Patio Cleaning 101: How to Make Your Outdoor Space Shine
Sometimes the great Aussie backyard looks… well, it looks less than great.
While we’d all love a pristine patio all the time, the reality is that there are a myriad things that get in the way.
Foot traffic can track in dirt and sand. Furry friends can result in pet hair and toys strewn everywhere. Nearby plants and trees can drop leaves and petals. An al fresco lifestyle can mean crumbs and spills. And then there’s our famously changeable Melbourne climate. Wind, rain, sun, harsh heat and the freezing cold can all have an impact on the way your patio looks.
All of these things can put a dampener on our outdoor spaces – literally and figuratively. But no worries. As leading Stratco installers, we’ve got the answers to help make your outdoor space shine.
Keep sweeping
One of the most important tasks with patio cleaning is to remove loose debris as often as possible.
Piles of leaves – especially damp ones – can leave unsightly stains on the floor and excess dirt can result in scuffs and scratches to the surface. Fallen leaf matter is also a favourite hideout for cockroaches, so it’s a good idea to keep removing any loose debris where crawling critters could reside!
A regular sweep will keep things looking spick and span – and always use a broom or brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching the floor. Synthetic bristles are best. A leaf blower or leaf vacuum are other good options for removing leaves and other waste from your outdoor space.
If there is dirt trapped in hard-to-access areas, like between decking, in crevices and along grout lines, you can always use a putty knife or high-pressure hose to clear it out.
Use the right products
Even if your patio is covered, it’s still going to need some regular cleaning to make it shine.
The floor is one of the main focal points and whether you’ve got a concrete base, wood or composite decking, tiles or even a rug, it’s important to freshen up the surface every now and then.
Like many of you, our patio specialists at Outdoor Impressions are concerned about the environment which is why we recommend using natural products for floors and other surfaces.
We recommend mixing three litres of warm water with 250ml ordinary white vinegar and 125ml bicarb (baking soda) to create a simple – but extremely effective – cleaning solution. You can also add a tablespoon of eco-friendly dishwashing liquid to the mix to boost its grease-busting powers.
This blend is suitable for use on all types of patio flooring. Simply spread it over the floor (once you’ve swept up any loose debris of course), leave it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area using a firm bristled broom or brush to remove any stubborn stains. Remember to scrub with the grain if you have a wooden deck and always use a clean mop to rinse the floor before leaving it to dry naturally.
Use a pressure washer to clean a patio
You can also use a pressure washer on your patio floor, but it’s important to select the correct attachments and settings to avoid any accidental damage – and to wear appropriate protective clothing too.
Keep the patio furniture clean
For many Melbournians, the patio is an important living space. It’s an inviting area for personal relaxation, a hub for family activities and a sanctuary for socialising and entertaining – and your choice of patio furniture can make a big difference in how everyone uses and enjoys the space.
Outdoor furniture covers are an option for protecting fabric sofas and chairs but otherwise, you can use a mild (neutral pH) soap and water solution and a soft cloth or sponge. This can be used on all materials, including wood, wrought iron and plastic.
Regularly wipe down the frames and hard surfaces of chairs and tables and always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning protocols for any upholstered items. Give scatter cushions a beating to loosen any accumulated dust – and remember to choose fabrics that are specifically designed for outdoor use.
For some more great ideas, check out this article on how to choose patio furniture for year-round comfort.
Clean light fittings and other decorative elements
Insects are attracted to light – so it’s a good idea to regularly clean around your light fittings to keep them bright and beautiful all year round. You can do this with a long-handled duster, a damp cloth or sponge, or even a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in household vinegar.
Keep an eye out for unsightly spider webs around your lights and in other nooks and crannies on your patio. These can be removed with a feather duster – with the added option of spraying around key areas with a long-lasting insect repellent or using citronella candles and bug zappers.
Keeping your outdoor area pest-free is an important part of maintaining its appeal; find out how to keep bugs away from your patio.
Use smart storage solutions
Storage boxes on wheels, cabinets made from durable weather-resistant materials, bench seats with built-in storage areas, under-deck storage if you have a raised patio, and niches or nooks in walls are some smart options for minimising clutter on your patio.
It’s all about clever design.
Your patio doesn’t need to look like an afterthought or a mismatched extension. Existing outdoor spaces can be upgraded or new patios installed to integrate seamlessly into existing homes thanks to their smart engineering, innovative designs and cutting-edge materials. You can customise the design, dimensions, style and colour of your patio to harmonise with your home’s look and feel – and the only thing that a new Stratco Outback® Patio won’t be able to do is clean itself!
A last word on patio cleaning
How and when you clean your patio is up to you – but one thing is for sure. Having a high-quality, low-maintenance patio that requires minimal upkeep is an excellent starting point.
Outdoor Impressions has been designing and installing stylish and durable patios in Melbourne for over 15 years and we’re known as the professionals you can trust when you want to make your outdoor space shine.
Explore our range of patios, pavilions, pergolas, verandas and gazebos and get a free quote to see how our products and installation services can be customised to fit your needs.
