As your outdoor space is coming out of hibernation, it likely needs some TLC. You may be tempted to procrastinate on the task, but it’s essential to clean your porch, patio, or deck before the onset of summer, a.k.a. patio season. No one wants to eat BBQ surrounded by dust. “Cleaning a patio deck will help preserve the longevity of materials,” says Sarah Barnard, LEED and WELL AP–certified interior designer. “In some cases, patio maintenance may minimize the effects of common outdoor issues like wood rot or invasion of pests, which may cause problems that can carry into the interior.” Don’t get stuck footing an exterminator bill because you let an outdoor mess spill into the home.
Regular cleaning of your outdoor space has upsides beyond aesthetics—it can potentially keep allergies at bay. “If you haven’t been using it regularly since last summer, you may have a lot of dirt, dust, and other allergens that can cause [health] problems,” says Kate Diaz, co-owner of Swanky Den, a home products resource. Diaz notes that it’s also a good idea to clean this space regularly throughout the summer to keep it sanitary.
Before you start, check the weather. Diaz points out that one of the most common mistakes is attempting to clean in unstable weather. A chance of rain before the cleaning job is over can cause a bigger mess. Here seven expert outdoor space cleaning practices to get your patio, or deck, ready for summer.
Pressure wash your deck
Start with the most time-intensive task: Pressure washing. Since it removes mold, it also extends the longevity of your outdoor digs. Pressure washing the space is critical for a sanitary and aesthetic presentation, says Chris Ager, cofounder of home repair marketplace HomeBreeze.com. He notes that both concrete and wood benefit from a high-impact cleaning. What’s more, pressure washers typically use less water than garden hoses, Barnard stresses. To extend the lifespan of your wood deck, stain the wood after the pressure washing is complete, and the area is dry.
Before you start, remove all furniture and accessories from your outdoor space. Decking can be pressure washed with a variety of different solutions—the most popular choice is a 50-50 mixture of bleach and water, Diaz says. Eco-friendly alternatives include Simple Green Oxy Solve and Wash Safe Industries Supreme Clean. Whichever you opt for, wear safety goggles, a respirator, rubber gloves, boots, and long pants and shirt to minimize skin contact with the cleaning solutions, she says.
Start from the top of the deck and pressure wash away from the house, to keep the water from pooling. Use a wide spray nozzle to cover a large area, Diaz suggests.
Mop and sweep regularly
Pressure washing will get your patio and deck squeaky-clean, but it’s not a cleaning habit you’ll do regularly, especially amidst ongoing water shortages. To maintain your outdoor space, sweep the deck weekly to minimize buildup. “Try sweeping with a stiff broom and spot cleaning with a long-handled scrub brush as needed,” Barnard says. “Always scrub with the grain to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of your deck,” she adds. Mopping once a month helps remove stubborn dirt, debris, and cocktail spills.
Scrub your outdoor rugs
To preserve the integrity and vibrancy of outdoor rugs, deep clean them a few times per season, and spot clean them as needed, Barnard advises.