You’ve probably not thought of cleaning your patio or deck because you haven’t used it in a while. Cleaning outdoor living spaces is one of those chores we basically forget about in the colder seasons and put off till the last possible day in hotter ones. But the indoor season will soon be over, and you don’t want to miss out on an excellent opportunity to enjoy spring outside because of your grimy patio or deck. 

This blog post contains all the tips that’ll show you how to deep clean outdoor furniture and spaces. With these tips, you can maximize those beautiful Atlanta spring days when they arrive.

How often should you clean your outdoor spaces?

Before we get into the tips, this is a significant question that needs clarification. Your patio or deck, and the furniture that stays there, are always under the elements. Unless you store them during the colder seasons, these pieces of furniture are typically hit by rain, sun, wind, and other natural forces. You should regularly clean your outdoor space to maintain the furniture and area. 

Routine cleans can happen once a week. Check the weather forecast so you don’t clean just before a storm or on a rainy day, as that will waste all your efforts. Your typical routine cleaning should involve the following:

• Clearing the area of any clutter or debris.
• Sweeping the floor
• Cleaning furniture with a soft brush, soap, and warm water.
• Spot-cleaning the floor with a long-handle stiff brush.

Deep cleaning your patio is best done just after spring starts (before intensive use) and before fall ends (before storage or lack of use). Intensive activities such as pressure washing, reapplying sealants, and other maintenance chores should be done during the deep clean.

Tips for deep cleaning outdoor living spaces

1. Declutter and sweep first

Just as it is with every clean, you have to declutter before deep cleaning your outdoor space. Clear out any unwanted items and keep misplaced ones in the correct positions. Decluttering would make sweeping easier. When deep cleaning, you should leave no stone unturned on your patio. Move furniture and decorations, such as flower pots, so they do not get in the way while you clean.

2. On to the glass surfaces

The next step is cleaning the windows, table tops, and other glass fixtures in your outdoor space. A solution of water, dish soap, and white vinegar will make your glass items sparkle in no time. Remember to clean outdoor lamps and lights while at it. Your porch lights might also have some dead bugs, so make sure to clean them thoroughly. You could unscrew the bulbs to give your hands more wiggle room. Just ensure not to get any of the cleaning solution into the socket of the light bulb.

3. Clean your outdoor rugs

Outdoor rugs can be tough to clean but possible. You can use a vacuum to collect any dust or sand that might have gathered on it. If you have a backyard, give it a good shake to loosen up any dirt. Afterward, scrub the rug with a natural fiber brush and soapy water. Make sure to drape it on a rail or bench, so the water doesn’t pool on the rug’s surface. Leave it to try before you place the carpet back in its position.

4. Next is your furniture

Outdoor furniture cleaning and maintenance depend mainly on your furniture’s material. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining each type of outdoor furniture:

• Wood furniture: These types are usually made from sturdy lumbers that only need a little maintenance. You will need a soft brush and water mixed with oxygen bleach to clean a stain or mold. Avoid using chlorine bleach to clean wooden furniture as it damages wood fibers. If you want to restore the wood's original color or remove any rust stains, you could use fine-grit sandpaper to sand along the grain of the furniture surface. Alternatively, mix hot water with wood brightener/bleach and scrub with a soft brush. Always make sure to rinse after scrubbing. Reapply the furniture sealant once every two to three years or as the manufacturer directs.
• Fabric-covered furniture: Most fabric-covered furniture comes with a care guide that you should follow. Most outdoor cushions with removable covers can be machine-washed. Before putting the covers in the washer, pretreat any stains with a dab of liquid laundry detergent, work it in with a soft brush, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Maintaining outdoor cushions requires regular brushing and spot-cleaning with water and mild detergent.
• Metal furniture: It’s best to clean metal furniture on a dry day to keep it from getting damaged by humidity. Use a soft brush and mild soapy water to clean. You can remove rust by sanding with fine sandpaper and applying a thin layer of manufacturer-recommended polish afterward. 

5. Now face the grill

For most homes, outdoor time equals barbecue time. So you must prepare your grill for the many delicacies you’ll make. A clean grill ensures that grime buildup doesn’t contaminate your food. Scrubbing your grill with a simple baking soda and water paste would make a lot of difference. You can finish the process by rinsing off with a vinegar-based solution to remove bacteria.

6. Patio cleaning time

And now, you can finally face the major challenge; cleaning your patio or deck floor. Just like cleaning outdoor furniture, your patio floor’s material determines how you should clean it. 

• Wooden floors: Power washers and strong bleach solutions are a no-no for these floors. Instead, a mild wood floor cleaner would suffice here. Read this post on our best professional cleaning products to know our recommended hardwood floor cleaners. 
• Concrete floors: A solution of dish soap and hot water is all you need for these floors. Scrub them thoroughly with a stiff brush. Endeavor not to use excess water while cleaning
• Stone floors: These do not need pressure washing or stiff brushes. Scrub challenging areas gently with a soft cloth or brush, warm water, and dish soap.

In summary…

These simple tips are all your guides to get your outdoor living space shining in the coming hot seasons. And if you can’t get it done yourself, we are always here to lend a hand.

Clean Tu Casa is the team to call for any cleaning service in Atlanta. We offer Atlanta residential cleaning services and corporate cleaning services. We provide professional cleaning services in Marietta,  Buckhead, and Brookhaven areas. Whether you want a one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning, simply reach out to us for your free quote today.