Today
Summer is only weeks away and you’ll want to make sure that your home and your patio are ready for hosting your friends and family. Whether it is a holiday or just a normal weekend, a clean patio is the best place to hang out with those people you’re close with.
There are certain steps that you should take when cleaning a patio, and those steps are different depending on the material your patio is made out of. Following these cleaning steps is the best way to ensure that your patio is ready to go for summer.
For more informative and helpful blog posts, be sure to check out our articles on topics ranging from House and Pets to Health and Lifestyle.
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