subject: Easy Cleaning Methods For Your Outdoor Area [print this page] As you get ready for spring and summer it may be an easy job to take your patio furniture out of storage, hose them off and place them on your patio, ready to use. For many however, it wont be that easy and everything related to your patio will need a thorough cleaning before you even consider using them. Your patio floor may need it as well, so you might as well get busy because they wont clean themselves.
Start with your patio and if its concrete a good strong hose may do the trick, but you should first take a push broom to remove leaves and other stuff that found its home on your patio. Dont forget the walls and even the top that may have accumulated spider webs, etc. etc. etc.
You may need a bucket of soap and hot water to remove stubborn stains on a cement patio. Power washers save you a great deal of time, but be sure to follow their directions. If your patio is wood, it may need a fresh coat of waterproofing sealer, but clean it first. Check your wood patios to make sure no nails protrude.
If you have awnings, spray them off regularly while they are in the open position. A strong garden hose should keep this job easy as long as you dont let the dirt and grime remain on them indefinitely. Allow them to air dry.
Once the patio is clean, start on the patio furniture. Clean thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water. Normally they treat outside furniture when manufactured and if you use detergents and hot water they may strip the protective coatings. Depending on the surface of your tables, clean them as well.
Spray outdoor cushions with the hose and they may need to be scrubbed with a sponge and/or brush. When wet, store them on end so they will dry easily.
Your barbecue is another matter, it should be cleaned after every use, especially the grill so it will be ready to use next time you need it.
It will be much easier to clean your patio and furniture if you clean them on a regular schedule. If you live where the weather remains harsh all winter, either store everything away in a storage shed or garage. At the very least cover those with canvas to protect them from wind, rain, snow and sunrays and you wont be sorry when spring arrives.
